Ahh… springtime. The time of year when the sun is bright and shining most days and the desert landscape comes alive with flowers; the crimson crowns of the ocotillos, the lilac explosions from the jacarandas, the mustard yellow blooms of the palo verdes. It’s a time of beauty and perfect weather here in the Phoenix valley. Not too hot yet for those daytime hikes up Camelback Mountain. The nights still cool down and you’re putting on a jacket an hour after the sun sets. What else can you say about springtime?
Well, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns for everyone. It’s also the time of year when you or a family member or a work colleague wake up every morning with swollen, red eyes and a stuffed-up nose. You feel like somebody punched you in the face while you were sleeping. Maybe your ears are so clogged your head is like a pressure cooker. For some of you, spring can be a not so pleasant time. You can blame all this on the tree, grass, and plant pollen floating through the air that wreaks havoc on your immune system.
So, what are your options to relieving the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies? Well, many of you have your medication regime by now. Antihistamines and decongestants. Steroidal nasal sprays. Tylenol for head pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Some days are better, some worse. The medications may only take the edge off of your symptoms. Why not try something else as well? Something non-invasive and drug-free that might help clear out your sinuses and lungs. It’s called halotherapy, or salt inhalation therapy.
That’s what we do here at Salted Desert. Inhaling salt into your respiratory passages will attract moisture, thinning out thick secretions and making it easier to clear your lungs and nasal passages. The goal is clear out as much of those offending pollens and substances that are triggering your immune system. The salt is also anti-inflammatory and can help keep your respiratory passages open so you can breathe better.
It’s important, as well, to optimize your immune system health during this time. One of the ways you can do this is by managing your stress levels. In addition to halotherapy, another treatment you might try is vibroacoustic therapy (or Vibe for short). This is a brand-new offering at Salted Desert, and it utilizes certain sounds and physical vibrations to elicit relaxation and stress-reduction.
Some additional, simple tips you can try to lessen your seasonal allergies:
Keep those windows and doors shut at home (including your car windows). Shower and change clothes if you have been outdoors for an extended period. Consider wearing an N95 filter mask when outdoors (especially on windy days and if you’re overly sensitive). Keep your respiratory tract healthy and avoid smoking. Purchase a home air purifier (or two, depending on the size of your home) with a full HEPA filter. Try and avoid being outside on days with moderate to severe air quality.
For more information and to book a halotherapy and Vibe session, visit our website at www.salteddesert.com.
Stay safe and be well,
