A stock photo of a child in a salt room.
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
A mom shared a TikTok video showing her kids playing in a salt-filled room for halotherapy
She claims halotherapy helps balance the immune system, especially for those with asthma or allergies
However, experts say there’s limited scientific evidence supporting halotherapy
One mom is trying an unconventional way to keep her kids healthy.
In a video shared to TikTok by Massachusetts-based health spa Caney Salt + Wellness Studio, a mom can be seen using a small vacuum to blow salt into a large room, which had salt all over the floor. “I salt my kiddos and you should too,” a woman’s voice says over the clip. “Because immune regulation matters more than immune boosting.”
“I used to think boosting our immune systems was the goal. More vitamins, more supplements, more everything,” her voice continues as the video cuts to different clips of a boy playing in the salt like it’s sand.
Caney Salt + Wellness Studio did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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A stock photo of salt.
Credit: Getty
In the video, a young boy can be seen using a bucket and sand toys alongside his mom in the salt room. The video also pans to show different parts of the room, which includes a swing chair in another corner.
“But what I’ve learned living with asthma, severe allergies and watching out for flare-ups is that an immune system on overdrive isn’t strong, it’s stressed. What our kiddos actually need is balance when their airways are constantly irritated by dust, allergens, pollution,” she continues.
“Halotherapy helps to clear that out so their immune system can settle, respond when it needs to, rest when it doesn’t,” she says.
In the comments of the video, many expressed disbelief that “salting” kids has any health benefit.
“LIMITED clinic evidence for any of this – also has nothing do with having salt for sand…so I’d take this mom’s health recommendation with [a] grain of salt,” one person wrote.
A stock photo of a bowl of salt.
Credit: Getty
“Anything but going to the doctor,” one person wrote. The account wrote back to that comment, explaining that her version of salt therapy should be used in addition to going to an actual doctor.
“This is not a replacement for doctors. Halotherapy is not a treatment or a cure for any condition,” the account wrote back. “It’s a proactive approach to health and wellness. Something to do while you’re healthy to stay healthy like supplements or vitamins.”
“We work as an adjunct, meaning it’s in addition to your doctors orders and for those with diagnosed conditions you have to consult with your doctor before adding Halotherapy to your routine.”
According to The Cleveland Clinic, there is no scientific research to back halotherapy. “While studies suggest that halotherapy may be helpful for some respiratory issues, there’s not enough rigorous research with clinic trials validating the theory,” Dr. Melissa Young told the clinic in a report.
However, they also add that there’s no direct harm in trying out halotherapy. “In general, they’re safe – and a lot of people love using them,” said Dr. Young. “But view salt therapy as an extra to your healthcare routine and not a replacement for any existing treatment.”
Read the original article on People
