One part of the alternative medicine spectrum is the salt lamp. These interesting lamps are made by boring a hole into a large (3 to 18 pounds), single salt crystal and inserting an electric lamp bulb. Salt lamps are often seen in shops and are used as soft, background lighting by many practitioners of alternative medical therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Some claim these lamps offer therapeutic benefits.
About Polish Salt Lamps
Polish salt lamps are crystal lamps made from pieces cut from Polish salt caves. Most commonly, these lamps are lit by low-wattage bulbs (7 to 20 watts) and may have a dimmer.
Himalayan Salt Lamps
The salt crystals for these lamps are cut from caves in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Like the Polish lamps, most of these lamps are internally lit by low-wattage bulbs.
Similarities Between the Lamps
Both types of salt lamps are claimed to have therapeutic benefits by releasing negative ions that cleanse the air.
The low-wattage lighting and pleasant shades are relaxing, which is one reason these lamps are popular with massage therapy, aromatherapy and other alternative medicine practices. The colors come from trace mineral elements within the salt. These elements include iron, copper and magnesium and often produce combinations of colors within the same salt formation.
Differences Between the Lamps
Polish, Persian and Himalayan are the three main types of salt crystal lamps. Proponents of each type claim renewed energy with only their preferred type.
As there is doubt regarding actual health benefits from any of these lamps, the potential buyer would do best to concentrate on the appearance of the lamp. Generally, each lamp is a unique, hand-crafted piece. Choose your lamp for its color, size and price.
Cautions
Salt lamps give off a pleasing light. There are no studies proving salt lamps are harmful to health. While some proponents claim great health benefits, there is no scientific data to back up those claims.
Do not pay more for a salt lamp (Polish, Persian or Himalayan) than you would pay for any other pleasant lamp. Do not spend more for a salt lamp based on "atmosphere cleansing" properties.
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