The sauna has been held in reverence by many cultures for centuries. From the Fins’ “sauna” to the plains Indians’ “lodge,” sweating has long given its practitioners a sense of transcending the physical world and entering a more rarefied state of being. It was a place where people went to collect in rooms filled with hot air, sometimes scented with natural ingredients like herbs or wood — or even genuinely hot stones — and to convalesce, meditate, and reflect.
Fast forward to the present day, though, and in the time since then, the sauna experience has evolved, and with that comes all new sets of rules and etiquette. High-end spas and some home installations today often bear elaborate setups with infrared panels and music systems, and yes, salt bricks. He believed in the basic premise that’s at the heart of all hot-cold therapy, using heat as a way to achieve health, but the devices and tools available have changed immensely. Himalayan salt blocks – used for their health and beauty properties – are one of the latest trends of the 21st century.
So what’s up with this fixation on salt? It’s not just about looks. Salt is thought to generate negative ions in high temperatures, which clean the air and kill bacteria. Pair this with the ages-old practice of sauna therapy, and you’ve got a match made in wellness heaven.
What Are Salt Bricks?
Salt bricks are solid pieces of salt that have been extracted from the earth, usually from salt mines, and most typically from Himalayan pink salt. These salt bricks are arranged in rectangular form and may be used for structural or decorative purposes. In a sauna, they’re commonly employed to construct or face one or more walls of the sauna room, and, depending on the design, the ceiling or floor.
It’s not only the beauty of these salt bricks that they serve, and look pretty. When they are heated, the salt releases ions and minerals that serve to detoxify the air and promote the therapeutic environment of the sauna. You may even catch a faint salt scent in the air — not strong, but tranquilizing, like a walk on the ocean shore.
What’s inside these salt bricks? Trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron—minerals that we believe to have positive effects on human health, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. (Many people notice a better skin tone, easier breathing, and even improved sleep after a session in the salt brick sauna, people who use it say.
They’re also highly durable and can tolerate high heat, which makes them great for saunas. For do-it-yourself folks or spa-improvement enthusiasts, salt bricks present an aesthetic of their own along with physical wellness benefits.
Why Salt Bricks Are a Trend in Modern Wellness
The pendulum has swung in recent years in the wellness world away from Western medicine and toward more natural, holistic methods. And a player on the team that’s received a lot of attention is salt therapy, or halotherapy. Salt bricks take the concept of halotherapy into the sauna, providing the two-punch combo of heat and salt-laden air. It’s as if you’re getting two treatments in one.
The craze is fueled in part by the ascendance of Instagrammable wellness spaces. I mean, salt-brick walls are awesome, let’s be honest here. The pink, soothing, ethereal light sets the mood for your sensory journey. For spas and wellness centers, it’s an aesthetic victory.
But maybe the biggest reason salt bricks are trending is more straightforward: They work. Tens of thousands of testimonials reference deeper breathing and less stress, even glowing skin in some cases, after regular sessions in the salt-enhanced saunas. When something seems good, feels great, and has a clear benefit to one’s health, is it any surprise everyone wants a piece?
Benefits of Sauna with Himalayan Salt Bricks Walls 1) Salt is naturally antibacterial, so there will be no mold.
Detoxing and Skin Cleansing
Detoxification is one of the most widely cited benefits of saunas – what is coming out of your pores is the toxic junk that has been accumulating in your system (read: pollutants, stress, and food). But when you add salt bricks into the mix, you’re kicking the detox into high gear. When salt is heated, it releases negative ions, which can help to balance out the positive ions and neutralize free radicals in the air, making it easier for your body to detox.
This salt-laden air is complemented by a natural exfoliating effect. When you sweat, your pores open, and the minuscule salt particles can get beneath the skin and buff away dead skin cells, as well as dislodge debris in pores.
But it goes even deeper. Salt is antibacterial, so it’s also helpful in using it to fight off skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. A small number of dermatologists even prescribe salt therapy for those with chronic skin problems. The moist, hot environment is ideal for the sulphates present in the salt, and benefiting from them even more makes skin healing and renewal processes faster in a sauna, when salt is applied.
So the next time you find yourself in a salt bricks sauna, know that you’re not just chilling out. You are, if you strip it back, treating your skin to a revitalising, spa-style treatment that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
Relief from Respiratory and Air Purification
If you’ve ever been in a salt cave or a halotherapy room, you will have noticed how pleasant it is to breathe there. That’s not a coincidence. If you do use it, have at it — salt naturally has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and those can do wonders for your respiratory system.
Those minuscule salt particles are inhaled into your airways and lungs, where they work their magic: loosening mucus, reducing inflammation, and promoting better oxygen flow. This is a real boon for individuals with asthma, allergies, sinusitis, or chronic bronchitis.
The salt-infused air is also highly nourishing, taking away dust, pollen, mold, mucus, and other airborne junk. It’s like a self-sustaining air filter that’s both non-electric and maintenance-free. For those of us who strain to breathe in a polluted or dusty environment, it’s a game-changer.
Relaxation and Stress Relief of the Mind
And we can’t overlook the emotional benefits. Walking into a salt bricks sauna is like stepping into another world – warm, radiant, and peaceful. The atmosphere alone will help you go from stressed to serene in minutes.
Just as a thunderstorm or the ocean can wash away worries (I’ll link to that song, you’ve got it in your head now, don’t you?!), a salt bricks sauna has the same impact – but without even leaving your home or spa.
These ions have also been found to lower cortisol, a hormone that is produced in abnormal levels by chronic stress. Less cortisol translates into better sleep, improved digestion, and less stress-related symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue.
Put that together with the deep, meditative breathing saunas inspire, and you have a perfect storm of mental detox. So it should come as no surprise that even after a few sessions, many users report feelings of increased clarity, digestion, and even alleviation of some of the symptoms felt of anxiety and depression.
Which Salt Bricks and How to Choose Them
Himalayan vs. Sea Salt Bricks
When considering salt bricks, there are two main competitors – Himalayan salt and sea salt. Each has its pros and cons, so knowing what you’re getting into can help you make the best decision for your sauna.
Himalayan salt bricks are the most common. Taken from centuries-old salt deposits at the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, these bricks are noted for their distinctive pinky-orange colour and high mineral content.
Sea salt bricks, meanwhile, are created from evaporated seawater and are of white or grayish color. They’re less common, but it’s still a lovely choice if you prefer an air of cleanliness and minimalism. Mineral-wise, sea salt has a bit less, but it performs the same detoxifying and purifying functions.
Both are great for saunas, but Himalayan salt bricks have a slight edge, thanks to their natural beauty, mineral benefits, and the fact that they are more commonly found.
FAQs: Sauna with Salt Bricks – Sauna Use Instructions
What is the benefit of salt bricks in the sauna?
Salt bricks give off negative ions and trace minerals when heated, potentially:
Improve respiratory function
Help detoxify the skin
Relax and de-stress
Improve air quality by the power of neutralizing the pollution
How are salt panels installed in a sauna?
Salt bricks can be:
Either applied on walls using heat-resistant adhesives or as a frame system
Positioned next to the heater or oven (keep a suitable distance so it doesn’t crack)
Applied in modular panels or salt walls, which are easier to install and move
How do you care for salt bricks?
Little to no maintenance required:
Dust with a dry or slightly damp cloth occasionally
Don’t leave them in water, and be careful of getting them too wet
Replace bricks that have become broken or worn over time
How long do salt bricks last in the sauna?
When cared for, salt bricks can last for years. Their longevity depends on:
Exposure to humidity
Temperature settings
Frequency of use
Can I create a DIY salt wall for my sauna?
Yes, a lot of people put up their DIY salt walls. You’ll need:
Salt bricks or tiles
Heat-resistant support materials
Ventilated to promote heat dispersion
If you are installing your own, make sure to hire a professional for a larger or more complicated installation.
Is there any health risk of using salt bricks in a sauna?
Salt bricks are safe , but there’s a but:
If you have respiratory issues, consult with a doctor first
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Stay hydrated and pay attention to your body when using the sauna.
Can I add essential oils to salt bricks?
Yes, though don’t put oils directly onto bricks. Instead:
*To be used with a different plate or aroma diffuser
Keep it just close to the heated salt surface, not on it
Conclusion
Add salt bricks to your sauna, and turn a routine sweat into a rejuvenating ritual. Because they can give off trace minerals and negative ions simultaneously, they’re not just good for the body; the practice can improve everything from complexion to breathing quality and the calm environment the sauna sets.
Whether constructing a custom salt wall or setting these salt bricks near the heater, these natural elements are a great enhancement for any sauna. When cared for and installed, they can provide many years of beautiful and therapeutic enjoyment, inducing relaxation and an overall sense of well-being.
