Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
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Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine
Karpaty region of Ukraine. Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine
Used for many years, Speleotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with breathing problems. Located in Solotvyno, Ukraine, Salt Mine is one of the most unusual hospitals on Earth. In particular, under Earth – hundreds of meters below the surface. The author of these photographs Kirill Kuletski, known Russian photographer. For decades, Salt Mine tunnels have hosted patients with various bronchial blockages, asthma and breathing problems. In the Solotvyno allergological hospital patients use to suck up the curative air. According to Kuletski, the atmosphere among patients is “calm and relaxed”, despite the “appallingly unsafe conditions.”

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
Patients go through successful Speleotherapy in the Salt Mine tunnel

“The presence of kids wearing safety helmets and cheap plastic sheets to protect them from dripping water from the ceiling make being there even more surreal,” says Kuletski.

Speleotherapy in Salt Mine
Inside the hospital

According to doctors at the Solotvyno allergological hospital, airborne salts have the capacity to dissolve stubborn phlegm and kill off microorganisms known to cause infection. However, experts in other regions of the world aren’t sure of the benefits.

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
The canteen in Solotvyno Salt Mine. The patients wish alongside with the effective treatment would be more comfort, in accordance to world standards of heath resorts

About 300 meters below ground, Shaft No. 9 of the Solotyvno Salt Mine, the deepest in the world used for Speleotherapy. Noteworthy, it transports over 5,000 patients each year. At any given time, 200 people will be recuperating in the saline grottoes, staying for afternoon or overnight sessions. Patients, a third of whom are children, usually return for 24 consecutive days.

Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
Medical equipment
Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
Doctors room in the hospital
Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
Speleotherapy premises in the salt cave look like a basement or warehouse, much has to be done to make this place more attractive
Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
Noteworthy, the treatment used in Solotvyno Salt Mine hasn’t changed since the Soviet Union times
Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
According to visitors reviews, this place is far from being comfortable and attractive for tourists. So, it’s up to you to decide to go to Solotvyno Salt Mine, or not
Speleotherapy in Solotvyno Salt Mine in Ukraine
Inside the Solotvyno Salt Mine

www.kuletski.com