The global wellness institute has launched a new initiative: “Exploring salt and halotherapy,” chaired by Steve Spiro, CEO and founder of equipment supplier Global Halotherapy Solutions.

Ann Brown, founder and CEO of Saltability, a line of Himalayan salt products, will serve as vice chair.

While salt-based therapies have existed for centuries, the GWI says a surge in salt-infused environments and approaches at wellness centres and spas worldwide and a profusion of salt-based products being marketed direct to consumers means there is a need for more education and research.

“The Institute felt that it was valuable to support an initiative that explores the halotherapy and salt therapy developments, and we purposely use the term ‘exploring’ to refrain from giving the impression of any blanket endorsement of ‘anything and everything’ salt,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO.

“While halotherapy has had a strong history in Eastern Europe, where most of the research on its efficacy has taken place, we need more education and studies so that the wellness industry can align their salt-focused approaches with the actual evidence.”

Spiro said: “End-users report that salt therapy alleviates respiratory conditions, improves certain skin problems, and has a positive impact on stress. And while there has been some research on its benefits, too many of the positive claims remain anecdotal.

"This initiative will investigate the effects of a wide range of salt therapies, and provide guidance to businesses and spa practitioners who want to better understand and utilise salt therapy to positively impact their clientele.”

The GWI supports 22 initiatives, global taskforces on wide-ranging wellness markets and industry issues. Salt therapy and halotherapy are being considered for inclusion at the GWI’s www.wellnessevidence.com this year to provide direct access to the medical studies on halotherapy that now exist.

The first meeting of the “Exploring Salt and Halotherapy” initiative will take place at the Global Wellness Summit being held The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida from 9-11 October 2017.

Companies and practitioners involved in salt therapies, services and products are invited to become part of this initiative.