Facts from the Web

Professional Findings

News & Publications

How does it work?
Depending on the specific size of the cave, it can consist of 15 - 40 tons of salt. By using such tremendous amounts of salt from different parts of the world (Pakistan, Poland, Ukraine or Dead Sea) a unique microclimate is achieved, rich in ions and minerals and micro-elementary particles like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and many others which are loosened into the air. They are naturally absorbed into the human body during the therapy by breathing this saturated air into ones lungs and thus improve income and supply of these irreplaceable elements, necessary for good health, performance and overall fitness of the population of all ages.

Due to the fast growth of technology and environmental pollution, more and more people suffer from allergies, asthma and civilization diseases. Outside air in cities and even mountain microclimate are weak in iodine and other elements important for our health. Dust, cigarette fumes, our modern convenient electrical appliances, such TVs, computers, high-voltage networks and external pollution produce large quantities of positive ions creating electrical imbalance in the air.

When negative ion concentration is lowered, and people inhale more positive ions from the air, it can cause headaches, lethargy, dizziness, nausea, depression, indigestion, and irritability. It is extremely important to add this precious element, negative ions, back into the air for optimal health. The concentration of negative ions is naturally higher around waterfalls and by the ocean; when water droplets are dispersed, an electrical charge is created. The concentration of light ions in the mountains is 20 times higher than in the cities.

The antibacterial influence of negative ions in the air has been proven in the hospitals by increasing the concentration of negative ions in the air. The percentage of harmful bacteria in the air was significantly lowered causing patient‘s wounds to heal faster and convalescence of the patients was shorter.

People who were exposed to higher levels of negative ions in the air indicated these positive results: achieving optimal weight, decrease of blood pressure, increase of energy and stamina.

The sessions are held on the comfortable deckchairs, accompanied by properly chosen music, which helps you to relax and calm down.

What does the mineral in the salt treat?

Many health troubles are beneficially treated by staying in the salt cave.

The cave is a unique microclimate, marked with exceptional bacteriological cleanliness, proper humidity and temperature, which has a beneficial influence on mood and health of both adults and children. Apart from advantageous negative ionization, the air in the cave includes:

• Sodium
has influence on functionality of the heart and on optimal blood pressure, and improves condition of the skin. Together with chlorine it forms ordinary salt which keeps acidity and alkaline balance in organism and is essential for proper function of kidney.

• Potassium
has a positive influence on functionality of the heart and makes the blood supply to the skin better. It lowers blood pressure, prevents heart diseases, improves functions of the skin, has diuretic activity, and helps in clearing poisonous products of metabolism.

• Magnesium
is an anti-stress element. It influences the heart and vascular system in a positive way. It soothes asthma attacks and chronic tiredness, lowers nervous tension, protects from heart diseases and lowers high blood pressure.

• Calcium
strengthens immunity of our organism, soothes vexation and regulates functioning of blood-vascular system. It is the timber of the bone system, builds up immunity, helps people suffering from hypertension to lower blood pressure and it has anti-allergic values.

• Iron
is an essential element of hemoglobin. It cures anemia, influences work of the muscles, improves concentration, and lowers risk of infections.

• Bromine
lowers blood pressure and regulates functionality of the nervous system.

• Iodine
is responsible for the proper functionality of the thyroid, which manages our metabolic rate, growth, development and regulates weight.

The microclimate in a salt cave, rich in all those minerals, is almost the ideal location for inhalation. It's a complementary treatment, accelerates healing and it helps our body to get to a desired balance.

Action of salt caves can also be used in the following cases:
Treatment in a health resort, rehabilitation and treatment centers
o Treatment of variety of diseases, especially those of respiratory system and skin...
o Adaptation of patients coming from other climatic regions...
o Complementary use of natural and artificial ecological factors...
Sport medicine
o Period of professional training of sportsmen by proper mobilization of all reserves that are in organism...
o Relief from tiredness and negative effects after competitions...
Preventive medicine
o Preventive treatment and curing of employees in economic enterprises with increased risk of occupational diseases: coal mine, civil aviation, petroleum and chemical industry...
Hotel business, relaxing rooms for businessmen and others...

Staying in the salt cave is an effective method of treatment for chronic respiratory diseases, working well with or without medical treatment and without any known side effects.

Even pregnant women with asthma or other respiratory diseases could use this therapy without any harm to the child. Ask your doctor if you do not feel comfortable.

But take heed, even the salt cave is not a cure-all!

• For acute infectious illness with fever like influenza, cold, angina, bronchial tube inflammation, tuberculosis, and so on, it's better to keep out of a cave.

But immediately after getting rid of fever, visiting the salt cave is the best way for final treatment.

• Visiting a salt cave is also not suitable in case of ontological diseases.

On the other hand, it's recommended after chemotherapy.

Facts
• Salt water contains minerals and microelements similar to those found in human blood, tears, sweat and fetal water.

• Air intensively charged with salt particles has a natural anti-infectious effect; it stimulates the immune system.

• Caves are characterized by low humidity and negative air ionization. .

• Salt is obtained from sources located under the ground (table or ground salt) or through the drying process from salty water from seas, lakes, and saline (sea salt).

• Table salt is cleaned rock salt sodium chlorate.

References from experts on theme salt caves:

M.D. Tibor Barta PhD., head of the First Otolaryngology clinic of Teaching Hospital with Policlinic in Bratislava - Petrzalka, Slovakia

It is suitable to support acute and especially chronic respiratory apparatus disease treatment (e.g. allergic and non-allergic sniffles, chronic and acute inflammation of vocal cords, asthma), including nasal cavity (e.g. nasal septum, nasal conchae), sinuses, pharynx (pharyngeal and palatine tonsils) and larynx (vocal cords surgery) by a so-called climatic treatment.

Climatic treatment or climatotherapy belongs to the non-medicament treatment methods, where an organism is subjected to healing effects of a special climate (stay in upland, sea or a cave). Climatic treatment speeds up healing processes. Salt, used daily in cooking and food preparation, also has another use. Healing effects of salt minerals can be used and have been well known for centuries. Various procedures based on salt are carried out either directly in salt-mines or with the help of respiratory devices at rehabilitation and treatment centers. In general, walks by the seaside, especially in the morning and after a heavy sea, when the air is ionized and saturated with iodine, are recommended. Although nature didn't endow Slovakia with a sea, beneficial effects of seaside microclimate are also available here through salt caves. Their atmosphere possesses rare microclimate with unmatched bacterial cleanliness. Salt is a compound of our organism, thus very important for us.

From the point of view of an otolaryngologist (specialist for head and throat diseases), I definitely recommend healing treatments in salt caves, which considerably help improve patient's fitness and speeds up the healing of diseases of the nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, larynx and thyroid. Moreover, beneficial effects of this microclimate have a positive affect on the healing of other diseases, too.

Recommended indications suitable for salt cave treatment:

• all inflammation and also allergic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract

• allergic skin diseases, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diseases caused by contact allergy

• inflammation diseases of the intestines, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, stomach and duodenum ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome

• ischemic heart disease, hypertension, vascular diseases

• degenerative and inflammatory rheumatism

• vegetative dystonia

• neurotic disorders, depressions, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress disorders

• hypothyroidism

Lecturer M.D. Igor Kajaba PhD, internist - gastroenterologist, Institute of preventive and clinic medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia

Basic prerequisite for existence of human life is guaranteed by metabolism, through the supply of nutrients, the presence of enzymes and the function of hormonal, substantial and neural regulation.

It is known that approximately a third of enzymes need presence of metal ions as activators for their functionality and therefore are called metaloenzymes. Most of them protect cells from oxidation damage and creation of oxidation stress on organism and these enzymes contain elements like zinc, copper, manganese, nickel, chrome, iron, selenium, etc.

In addition, minerals and elements have important functions in tissues, for example structural - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, silicium and iodine. Iodine is a basic component of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Zinc and nickel take part in the production of insulin;selenium is an integral component of the most important antioxidation enzyme, glutathoine peroxidase. Chromium is a basic component of the glucose toleration factor, which regulates and enables metabolism of sugars, supports the effect of insulin in tissues and prevents the creation of diabetes. Minerals also ensure the stability of the inner environment (homeostasis) and retain acidobasic equilibrium, in which mostly sodium, chlorine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulphur take part. Sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium have an important role in the regulation of neural impulse transmission.

Most of the aforementioned minerals are comprised in sea salt and can be found in salt cave environments and by staying in such a cave they are absorbed into the body via the mucous membranes and also via the digestive tract, thereby improving the supply of these irreplaceable elements, which are necessary for good health, performance and overall fitness of people of all ages.

Moreover, when an enjoyable environment is enhanced with calm music, it can be the ideal place for spiritual relaxation, meditation, and comfort as well as a feeling of peace and serenity.

There are scientific reasons for receiving a salt cave treatment from the point of view of digestive tract diseases:

• inflammation of the oral mucous membrane, gums and tongue, or periodontal disease

• non-infectious inflammation of the mucous membrane in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine and colon

• psychosomatic diseases like stomach and duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, functional disorders of the gall bladder and gall duct (mostly with tendency to convulsion)

• long non-specific inflammation of the bowels - e.g. bleeding and ulcerous inflammation of colon and anus (colitis ulcerosa) in convalescence and in a calm state (prevents new inflammation diseases) and also by Crohn's disease

• long diseases of the liver with autoimmunity characteristics

In all cases the climatotherapy represents effective support of basic treatment, and in calm states as an important secondary prevention from the possible recurrence of the abrupt disease state.

Prof. M.D. Jiri Homolka, DrSc., head of 1st Lung Clinic of 1st Medical School of Comenius University and General teaching hospital in Prague, Czech Republic

Healing effects of salt have been well-known for centuries and today we return to this source of health. An example represents a treatment, which patients underwent in thirties of the 19th century in salt-mine Wieliczka in Poland. Since 1958, this mine was commonly used in the treatment of asthma, diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract and allergic diseases.

It is also well-known, that for the mentioned diseases and skin diseases a stay at the sea is useful. Some health insurance companies financially support these stays or cover the major part of the expenses (e.g. Seahorse program of General Health Insurance company in Czech Republic). However, not everyone can afford such a stay more than once in a year.

I verified that the condition of patients with asthma and inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract improved after 5-10 stays in salt cave similarly as after a stay at the sea. The positive effect lasts for approximately three months and in comparison to expenses of four stays at the sea, including medication needed to get patient into good fitness, the price for one stay in a cave is negligible. As an expert on lung diseases I cannot certify the influence of salt caves on other types of diseases. But for myself I can testify to the comfortable relaxing effects of salt caves.

source: magazine Nova Tina, issue 43, 26th of August 2005

For asthmatics, visiting a salt cave can replace a curative stay at sea. Salt air attenuates allergic symptoms. Staying can help people with chronic sniffles, inflammation of nasopharynx or bronchitis.

"The cave imitates the environment of natural salt mines or seaside regions where the air is enriched with salts and therefore attenuates inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract," Jiri Homolka explains. He suggests that visits must be repeated several times, as the cave does not have a one-time effect.

source: Hospodarske Noviny, section Zdravie, 1st of August 2005

M.D. Aleksander Sieluzycki, internist, balneotherapist, Jelenia Gora, Poland

During my last stay with my family in the salt cave in the city Jelenia Gora - Kaplice I started to think about the phenomenon of these facilities. The number of salt caves in Poland and Slovakia has significantly increased in the last years. Considering the high long-term popularity and the number of visitors, we have to admit that it's more than just a matter of style. An in-depth research on the effects of these caves' microclimate on human organism is necessary. I would divide visitors of these facilities in two groups.

The first group consists of patients who are ill and had long-term treatment. They have a variety of difficulties: beginning with diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, disorders of metabolism, endocrinal and digestive tract diseases, allergies, cardiovascular dysfunctions and related elevated blood pressure.

Last but not least there are people with skin diseases like psoriasis and various types of dermatitis. The beneficial effects of staying in salt caves on these diseases and dysfunctions are unquestionable and can be proven. We also cannot forget the effect of this microclimate on the nervous system in the treatment of neurosis, psychosomatic difficulties and a variety of phobias. Similar kinds of treatments based on natural methods are nowadays carried out in most developed countries. These procedures are used as supplemental methods and definitely boost the effects of the treatments and consecutive convalescence.

Another group would consist of people without health problems. Each of us is affected by our environment. Eating irregularly and unhealthy foods, living in never ending stress and everyday haste reflect on our fitness and mood. We are tired, apathetic and discontented. A stay in a salt cave coupled with listening to relaxing music (calm whir of the sea, bird songs or enjoyable instrumental music) acts as a balsam to our nerves. By these procedures we can talk about aromatherapy. The unique aroma of the sea salt enriched with various natural substances has invaluable effects on whole organism. That's the essence and secret of salt caves. We can find real seaside climates here. We feel the cave with all senses. The caves turn into a significant element helping in the treatment of many serious diseases. Their preventive function can reduce the chance of their formation.

To get back to the beginning of my reflection, if this is just a vogue then it should be generally accepted considering its positive and healing effect on human organisms. I don't think that one day we will be arranging our meetings in salt caves instead of pubs, but who knows?

M.D. Slavomira Feix, allergist, who has practical experience with natural salt caves from Germany

Category of atopic diseases of organisms consists of typical skin diseases together with diseases of the respiratory tract. The most important indications of respiratory tract diseases in salt cave are allergic diseases such as hay fever, allergic bronchitis, allergic asthma, as well as chronic bronchitis, whooping cough (pertussis) and chronic inflammation of sinuses.

Speleotherapy is one of the reputable treatment methods for these kinds of diseases, moreover a natural one and as such, reduces the risk of acute state genesis. The ideal temperature, air humidity, high ionization, rich mineral microclimate and low, almost zero-level concentration of allergens allows patients, allergists in calm state, to significantly reinforce their respiratory tract and whole immune system. In acute states, the microclimate can reduce reaction to allergens and minimize medications needed.

Additional color therapy and music create comfortable environments for meditation and relaxation. Regular stays at salt caves make up for seaside air and beneficially affect the irritated respiratory tract.

M.D. Zuzana Lukacova, dermatoventerologist, Teaching Hospital with Policlinic in Bratislava - Ruzinov, Slovakia

In treatment of some skin diseases, the seaside’s climatic conditions have been used for many years, which help in healing or significantly improving the healthy state of a patient, protection from the inability to work or in returning to workability. Skin diseases, positively affected by climatic conditions are psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic and recidivist dermatitis.

A modern, fast lifestyle doesn't always allow us to drive off for seaside climate treatments for long periods of time and therefore the popularity of the salt caves grows. They offer the same therapeutic opportunities, but are close to our homes. Salt caves are a place where the salt is, from which mineral substances and trace elements are released at the right humidity, which create a unique microclimate saturated with important elements like iodine, copper, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and other minerals, which are indispensable for the healthy operation of the human body.

The specific microclimate of a salt cave has excellent effects not only on some skin diseases but also positively function with other diseases, like allergic diseases, asthma, inflammation of nasal cavities, respiratory tract and lastly induces stress relief and calm. For many positive reasonsI can heartily advise such a stay in a salt cave.

M.D. Jaroslav Mikula, medical director, Slovak health spa Piestany

"A forty-five minute long stay in a salt cave is equal to three days at the seaside. The air is rich in disinfecting iodine, bromine, antistress magnesium, antiallergic calcium, potassium or free radicals destroying selenium," enumerates M.D. Jaroslav Mikula from spa Piestany. source: magazine Zdravie, November 2005

M.D. Dorota Wronska, laryngologist, Kielce, Poland

From the very beginning of service of the salt cave in the city of Kielce, not only I, but also my clients have used these procedures. A unique microclimate reigns in the room. The air is saturated with elements like iodine, magnesium, potassium, chlorides, bromines, selenium and copper. Such amount of minerals and trace elements occurring in salt caves together with adequate temperature and humidity is necessary for the correct operation of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Therefore I recommend my young and adult patients to use the procedures offered in salt cave.

These procedures are appropriate for the recovery of an inflammation of the nasal cavities, inflammation of the throat and larynx. I especially recommend visiting a salt cave to people with inflammation of the tonsils and long lasting inflammation of the throat, larynx and nasal cavities.

Thanks to the fact that the salt cave is located in my city, my patients can use these procedures all year round and don't need to wait for the summer months when they can travel to sea. I work as a laryngologist and I can't imagine treating patients with a more effective method without recovery procedure utilizing the effects of salt, above all for those, who have suffered from diseases of the respiratory tract for a long time.

Health indications:
Chronic catharal inflammation of nose, throat and larynx
Bronchical asthma
Dust disease (pneumoconiosis)
Chronic and recurring inflammation of sinuses
Chronic inflammation of lungs (pneumonia)
Chronic inflammation of bronchi
Dermatological disease (psoriasis, dernatitis)
Vessels and heart disease
Metabolic disturbances
Duodenal and gastric ulcer
Various types of sensitization and allergy
Neurosis, state of fatigue, decline of resistance to stress
Thyroid disease

Testomonials