Salt has long been recognized for its many health benefits. It has played an important role in medical treatments for conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and allergies. Let’s take a closer look at how salt benefits the respiratory system.
For centuries, salt has been used for its disinfecting and antiseptic properties, such as cleaning wounds and fabrics. Its many uses and benefits in medicine are undeniable. For example, salt is used to detoxify the body by eliminating metabolic waste products and retaining water for those who are rapidly losing it. Despite being called „white death” by some, salt can have an incredibly positive effect on our bodies.
Which Conditions Benefit from Salt Treatments?
Salt treatments are particularly effective for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The ideal environment for treating these conditions is a natural underground salt mine chamber. These chambers are characterized by their unique microclimate, which aids in the treatment of conditions such as
- Bronchial asthma
- Chronic pneumonia
- Sinusitis
- Recurrent throat and laryngeal diseases
Patients with obstructive pneumonia and allergic diseases can also benefit from salt therapy.
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According to Magdalena Stoczyńska, MD, PhD:
The special microclimate of the graduation towers alleviates inflammation in the respiratory tract. The main benefits include moisturizing dry mucous membranes, reducing pain and irritation, and thinning nasal and respiratory secretions for easier removal.
Why Choose Salt Treatments?
Choosing underground salt treatments, or subterranotherapy, offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, it is a natural treatment method without the use of chemicals. In addition, the salt mine environment is known for its high bacteriological purity and constant humidity (between 60-75%), which prevents mucous membranes from drying out. The underground air is also rich in sodium chloride, magnesium, calcium and manganese.
Inhaling brine-filled air is a non-invasive therapy that is highly effective. After completing the treatment, most patients experience significant improvements in well-being and increased resistance to respiratory infections. Many return to maintain the positive effects of the salt-filled air.
Underground Treatments in the Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a wide range of respiratory treatments using salt. The underground treatment and rehabilitation programs focus on physical activity under the supervision of doctors and physiotherapists. They include respiratory gymnastics combined with exposure to a unique microclimate that is beneficial to the respiratory system.
The spa complex consists of four chambers. One of them is a graduation tower, where salt aerosol is sprayed for inhalation by several people at the same time. The facility also offers various equipment for physical activity (steppers, treadmills, elliptical trainers) and relaxation. To enhance the effects of the graduation tower, accommodation is available for patients, allowing them to breathe the brine air overnight.
Spa chambers also allow for kinesiotherapy, or movement-based treatment. Specialized physiotherapeutic equipment and treatments are provided, as well as inhalations combined with drainage and tapping.
All chambers are located 135 meters underground and are used for rehabilitation purposes. Even a short, one-day stay can lead to a noticeable improvement in health. The extensive facilities make Wieliczka one of the top choices for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
Salt Therapy on the Surface in the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Surface Salt Therapy is also available at the mine. It is an alternative for those who cannot stay underground due to mobility problems, epilepsy or respiratory problems. Both underground and surface treatments are supervised by qualified professionals, including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.
At the brine graduation tower, a natural aerosol similar to sea air is created. A walk in the tower can support the treatment of various respiratory diseases such as chronic rhinitis, bronchial asthma or COPD. It also helps to clear the lungs of dust, which is particularly prevalent in winter.
Consistent salt therapy is a natural and effective way to treat respiratory problems. Salt’s underrated properties can have a positive effect on the larynx, lungs or bronchi. I encourage you to experience its healing effects firsthand.
Healing Microclimate 135 Meters Underground
The success of the „Wieliczka” Salt Mine Health Resort lies in the beneficial microclimate of the salt chambers, which have been used for spa treatments since the 19th century. This microclimate plays a fundamental role in the healing process. It is characterized by exceptional bacteriological purity, high relative humidity and high content of sodium chloride, magnesium, manganese and calcium. All of these have a positive effect on our health. The air in the mine is free from pollutants commonly found on the earth’s surface.
People suffering from upper and lower respiratory diseases, asthma and allergies benefit from the unique microclimate of the salt mine. In addition to its healing properties, the resort also serves as a haven for relaxation. It allows visitors to escape from everyday stressors and polluted environments.
If you’re curious to experience the unique environment over a hundred meters underground, consider visiting the Wieliczka Health Resort. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, treatment or prevention, you’ll discover the power of salt.
Active Rehabilitation and Rest in Salt Chambers
The third level of the Wieliczka Salt Mine is used for therapeutic and recreational stays. The complex consists of four salt chambers of different types. The central feature of the resort is the Wessel Salt Lake. It is a place for relaxation, gymnastics and inhalations.
During your stay at the spa, you’ll benefit from comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation. This includes breathing control exercises, diaphragmatic breathing training, and exercising the respiratory muscles. Physical exercises that include aerobic exercise and rehabilitation equipment such as treadmills, step machines, and ergometers are offered.
All activities are supervised by doctors, physiotherapists and nurses. Prevention and health promotion education is another important aspect of the experience. You’ll learn from our specialists how to manage exacerbations, remissions and relapses. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and expand your knowledge.
In your free time, the quiet environment is perfect for relaxation. You can read your favorite books, listen to music, or make new friends. Remember that Wieliczka is visited by patients from all over Poland and Europe.
How to Experience the Underground Health Resort
There are several ways to experience the Underground Health Resort, ranging from longer treatment stays (either commercial or reimbursed by the National Health Fund) to short overnight or one-day stays.
If you choose a stays reimbursed by the National Health Fund, you’ll need a referral from a general practitioner or a specialist in pulmonology, laryngology, allergology, medical rehabilitation or, for children, a pediatric clinic.
You can also opt for a self-funded spa stay of a few or several days. In this case, there is no need for a doctor’s referral. How long you stay and when you go depends on your preferences and availability. You can visit the spa whenever you have free time or just want to relax.
Whether you opt for a National Health Fund reimbursed stay or a commercial stay, you will spend 6 hours a day underground. This is an intensive program of exercise and rest. The program is designed by specialists to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the mine’s natural healing properties.
Another option is the One Day Health Retreat. If you choose this option, you will spend a day underground exercising, resting and inhaling. You will be supervised by our team.
Uncover the Secrets of a Historic Mine
During your stay at the spa, the attractions of the mine are right at your fingertips. The vast network of chambers and corridors of the Wieliczka Mine includes the spa complex. It’s a precious monument on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s worth taking some time to discover its secrets. By visiting the Tourist Route, you can delve into the fascinating history of the mine’s creation and operation.
Another fascinating highlight of Wieliczka is The Mining Tower, located next to the mine and bordering a historical park. It is the largest structure of its kind in southern Poland. It has walking terraces and a 22-meter-high observation tower. In the tower you’ll find a perfect environment for relaxation and inhalation of Wieliczka’s brine. The brine is recognized as a healing mineral water.
References:
- https://www.kopalnia.pl/kopalnia-wiedzy/uzdrowisko-kopalnia-soli-wieliczka-poznaj-tajemnice-leczniczej-mocy-soli-07rj
- https://www.zakopianski.pl/atrakcje/kopalnia-soli-wieliczka
