Salt Gym for Covid-19 - 18th June 2021

This old salt mine is in southern Poland. It's a famous tourist attraction and health spa 130 metres below ground. People with breathing problems come here for salt therapy.

It's now providing treatment to people who have had Covid-19.

Doctor Magdalena Ramatowska says the salty environment stops infections.

Magdalena Ramatowska: "Here, above all, the air is pure, without allergens. This environment is excellent for the respiratory tract. There is high humidity, very few draughts and a richness of saline aerosol that acts against inflammation and the spread of bacteria."

Visitors enter the old mine in small groups. Doctors and physiotherapists check their fitness levels. After that, they recommend physical activities. These include dance classes and using exercise machines. There's also an activity where patients blow bubbles.

Patients have various issues because of Covid. They include physical pains, poor memory and balance problems.

Not all scientists think salt therapy works. Many think it has a placebo effect. But Agata Kita is one of the centre's physiotherapists. She sees huge changes in patients' health.

Agata Kita: Nevertheless, patients who have had Covid can return to a very good state of health. On average, their physical test results improve by 60 to 80 percent."

Poland's health system funds three week stays for Covid patients.

Covid sufferer Lucyna Szulc spent 20 days in hospital. She needed a ventilator to breathe for her. The salt therapy treatment is helping Lucyna.

Lucyna Szulc: "When I came out of the hospital, I had very weak breathing. Now I feel better. I also feel that my physical condition is improving."