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‘Speleotherapy.’ pro tem, Sylvia Beamon

What exactly is speleotherapy?

Because the author became a chronic late-onset asthmatic in 1976, and already having some considerable knowledge of the underworld, she became even more interested in the alleged ‘cure’ for asthma.

Speleotherapy*, used as a therapeutic measure for asthma and other pulmonary ailments, involves the use of subterranean microclimates which hold a constant temperature and humidity together with increased electronegativity seen in natural salt, potash and karst caves and mines. Whilst treatment is virtually unknown in the United Kingdom or the United States of America (US), it has considerable widespread use in Russia and some fourteen Central and Eastern European countries where the treatment is fully accepted under their respective national health authorities. The science behind the treatment can now be revealed.

In a significant number of Continental countries, also Russia, Japan, and Boulder, Montana, US (the only area in America), a different form of underground treatment is used: radon gas inhalation and, confusingly, it is sometimes called ‘speleotherapy’. Radon gas forms in galleries and chambers from former uranium, gold or silver mining activity, and is partaken by people in measurable doses according to their country’s scientific recommendations. More common is above ground radon balneology. These medical interventions are primarily for inflammatory and rheumatic conditions, also for boosting the body’s immune system. There are claims for radon aiding asthma, eczema and other maladies, which is discussed in the body of this work.

The writer believes the two forms of speleotherapy should be discussed and kept separate since the geological strata are very different.

What is a halochamber?

The ‘halochamber’, also known as a speleoclimatic chamber and/or Vital Air chamber, includes the ‘salt room’ lately gaining in popularity attached to spas. All are artificially man-made above ground buildings simulating underground clinics. The most important factor, as mentioned, is the atmospheric composition found in various types of bedrock, which has to be reproduced within the built chambers. Once up and running, the halochamber is ready to accept patients with lung complaints, especially asthma, for timed treatment.

The word ‘spelaeology’, or more commonly spelt ‘speleology’, occasionally ‘spileology’, means the study of natural caves, normally carried out within the outward-bound sport of potholing and caving. This connotation could be the main reason why the British, those mostly on the western side of the Continent, and US people are not familiar with ‘speleotherapy’ - treatment for respiratory conditions? Yet widely recognised elsewhere.