The use of speleotherapy in practical medicine. Salt cave: indications and contraindications

Most medications used to treat respiratory problems have side effects. Speleotherapy is an effective and natural healing method that uses the specific properties of salt caves.

The cave microclimate has a beneficial effect on the affected bronchi and lungs. High air humidity and low temperatures restore and regenerate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract in children and adults.

Speleotherapy (halotherapy) is an unusual method of treatment that uses the properties of cave air. The peculiarity of this method is that in order to achieve positive results, the child needs to be underground for a long time.

The effectiveness of speleotherapy is associated with the unique microclimate in the cave and the presence of natural dry sodium salt. From it, with the gradual dissolution of the salt walls of the cave, due to natural humidity, an aerosol with healing properties is formed.

Characteristics of the cave microclimate

The microbiology of caves is characterized by:

The saturation of the air with negative ions and mineral salts.
Stable microclimate, not subject to sudden changes in temperature and pressure.
High content of negative ions.
Constant temperature in the region of 7–8 ° C.
The absence of pollution, microorganisms, dust particles, debris.
Stable air humidity within 97–98%.
Natural air exchange.

Therapeutic effects of speleotherapy

The climate of the caves has a beneficial effect on human health. Regular sessions of speleotherapy contribute to the effective treatment of asthma in children. Cave air aerosol is able to irrigate mucous membranes, soothe inflammatory processes, reduce irritation from inhaled air. This restores the cleansing ability of the respiratory tract, regulates the formation of mucus and expectoration.

The absence of allergens, dust, pathogenic microbes contributes to:

a decrease in the number of circulating immune complexes in the body that damage healthy cells and cause inflammation;
an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes responsible for the recognition and destruction of foreign agents;
increased activity of cells involved in the process of phagocytosis;
normalization of the content of immunoglobulin.

After a course of treatment in salt caves, the number of asthma attacks and respiratory diseases in children decreases from an average of 5 to 1-2 per year. Small patients become less susceptible to infections. The frequency of diseases is reduced and the need for the use of antibiotics is significantly reduced.

Calcium in the cave air has anti-inflammatory properties, magnesium has a beneficial effect on the bronchi, relieves asthmatic attacks. The electronegative charge activates the membrane potential of the mucosal cells and their ability to self-purify.

The difference between artificial salt and karst caves

In artificial salt mines (formed after salt extraction) - warmer and drier air with a predominant content of sodium chloride and the presence of bacteria.

Karst salt caves are a natural sterile and anti-allergic environment. The most famous are Velichka, Perm, Solotvino. They have a humid, cold, electronegative atmosphere rich in calcium and magnesium. Given the benefits for the respiratory tract, the effect of children being in natural caves can be equated with the result of being at sea.

Indications for the appointment of speleotherapy

Indications for the appointment of speleotherapy are the following diseases in children:

weakened immunity, frequent infectious diseases;
hay fever, whooping cough;
asthma combined with allergies;
rheumatism;
pneumonia;
psychosomatic disorders (sleep disorders, headache, chronic fatigue syndrome);
chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract: sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis;
food allergy.

In bronchial asthma, speleotherapy is used to prevent the frequency of attacks, because the salt-saturated air eliminates swelling and reduces bronchial hyperactivity. The method is also an additional immunorestorative treatment for children after illnesses and operations on the respiratory organs.

Contraindications to the use of speleotherapy

Contraindications to speleotherapy treatment are also:

Severe arterial hypertension.
Diseases of the circulatory system.
Tuberculosis.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Bleeding from the nose.

Before the planned treatment, you should consult a doctor and get advice about each disease of the child.

Treatment Method

Halotherapy in a sanatorium has a purposeful effect, depending even on the concentration of specific aerosols in the air. Sometimes noble gases, such as radon, are present in the caves, which has a beneficial effect on the child's metabolism and helps to heal from rheumatism.

The recommended length of stay in the cave is at least 14 days, 2 hours daily. There are special cave rooms specially adapted for children. They are equipped with a small gym for volleyball, basketball, pinball and other games, a sanitary and hygienic zone, game tables, a place for rest and food.

To achieve a positive effect of the treatment, additional methods are used - special inhalations or exercises. These therapeutic developments are used in medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases, asthma and chronic skin allergies in children.

Children over 10 years old can be prescribed speleotherapy sessions lasting up to 9 hours.

Good results are given by treatment courses in the sanatoriums of Solotvino Perm. After them, there is a long period of remission or even complete recovery.

Salt exposure at home is not as effective as in the natural environment. It is the natural aerosol of the caves that stops inflammation and cleanses the airways.

Conclusion

Speleotherapy has become a very effective and cheap method of treating people with respiratory and skin diseases. The natural presence of dry sodium chloride aerosol in a very clean environment has a positive effect on the body of children. Other important healing factors are the constant temperature and low air humidity in the salt caves.

The effect of salt therapy in most cases is positive. In 90% of young patients of any age, the incidence and dependence on drugs decreases. The effect of speleotherapy treatment is maintained on average up to 9 months after the course.

Halotherapy is a method of treatment based on the creation of an artificial microclimate similar in its characteristics to the climate of salt caves. In what cases is halotherapy used for children? What are the indications and contraindications for this procedure in pediatrics?

Halotherapy and speleotherapy for children: what is it?

Salt caves and their beneficial properties have been known to mankind since ancient times. Numerous resorts located near salt mines and mines offer their tourists the opportunity for recovery. The benefits of the salt cave are so obvious that its microclimate is still used as a method of treating respiratory diseases. This method is called "speleotherapy". What is it and how does it differ from halotherapy?

Speleotherapy is a treatment in natural conditions on the basis of various salt mines. Salt caves are a place where an optimal microclimate is maintained all year round with a certain humidity and temperature. The benefits of children staying in a salt mine are undeniable, but getting to such places can be quite difficult. Natural salt caves are located on the territory of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Poland, Romania and some other countries. Residents of other regions will have to overcome many kilometers to the useful salt caves. Such speleotherapy is not available to everyone and requires rather high costs for such treatment.

In the last century, scientists had the idea to recreate the unique microclimate of a salt cave in an ordinary room. This is how the first speleological chamber with an artificially created salt environment appeared. The salt room is a room where the walls are covered with a layer of natural salt. Modern ventilation systems create an opportunity for air circulation and the creation of an optimal microclimate close to the natural climate of the caves.

Speleotherapy does not involve the use of special medical equipment to saturate the air with salt ions. The salt room has its effect due to the special wall cladding with special salt tiles. In most cases, potassium salts are used to decorate the room. This method of therapy is actively used on the basis of various resorts and hospitals around the world.

Halotherapy is a treatment method that reproduces the climate of a salt cave in an artificial environment. That's just the wall cladding here does not play a big role and serves as a decorative element. The saline aerosol environment of the room is used here as the main acting factor. Instead of potassium chloride, sodium salts are used in the halochamber. A variation of halotherapy is haloinhalation therapy, when saline aerosol is fed through a special inhaler.

Benefits of halotherapy for children

The main benefit of halotherapy is to clear the airways. The presence of a child in a salt room contributes to the saturation of all cells with active oxygen ions. The function of the lungs after staying in the halochamber is gradually restored. Microcirculation in the tissues of the respiratory tract improves, they feel from dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses. That is why the indications for halotherapy include numerous diseases of the respiratory tract of allergic and infectious origin.

The benefits of halotherapy are also known for the development of immunity. Inhalation of air saturated with salt vapor activates the body's defenses and gives strength to fight dangerous viruses and bacteria. That is why salt rooms are used to treat children prone to frequent colds and pathologies from the ENT organs.

Halotherapy is a great way to deal with many skin conditions. Indications for this procedure include atopic dermatitis, acne and other dermatological pathologies. A visit to a salt cave activates blood flow in the skin, enhances oxygen exchange and triggers regeneration. Regular stay in the halochamber allows you to get rid of skin diseases without the use of potent drugs.

Salt room for children: indications

Like any medical procedure, speleotherapy and halotherapy have their indications. Before visiting the salt room, you should make sure that the benefits of the presence of a child in it will be greater than the possible harm to his health. In what cases can a speleocam be useful?

Indications for halotherapy and speleotherapy:

prevention of colds in children;
diseases of ENT organs (sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis);
allergic diseases;
bronchial asthma;
skin diseases (including psoriasis, acne and others);
diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
neurological pathology (insomnia, depression, increased anxiety).

You can find out if a child has indications for halotherapy at a doctor's appointment. The doctor will examine the little patient and, if necessary, conduct additional examinations. Even if the child has already visited salt rooms before, you should not refuse a second visit to the doctor. It is possible that over time, the child may have contraindications for the procedure. It is better to find out this question before visiting the salt room, so as not to encounter unwanted complications during the treatment.

Salt room for children: contraindications

Speleotherapy is not a harmless procedure at all. Being in the microclimate of salt caves in the presence of infectious and some other diseases can adversely affect the child's condition. In addition, some children simply cannot tolerate salt aerosols, and visiting the halochamber is contraindicated for them. In what situations should halotherapy be abandoned?

Contraindications to speleo- and halotherapy:

acute infectious diseases;
tuberculosis in the active stage;
malignant tumors;
blood diseases in the acute stage;
bleeding;
some mental illnesses.

Before visiting the salt room, you should consult with your doctor and find out all possible indications and contraindications for this procedure.

Speleological chamber for children: rules of conduct

A visit to the halo and seleochambers is recommended for children over 3 years old. Speleotherapy for young children must be agreed with the doctor. Treatment in a salt room is long and ranges from 10 to 20 sessions. It is advisable to repeat the course of speleotherapy every 6 months.

It is worth remembering the rules for visiting the speleological chamber.

Children under 7 years old are in the speleological chamber together with one of the parents.
During the procedure, the child can play or sit quietly in a chair. Running around the room during therapy is not recommended.
During speleotherapy, the child must be awake. During sleep, salt ions do not penetrate deep enough and do not have the desired effect.
When visiting the speleo chamber, you should not rub your eyes with your hands - you can get a salt burn.
It is forbidden to be in the speleochamber in clothes made of artificial materials.
The last meal should be 1 hour before the procedure.
After the procedure, you can not eat or drink water for 30 minutes.

For small children, take toys into the cave chamber or use the play corner.

Speleotherapy at home

Is it possible to recreate the climate of a salt room at home? There are two options for speleotherapy at home. In the first case, it is enough to purchase a special salt lamp. At the same time, it will not be possible to achieve a diverse effect on all organs, but it is quite possible to strengthen the immune system in such a simple way.

The second option is the arrangement of a salt room at home. To build a halochamber, you will need to allocate a room of at least 3 square meters. m. You should first consult with a specialist or even hire craftsmen who can competently convert the selected room into a salt room.

At home, halotherapy sessions can be carried out at any convenient time. Regular stay in a special microclimate strengthens the body and protects it from the effects of dangerous infectious agents. Before starting therapy, you should consult with your doctor.

Physiotherapy techniques are an important part of effective therapy for a wide range of human diseases. Speleotherapy is a type of physiotherapy based on the positive effect of air with a fine salt aerosol. It is believed that such physiotherapy has a positive effect on a person, causing the possibility of using the method for bronchial asthma, hypertension, joint damage, etc. It is important to remember that speleotherapy should always be carried out after consultation with the attending physician, who will examine the patient and identify its indications and contraindications.

About method

The use of halotherapy or speleotherapy is based on the well-known fact that substances that pollute the air - pollutants and allergens - play an important role in the development of human diseases. Providing the patient with clean air that does not contain these impurities can improve the general condition of a person and reduce the severity of symptoms of diseases.

In the salt room or cave, which is located on the basis of resorts, health resorts or medical boarding houses, a specific microclimate is created. It is distinguished by a low content or complete absence of allergens and pollutants in the air, as well as a high degree of air ionization and a high content of fine aerosols, such as sodium chloride.

Halotherapy should always be used simultaneously with other medical procedures, since this method of physiotherapy is of an auxiliary nature.

Halochambers have a complex effect on the human body, however, all factors have not yet been identified. It is known that visiting salt rooms has a positive effect on the state of the organs of the respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems. In addition, ionized air itself is capable of destroying individual microorganisms, which ensures its pronounced bactericidal effect. In addition, doctors note the following effects of visiting cave rooms:

liquefaction of sputum and its removal from the respiratory tract;
normalization of blood pressure;
improvement of the state of the central nervous system, stabilization of the patient's mood;
increased ability to concentrate, etc.

A wide range of positive effects of speleotherapy on patients of different ages determines the widespread use of this physiotherapy technique in medicine.

Indications and contraindications

The use of speleotherapy at home or in medical hospitals is carried out taking into account the indications and contraindications for use in the procedure. The main indications include:

bronchial asthma of mild and moderate form;
chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis;
arterial hypertension and hypertension in the initial stages of its development;
allergic rhinosinusitis and conjunctivitis, hay fever;
allergic skin lesions.

In addition, the doctor necessarily examines the patient for contraindications:

severe variants of the course of hypertension and bronchial asthma;
decompensated diseases of internal organs, primarily respiratory and cardiovascular insufficiency;
chronic lesions of the lung parenchyma;
pregnant women;
acute infectious processes;
malignant variants of oncology.

If the patient has any of these restrictions, the doctor should refuse to use halotherapy, since, otherwise, the risk of developing complications of existing diseases increases significantly.

Preparation for physiotherapy

Visiting cave caves or performing haloinhalations implies a certain preparation of patients for treatment. As a rule, it includes the following steps:

The attending physician carefully collects complaints from a person and conducts the necessary studies, which allows him to determine his indications and contraindications.
The doctor explains in detail to the patient the essence of the upcoming speleotherapy, talks about the need for a course of treatment and about possible negative health consequences if the method is not carried out correctly.
If you plan to treat children, you should not only talk about the procedure with the parents, but also with the child.

When undergoing treatment in salt caves, patients should be warned about the basic safety rules in such facilities, as well as have quick access to the exit from the premises.

The use of halotherapy and speleotherapy has a number of important advantages compared to other physiotherapy procedures: no risk of developing severe complications, a mild effect on the human body and high efficiency during the entire course of treatment.

Description of treatment

It is important for patients to understand the differences between speleotherapy and halotherapy, which involve the use of an atmosphere with aerosols of various salts. Speleotherapy is based on the use of natural caves or mines in which salt was previously mined, which makes them quite rare objects in medicine. Sanatoriums and other health-improving institutions are often located around such caves or mines. With halotherapy, artificial structures can be used, which can be implemented in most medical hospitals.

Patients in the process of physiotherapy are placed in special caves or rooms, the microclimate indicators (temperature, humidity, partial pressure of various gases) of which are strictly controlled. It is necessary to stay in rooms with a high degree of air ionization from 1 to 3 hours every day during the entire course of treatment. As a rule, one course of speleotherapy takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity of the disease in a person. According to the recommendations of doctors, exposure to an atmosphere with a high content of radon can be reduced to 3-4 procedures per week, while maintaining the duration of the entire course.

Such course therapy allows in 90% of cases to achieve a stable remission of diseases or a complete recovery, when combined with other medical procedures. Speleotherapy is especially effective in bronchial asthma and other diseases with an allergic component.

Carrying out procedures

Therapeutic halotherapy is carried out in specially equipped rooms. They are divided into two separate rooms with a complete absence of natural light sources.

In the room for the patient, chairs or sun loungers are installed, on which it is convenient to stay for a long time. It is important to note that the walls, ceiling and floor do not have to be covered with salt, as the air is saturated with aerosols using special devices, and not passively. In some medical institutions, during the sessions, music therapy, geolandscape therapy and psychotherapy are carried out, which increases the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Carrying out treatment in specialized institutions allows to achieve greater effectiveness of therapy compared to home procedures.

There are options for home halotherapy. For this purpose, special salt lamps, portable devices for creating salt aerosols and modern installations are used to recreate a full-fledged room for such physiotherapy at home. It is important to note that self-administration of therapy is not recommended, due to the possible development of undesirable effects in patients or the aggravation of existing pathologies.

When using speleotherapy or halotherapy in children, you should additionally consult with a pediatrician who will examine the baby and determine the necessary conditions for such physiotherapy.

Possible Complications

Speleotherapy for adults and children can cause them to develop negative consequences, which, however, do not pose a serious threat to their health.

Cough

The appearance of a cough, accompanied by sputum, is a characteristic consequence of speleotherapy. As a rule, such a phenomenon has a positive value for the patient, as it contributes to the separation of sputum and liquefaction of mucus in the bronchial tree. This not only improves the functioning of the lung defense systems, but also leads to the disappearance of the main symptoms of respiratory disorders.

Cough and sputum appear after attending at least three sessions of physiotherapy, and disappear by the end of the entire course of therapy. In a child, wheezing and coughing may also occur during the first session, since in children there is a difference in the morphofunctional structure of the respiratory tract compared to adult patients.

If the cough persists at the end of the entire course, the patient should contact his doctor. In this case, irritation of the respiratory tract may be associated with prolonged exposure to air with a high concentration of various inorganic salts.

The appearance of a runny nose

With a sufficient duration of speleotherapy, in patients of any age, there is a runny nose, not accompanied by symptoms of intoxication (fever, headaches, general weakness, etc.). This phenomenon is associated with the ability of haloaerosol to thin the mucus in the respiratory tract, including in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

In some patients, a runny nose occurs already during the first visit to the halochamber. In this case, patients are advised to always take a handkerchief with them to the procedure, and after it thoroughly rinse the nasal cavity with plain water.

Fever

An increase in the activity of the immune system in humans can cause an increase in temperature after speleotherapy. As a rule, the temperature rises slightly - up to 38ºС. In these cases, the patient should not worry and take antipyretics. If the temperature has risen above 38 ° C, then you need to contact your doctor for an additional examination.

Speleotherapy and halotherapy are two areas of using a microclimate rich in salt aerosols for the treatment of various human pathologies, primarily associated with respiratory tract damage. The use of such procedures can take place in medical institutions, at home and in sanatorium-and-spa treatment at natural salt springs. Before using physiotherapy, you should make sure that a person has no contraindications to such procedures, since, otherwise, the risks of developing undesirable consequences of speleotherapy and reducing the overall effectiveness of treatment increase significantly.

Speleological camera - what is it? This will be discussed in this article. Here you will learn a lot of interesting things about this procedure.

People have known about the healing effect of natural minerals for a long time. Even ordinary salt has many useful properties. The best effect can be achieved if you apply the marine look of this product. Currently, speleological cameras have become more popular. What it is? This is a room in which a special microclimate is created. It is the stay in it that allows you to improve your health.

What does this word mean?

Speleological camera - what is it? Probably, this question was asked by some people. This is such a salt room that helps both a child and an adult to cope with a number of diseases without the use of medicines. This room is considered an analogue of a natural salt cave.

In turn, the latter has long been known for its beneficial properties. A certain temperature, humidity and air pressure, concentration of various salt ions are constantly maintained in the speleological chamber. All this has a beneficial effect on the human body.

How does a salt cave work?

In another way, the speleocamera is called so. Previously, procedures were carried out only in sanatoriums. Currently, salt caves are widespread. Some firms offer to install them at home. When creating a speleological chamber, substances such as potassium and sodium are used. They, namely their chlorides, enter the air and create the very microclimate that positively affects the human body.

The salt cave has an expectorant, bactericidal and immunomodulatory effect. In this case, the procedure carried out in it is a good tool for the treatment of diseases of various origins. When organizing it, great importance is given to the quality of salts. In turn, it depends on the latter what indications and contraindications for visiting the cave chamber will be for people. It should be noted that, be that as it may, positive changes in the state of human health will be noticeable.

How is a salt cave arranged?

It consists of two rooms. The first is the operating room. It is considered a technical room. The ventilation system and the halogenerator are located here. They contribute to the full functioning of the speleochamber.

Small patients are in the wellness room. An unusual relaxing atmosphere prevails here. There are cozy armchairs, stereo systems and special lamps in the room. Some speleocameras have TVs that broadcast cartoons. There are also salt sandboxes. In them, kids during the procedure can play Easter cakes.

Natural salt caves also have a positive therapeutic and preventive effect on the human body.

Speleological chamber: indications for visiting

In order to undergo procedures in a salt cave, you must be sure that the effect will be achieved.

Indications for her visit are:

ENT diseases. Typically, this type of procedure is prescribed for children who suffer from otitis media and adenoids. Adults can also take a course in the treatment of such ailments.
Allergic reactions and dermatitis. As you know, a special microclimate is created in a salt cave. It has a good effect on the condition of the skin. In addition, this procedure is recommended for people with acne and acne.
Respiratory diseases. Sodium and potassium chlorides improve the condition of the lungs, getting into them. Thus, such diseases are more easily tolerated.
Obesity. Even with this problem, a speleo chamber (salt cave) is a way out of the situation. After the procedure, metabolic processes are accelerated in it, and fat cells are also stimulated to decay.
Reduced immunity. As a rule, in this case, this procedure is used for the prevention of diseases.
Neurosis and insomnia. The salt cave allows you to improve your mood. And also the procedure puts the nerves in order.

Salt cave contraindications

There are several cases that, when visiting her, lead to negative consequences. Therefore, the doctor who prescribes this procedure first checks the patient for contraindications to the speleochamber. It also happens that the patient himself discovers possible restrictions on visiting the salt cave. So, the main contraindications for undergoing procedures in such a room are the following:

Renal failure. For a healthy person, visiting a speleological chamber is not considered dangerous. But for people with diseased kidneys, the procedure is contraindicated. This is explained by the fact that when you are in such a cave, salt enters the human body. And it negatively affects the condition of the kidneys.
Malignant tumors. If the patient has low-quality formations, then this procedure is prohibited.
Tendency to bleed. Any internal bleeding is a contraindication to visiting the speleochamber.
Tuberculosis. With this disease, it is impossible to carry out activities that involve a load on the lungs.
Any disease that is in the chronic stage of development.

Also, restrictions on visiting the salt cave apply to people who have cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension in the third stage of development is also considered a contraindication.

Speleological chamber: patient reviews

The opinion of people about the salt cave is divided into positive and negative.

So, some note the negative effect of the procedure. They say that all family members who visited this room fell ill afterwards. It should be noted that the first sessions in the speleochamber were held with other people. Perhaps because of this, the infection with a cold occurred.

There are also quite a lot of reviews about the positive impact of the salt cave. The good news is that it is these people who leave recommendations for visiting this procedure. They advise to go to the cave chamber only with a child, without strangers. They also note a calm sleep and strengthening the immunity of babies after it.

Also, some visitors recommend paying attention to the fact that there should be a light aerosol fog in the room, from which salt threads are formed. They say that only in this case there will be a positive effect from the procedure.

conclusions

Speleological camera - what is it? Now, having read the article, you can answer your child's question about this room. Do not forget that there are contraindications for visiting this room. Therefore, a trip to the salt cave should be coordinated with your doctor. In addition, follow a number of recommendations when visiting the speleological chamber, and then the effect of this procedure will only be positive.

For the treatment of some pathologies of varying complexity and duration, speleotherapy is used with great success. Being in salt caves is also suitable for the prevention and maintenance of tone in healthy people. The procedure is carried out underground or in specially equipped rooms of natural and artificial origin.

What is the difference between speleotherapy and halotherapy

For people with chronic respiratory diseases, it will be useful to know speleotherapy - what it is, where and how it is carried out. Speleotherapy is called being in a cave in which salt was previously mined. Optimum humidity, temperature and air saturation with useful components provide a therapeutic effect on the body.

Inhalation of salty air can be carried out not only in natural conditions, but also on the basis of hospitals, sanatoriums, medical centers and beauty salons

Halotherapy is artificially created conditions for inhaling salty air. To do this, the walls are lined with blocks of compressed salt. Additional equipment recreates air circulation, the necessary humidity and aerosol spraying of medicinal particles into the space. Halotherapy and a salt cave have differences in the method of formation, but their therapeutic effect is the same.

How salt caves appeared. Therapeutic effects of speleotherapy

The healing effect of being in salt caves was noted more than 2500 years ago. In ancient Greece, priests conducted healing sessions for people with coughs and asthma attacks. On the territory of modern Turkey are the ruins of the once famous medical complex - the temple of Asclepius, the god of healing.

Ancient healers noted that staying in underground caves alleviated nervous disorders, pain in the lower back and shoulders, and pain in the stomach. In ancient India, speleotherapy restored the strength of warriors after a battle. Israeli Aesculapius performed medical procedures and worked in caves.

Modern medicine turned to speleotherapy at the beginning of the 19th century. Treatment in salt caves and its effect on the body interested German, Italian, and later Polish, Czech and Austrian physicians. Special speleological hospitals, sanatoriums, rooms with the use of salt air were created.

In Russia, speleotherapy developed from Pyatigorsk, where people were lowered in baskets into a warm underground lake. Subsequently, this method of treatment began to spread and entered the sanatorium and health resort system.

The greatest benefit comes from a long stay in carbonate karst caves formed in salt deposits and limestones. The healing characteristics of speleotherapy are provided by the following effects:

Indications and contraindications for speleotherapy

An exceptional benefit is brought by the course for a long stay in rooms saturated with salty air. However, as with any medical procedure, there are indications and contraindications for a salt cave. The greatest therapeutic effect, long-term remission and prevention provides speleotherapy for respiratory diseases.

The main indications for treatment in a salt cave:

diseases of the respiratory system and ENT organs;

dermatological disorders;

allergic reactions;
neuropsychological disorders;

cardiovascular abnormalities.

Speleotherapy is used to treat certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system, organs of the gastrointestinal tract, and endocrinological pathologies. There are relative indications and contraindications for speleotherapy, which are determined only by the attending physician for a particular patient. The therapy is carried out outside the stage of exacerbation, without purulent processes and bleeding.

Speleotherapy is contraindicated in such diseases and conditions:

obstructive bronchitis, emphysema, pneumosclerosis, bronchial asthma;
acute diseases of the hematopoietic system;
malignant processes;
renal pathologies of any form;
open pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis;
claustrophobia;
hypertension, severe heart and lung failure;
diabetes;
bathophobia (fear of depth);
mental illness;
pregnancy;
increase in temperature indicators;
infectious diseases;
drug problems.

Before taking the course, it is necessary to study the indications for treatment in a salt cave and choose the most suitable location for the speleotherapy center.

The mechanism of action of salt caves

Inhalation of salty air has a complex therapeutic effect on the entire body, which is expressed in the following:

A small relative humidity, low air temperature and a high concentration of carbon dioxide contribute to the improvement of heat transfer and blood circulation, respiratory functions.
Salt decay products improve cardiovascular activity, relieve inflammation, restore immunity and respiratory capacity.
The absence of pathogens and allergens contributes to the strengthening of the body's immune defenses and the subsidence of allergic manifestations.
Negatively charged particles of atmospheric air, when in contact with the body, improve metabolism, accelerate the regeneration of tissues and the whole organism.

The mechanism of action of speleotherapy lies in the healing effect of salty air, which activates recovery after diseases, increases resistance to negative external factors and improves well-being. The period of remission in chronic pathologies increases significantly, in such cases the number of drugs used is reduced or the salt cave will completely replace drug treatment.

The benefits of speleotherapy for children

In childhood, inhalation of salty air is carried out from the age of two, in some cases at a younger age according to medical recommendations. Before visiting, it is necessary to study the indications and contraindications of salt caves for children and consult with a pediatrician. During treatment, the disease must be in remission.

Speleotherapy is carried out in the following pathological conditions in a child:

bronchial asthma;
chronic obstructive bronchitis;
ENT diseases
allergic reactions;
dermatological diseases;
cardiovascular pathologies;
neurological disorders.

Speleotherapy for children is carried out to prevent colds and allergic diseases during the off-season.

Contraindications to visiting salt caves and halotherapy:

acute infectious diseases;
purulent processes;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
oncology;
pathology of the hematopoietic system;
enuresis;
tuberculosis;
mental disorders;
disturbed structure of the nasal passages.

Speleotherapy is also undesirable at a temperature in a child, since it indicates an active inflammatory process in the body.

Speleotherapy in sanatorium conditions

Salt air treatment based on the sanatorium has many advantages:

the patient receives the maximum number of procedures for complete recovery and a tangible impact on the entire body in a limited time;
location of sanatoriums based on salt caves for procedures in natural conditions;
specially equipped speleological chambers for the convenience of vacationers;
a large selection of sanatoriums in accordance with financial capabilities, location and additional procedures and services.

You can study in more detail what speleotherapy is in a sanatorium, and choose a place of treatment using the Internet or contacting a therapist for advice and recommendations. Detailed information about the methods of influence and the effectiveness of therapy is described in the article "Goals and concepts of spa treatment."

The most famous salt caves and their location

Specially equipped speleocameras are easy to find in every country. If there is an opportunity to go for recovery to naturally created salt caves, you must choose the following countries and cities.