Have you ever heard of Himalayan salt lamps or wondered what is a salt lamp? Well, if you haven’t don’t feel too bad. This is a new fad that has been catching the interest of more and more people, especially those who are into natural therapeutic products. Himalayan salt lamps are basically natural crystals with a common reddish hue and, from the name itself, can be found in the mountainous region of the Himalayas. These crystals are carved out from a large piece of salt and are then chiseled in the center, wherein a light bulb or heat lamp is installed.
The practice of using Himalayan salt lamps for its therapeutic benefits was common only in spas and massage establishments. But as people discovered its aesthetic and medical benefits, it started to gain popularity. People have the impression that it can clear the atmosphere inside a room of electro-smog. Additionally, according to them, it also has the ability to regulate oxygen flow in the brain, provide positive effects to a person’s immune system, and positively affect the moods of those who have terrible seasonal swings. The salt lamp’s effects have something to do with negative ions that are said to attract pollutants and allergens, thereby cleaning and purifying the air around.
But is there truth to any of this? Read on to find out what a salt lamp is.
Everything you need to know about Himalayan salt lamps
Himalayan pink salt lamps are the most common and popular variety of salt lamps that you can find on the market. They are typically made of a huge piece of pure Himalayan Salt. The large crystal is hollowed and a small bulb is placed inside. This design is more common compared to the basket design wherein a decorative basket is filled with pieces of the salt crystal.
A quick look at this salt lamp would give you an impression that it’s primarily for decorative and for aesthetic purposes. It does look really good with its warm pinkish glow when the bulb is turned on. However, that isn’t all that this salt lamp is for. It also has properties that prove to be beneficial when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality. These salt crystals are made from 100% pure Himalayan salt, which means it is food grade and is very safe for human consumption. It has also been reported for having health and therapeutic benefits.
What it does
One of the characteristics of Himalayan salt is its ability to produce negative ions. A little bit of research will tell you that salt crystals are innately hygroscopic. This means that they can absorb water molecules that are present in the air. Naturally, if the lamp is unlit and the water molecules adhere to its surface, the lamp will begin to “sweat.” Turning it on would allow it to be heated, thereby keeping the crystals dry, and at the same time releasing the negative ions to the atmosphere.
If it doesn’t make any sense, just look at it this way…
The degree of humidity in the atmosphere indicates the amount of water molecules present in the air. Pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, allergens, and other airborne pollutants adhere to these molecules. When you get rid of these airborne molecules, you also reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. As a result, you will have cleaner, fresher, and better-smelling air, which is good for the home environment.
Another reported advantage of having a Himalayan salt lamp in the house or your bedroom is its ability to neutralize electromagnetic radiation. In this era where electronic gadgets are considered a commodity, you can only imagine the amount of electromagnetic radiation that flows from all sorts of electronic devices you have at home. Excessive exposure to EM radiation has been proven to cause fatigue, increase stress levels, and affect a person’s overall health. The negative ions that these Himalayan salt lamps emit work to counter or neutralize EM radiation.
In a lot of ways, Himalayan salt lamps cleanse your home or office environment. After a significant amount of time, you will notice changes in your sleeping patterns, your mood and concentration, and the overall vibe at home.
So, this is more than just another lamp that you can put into your home to serve as an electronic source of light at night. A Himalayan salt lamp offers many health benefits that you can’t get from ordinary lamps. It adds an aesthetic value to your room, which is a very big plus.
