true balance massage & wellness

What is salt room therapy?

Salt therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment that alleviates the health problems associated with asthma, allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and a host of other respiratory illnesses. It is a therapeutic method based on the principle of the natural salt mine microclimate, where frequent exposure to the salt produced healing results for miners and others experiencing respiratory illnesses. As you relax in a comfortable, climate-controlled  room surrounded by mineral salt,  salt micro-particles are infused into the room and passively enter your lungs to initiate the healing process.

How does salt therapy work?
Dry pure salt is put through a machine called a Halo generator that crushes salt into microparticles. The dry salt is blown into the room. In addition to a halo generator, the floor is covered with Himalayan salt and there are Himalayan salt panels on the walls. The salt-filled room provides a negative ion environment (like the seashore), which contributes to well being and promotes stress reduction in addition to helping your particular condition. These small particles of salt are negatively ionized and are high in kinetic energy. This way they can travel into the deepest and smallest parts of the lungs. Negative ionization of salt aerosol increases the efficiency of healing. Inhaling the micro-salt particles assists you in expelling mucous and helps open constricted airways. It also boosts the immune system. 

 

What conditions are improved by salt therapy?

• Asthma                                                                         Allergies

• Chronic ENT illnesses (ear-nose-throat)                  Bronchitis

• Frequent ear infections                                              Frequent colds

• Allergies to industrial and household pollutants     Hay fever

• Smoker's cough                                                           COPD

• Cystic Fibrosis                                                              Pharyngitis  

• Sinusitis                                                                        Rhinitis

• Tonsillitis                                                                      Snoring

• Sleep Apnea

When should salt treatment be avoided?

• Infections accompanied by fever

• Patients who have cancer

• Patients who have or have had a tuberculosis

• Patients who have cardiac insufficiency

• High blood pressure diseases  / hypertension in IIB stage

• Acute stage of respiratory disease

• Chronic obstructive lung diseases with 3rd stage of chronic lung insufficiency

• Intoxication

• Bleeding

• Spitting of blood

• All internal diseases in decompensation

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 What clothing do I wear in the salt room?

You do not need to wear anything special. Come as you are. For clients who have skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, we recommend that you expose those areas. So a T-shirt and shorts would work in that case for maximum exposure. For respiratory ailments, there is no need to expose the skin. 

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Is introducing salt into the body bad for you?

Eating too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However with salt therapy the salt enters your respiratory system, not your stomach, heart and kidneys. In addition, the concentration of salt is .5-10 mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic meter). To put that into perspective, the daily recommended salt intake for the average adult is 6g (grams). Therefore, the amount of salt entering your respiratory system is extremely low. Even if you eat that amount instead of breathing it, the amount of salt is insignificant. Salt entering the lungs kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and loosens mucus.

 

Are there side effects?

Rarely. If you have a lot of mucous, it is not uncommon to experience increased coughing after a treatment. This is the body’s way of responding to the salt treatment by draining the accumulated mucus. 

Is salt therapy safe for children?
Yes. Salt therapy is a completely drug-free treatment for children and adults. Children as young as 3 months have benefitted greatly and respond quickly and effectively to Halo therapy. Children are more prone to respiratory problems because they pick up more viruses and their lungs are not fully developed until about the age of 9. In addition, the environment is filled with pollutants which children have a harder time keeping at bay.

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Is salt therapy safe for pregnant women?

Yes. Salt therapy is a great choice for women who do not want to rely heavily on over-the-counter or prescribed medication for sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses. Pregnant women may experienced relief for their congestion and chronic respiratory problems. In addition, the ionized salt particles help boost their immune system.

Should I stop using my medication during salt therapy?

No. Salt room therapy should be used as a complementary treatment. People who come for salt room therapy often find that they can reduce their dependence on certain medications and that their episodes are not as frequent or severe. However, you should always follow your doctor's advice and your prescribed medication regimen. 

How many treatments will I need?

Every experience is different and it depends on the type and severity of your condition. Generally speaking, to maximize the healing process we typically recommend a course of 10-12 treatments over a period of 8 weeks. You may feel some improvement after one session, but a series of treatments is best for longer-term results. After a series of treatments your breathing will become easier and symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath will improve noticeably. People also come for treatments as a preventative measure.

What will I experience when I sit in the salt room?

We have Himalayan salt on our floor and Himalayan salt panels on the walls.  The room's temperature and humidity is maintained for optimal treatment conditions. The lights will dim and you can lay back in our recliners, listen to relaxing music and just breathe, while we infuse the room with micro-particles of pure salt. Many people like to close their eyes and meditate.  Sessions last for 45 minutes. It is common to taste a hint of salt on your lips. 

 

What about picking up germs in the salt room?

One of the natural properties of salt is that it absorbs bacteria. With our salt panels and salt covered floors this creates the nearly sterile conditions in the room. In addition, after a session, the room is fully ventilated for 15 minutes. 

 

           Hemp derived products ~ FAQ

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WHAT IS CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of over 84 active chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis is the umbrella term describing hemp and marijuana plants—two different varieties of the cannabis genus. Both marijuana and hemp can be described as cannabis plants; however, it is important to note that they are still two separate plants.

CBD is one of many active chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. The primary difference between hemp and marijuana is that hemp is nearly void of THC. In fact, a cannabis strain must contain less than .3 percent THC to be classified as hemp. This is the reason hemp can be legally sold as various products. Most CBD products are made from hemp, not marijuana. There are many distinctions between marijuana and hemp that relate to CBD oil. Marijuana contains both THC (the psychoactive component) and CBD, whereas hemp contains CBD and only trace amounts of THC. Hemp contains many cannabinoids—CBD is only one example.  CBD acts as a therapeutic agent in your endocannabinoid system, constantly working to get your body into a place of homeostasis.

 

WHAT DOES CBD DO?

CBD’s prior status as a Schedule I controlled substance presented significant barriers to clinical research. However, in the past few years, changes to state and federal laws have removed some of the obstacles to conducting research. Scientists and physicians have demonstrated that CBD may have multiple benefits throughout the body. Emerging research shows that CBD interacts with cellular receptors in physiological processes that influence sleep, mood, appetite and pain, without intoxicating effects. CBD is the phytocannabinoid (plant) versions of our body’s endocannabinoids (internal) system. Phytocannabinoids impact our endocannabinoid system, which consists of two main receptors: the CB1, and CB2 receptors, located predominantly in the brain and the central nervous system, respectively. These receptors impact a vast array of functions within the body like pain perception, the experience of anxiety, inflammation, pain sensation, sleep and appetite.  

 

IS CBD SAFE??

Research demonstrates that CBD is safe in food, dietary supplements and beverages. It has been established that hemp-derived CBD contains negligible amounts of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, and that it is non-psychoactive and does not cause a “high” in users. Further, hemp-derived CBD does not have the potential for abuse or addiction. The World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence recommended not scheduling CBD within the International Drug Control Conventions. WHO cited the fact that there are no case reports of CBD abuse or dependence; no public health problems have been associated with CBD use; CBD has been found to be generally well tolerated with a good safety profile; and that there is no evidence that CBD is liable to be abused1. Furthermore, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) conducted a scientific review on CBD and concluded that it does not present a significant risk to the public health. HHS found that there is no evidence for classic drug withdrawal, no evidence that CBD causes physical or psychic dependence and no potential for abuse under the CSA2.

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HOW MUCH CBD SHOULD I TAKE?

Sometimes it’s harder to figure out how much CBD is in one drop because the packaging specifies the total amount of CBD in the entire bottle, but not the amount that will be in a single drop. One drop is about 0.05 milliliters (mL). That is, not a full dropper — just a single drop. This means that a 10-mL bottle of CBD oil contains 200 drops. And if the packaging for that 10-mL bottle says that the bottle contains 1,000 mg of CBD, each drop will contain about 5 mg of CBD. So, to have 20 mg of that type of CBD oil, you should take four drops.

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WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds naturally found in the human body (endo-cannabinoids) and also in cannabis plants (phyto-cannabinoids). Cannabinoids interact with receptors of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the body to restore a normal state of healthy balance.

 

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

The endocannabinoid system is the collection of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes involved in the production and break down of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids found within our body. The two most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG. The two most studies cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located mostly in the brain and CB2 receptors are located mostly throughout the immune system. 

WHAT IS FULL SPECTRUM CBD?

Full Spectrum is often used to convey that the whole plant was used, not just stalk or stem. Whole cannabis sativa plant contains 480 phyto compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids.

 

WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL HEMP?

Industrial hemp is the hemp plant which has been used historically to produce hemp seed oil, rope, paper, household items, clothing and now CBD extract. By law, industrial hemp strains must contain less than 0.3% THC.

 

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Terpenes are essential oils found in plants. There are around 200 terpenes in cannabis. They are what give cannabis its distinct aroma and flavor. Terpenes have beneficial effects and work synergistically with cannabinoids like CBD and THC – this relationship is called the entourage effect. 

WHAT IS THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT?

The Entourage Effect results when the many components within the hemp plant interact with the body to produce a stronger influence than any one of those components alone—it’s a synergistic effect.

 

IS CBD LEGAL?

The FDA considers hemp oil, and it’s derivative CBD, to be a legal dietary supplement. Currently there are no state laws prohibiting CBD use.

 

CAN I GET HIGH FROM CBD?

Cannabis is a complex plant family that contains many cannabinoids – most of which do not get you high, like CBD. CBD, the second most prevalent cannabinoid, is non-psychoactive and doesn’t induce any ‘high" at all. Some cannabis plants are bred for high CBD content exclusively, these plants are known as ‘hemp’ – and only contain trace amounts of THC (below 0.3% to be exact, according to federal regulations). The cannabis plant family contains multiple cannabinoids, however, only THC provides the traditional high associated with cannabis. Marijuana plants provide high THC concentrations, while hemp produces high levels of CBD.

WHAT IS ISOLATED CBD?

In chemistry, to “isolate “means to separate (a substance) into its purest form, free of other compounds. Isolated CBD is pure CBD without the presence of other cannabinoids or terpenes.

 

CAN I TEST POSITIVE ON A DRUG TEST?

The most common reason for a failed CBD drug test is that a person is using a CBD oil product that contains THC. CBD harvested from industrial hemp is grown with a different chemical makeup than marijuana.

 

DOES CBD GO BAD?

CBD does have a shelf life of up to a year. Keep CBD in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE CBD?

Cannabis and its extracts, like CBD oil, can be consumed in a number of ways. Everybody processes cannabis and cannabinoids a little differently. Finding your ideal form of cannabis consumption may take some experimentation.

The key differences between ways of using cannabis pertain to these questions:

Onset: How quickly will cannabinoids begin to work?

Dose: What’s a reasonable starting dose?

Distribution: Which parts of the body will be most affected?

Duration: How long will the effects last?

 

INHALATION: SMOKING OR VAPING

Onset: Seconds to minutes.

Dose: As little as a puff may be necessary.

Distribution: Affects lungs immediately, then the heart and brain, then is distributed fairly evenly throughout the body.

Duration: Most effects subside after 2-3 hours.

When drugs are inhaled through the lungs, they are sent to the brain before getting metabolized by the liver. This makes inhalation the fastest method for administering cannabis. The short onset and duration make inhalation appropriate for acute problems (e.g. nausea or acute pain). The near-immediate onset also allows patients to adjust and quickly find a desired dose.

 

EDIBLES-CAPSULES

Onset: 1-2 hours.

Dose: Doses of CBD-rich products range from 5 mg to hundreds of milligrams.

Distribution: Absorbed through the gut and modified in the liver, then spreads evenly throughout the body.

Duration: Effects may last up to 12 hours.

Ingested cannabinoids are absorbed through the intestines and sent to the liver. It takes about an hour to feel effects when taken on an empty stomach, or up to three hours with food.

On the way to the liver, cannabinoids will interact with receptors in the gut, so the effect on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease will be more pronounced. Once in the liver, three enzymes will start to modify CBD in a process called “first-pass metabolism.” The longer-lasting effect of edibles and capsules make them suitable for many chronic conditions.

 

SUBLINGUAL - Under the Tongue

Onset: 15 minutes to an hour.

Dose: 2.5-5 mg of CBD is a common starting dose.

Distribution: Absorbed into the bloodstream in the mouth, then distributes evenly.

Duration: After 6-8 hours, most of the CBD has been metabolized or eliminated from the body.

Oral-mucosal drugs are absorbed directly into the blood vessels in the mouth and under the tongue. If sprayed under the tongue, the patient should try to wait at least one minute before swallowing. Effects usually start after 15-30 minutes and peak around an hour and a half after administration. For consistency, it is best to avoid eating immediately before or after using a tincture.

 

TOPICALS (Lotions, creams and salves)

Onset: 15 minutes to an hour.

Dose: 2.5-5 mg of CBD is a common starting dose.

Distribution: Topicals and rubs are one of the more common kinds of cannabis products. They can be used effectively for skin or joint issues, but will not be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Duration: 6-8 hours.

 

TRANSDERMAL

Although transdermal products are applied to the skin, their effects are nothing like topicals. A transdermal patch is designed to release cannabinoids into the bloodstream at a constant rate. Transdermal administration should confer an experience somewhat like sublingual use, although a transdermal patch could be designed to work for longer periods of time. It’s worth noting, however, that a transdermal CBD isolate failed to treat epilepsy in a clinical trial, whereas a sublingual CBD isolate was successful.

 

WATER SOLUBLE

Cannabinoids are sticky, waxy chemicals. They like to mix with oil, not water. There are, however, a number of ways to get cannabinoids to dissolve in water, allowing for products like CBD-infused beverages. But the research in this area is limited. The processes that make cannabinoids soluble in water may also make it easier for your body to absorb CBD. This means that such products will have a quicker onset compared to an edible (as quick as 20 minutes) and the dose may be stronger over a shorter period of time.

 

CAN CBD INTERACT WITH OTHER DRUGS I’M TAKING

Low doses of cannabinoids have not been shown to cause problematic interactions with other drugs. When people start using hundreds or thousands of milligrams of CBD, however, the body may struggle to break down the other pharmaceuticals a person is taking. But such high doses are not normally required for therapeutic benefit when using quality products. People with certain conditions or those who can only access CBD isolates may need to use large doses. Tell your doctor if you are taking high doses of CBD, so that she or he can help manage potential cannabinoid-drug interactions.

 

IS CBD SAFE FOR PETS?

Yes - The clinical science on CBD use in animals is a handful of few, hopeful studies. A 2018 trial by Colorado State University found that in a group of 16 dogs with epilepsy, 89 percent who received CBD experienced a reduction in seizures. The study, created after its authors received frequent calls from clients and other veterinarians with questions about CBD, was a stepping stone toward a larger epilepsy trial that included 60 dogs. The results will be published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association this June.

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After the 2018 Farm Bill, why does FDA maintain CBD is still unlawful?

The Farm Bill removed hemp-derived CBD from Schedule I of the CSA, which means it will not be regulated as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). However, the Farm Bill did not affect other agencies with jurisdiction over the substance. FDA explicitly retains jurisdiction to regulate the use of CBD in food, beverages, dietary supplements and other FDA-regulated products. FDA takes the position that CBD may not be sold in the U.S. due to provisions in the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) related to the use of dietary supplement and food ingredients that have been previously studied as drug ingredients. If a substance has been authorized for investigation as a new drug, “substantial clinical investigations” have started, and the existence of these investigations has been made public before the substance was used in a food or supplement, then the ingredient in question falls outside the definition of a dietary supplement or a food3. According to FDA, there is evidence that a CBD ingredient used in a drug product met these criteria prior to CBD ingredients’ use in food or supplements.

 

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