Poland's salt mine spa

This former salt mine is a popular tourist site in southern Poland. It's been a health resort for around 200 years. Patients with lung problems receive salt therapy here.

This healing space recently became a Covid-19 recovery centre, 130 metres below ground. It's helping patients who are suffering with the aftereffects of the disease.

Doctor Magdalena Ramatowska explains the benefits of the salt atmosphere.

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 access the former mine in a small lift. They are assessed by doctors and physiotherapists, who assign them each activity. The therapy combines dance classes and gym workouts with exercises blowing bubbles.

Doctors here have seen over 50 different physical and psychological health problems from Covid-19. There are problems with muscle and joint pain, balance and coordination, and memory and concentration.

Experts disagree on salt therapy's effects and many believe it's a placebo. However, physiotherapist Agata Kita is convinced. She sees patients who visit the spa improve significantly.

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."

The country's public healthcare system prescribes Covid patients three weeks' treatment at the resort.

Covid-19 left Lucyna Szulc on a hospital ventilator for 20 days. It left her very weak, but the salt therapy has improved her condition.

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."

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