Chon-Tuz Salt Mine, Kyrgyzstan
Chon-Tuz Salt Mine
The method of treatment and preventive health improvement using the microclimate of natural salt caves has been known for many years. The emergence of this direction in medicine began in the mid-19th century when the first salt sanatorium was opened in the Polish mine "Wieliczka".
Today, salt mines in various parts of our planet are actively used for therapeutic purposes. This treatment method is called speleotherapy. Inhalation of saturated salt aerosol helps prevent respiratory diseases, eliminate allergic manifestations of any nature, and stimulates the body's defenses.
The incredible healing effect of staying in salt mines has led to a rapid increase in the popularity of this method in Europe and later in the territory of the former USSR. Today, natural salt caves are actively used for health and therapeutic sessions of speleotherapy, with their unique natural microclimate being the main therapeutic factor.
Chon-Tuz means "Big Salt," which is also the name of the nearest village and the deposit.
It is known that salt can cure a number of diseases, including allergies, neuroses, and bronchial asthma.
Chon-Tuz is a speleological sanatorium. The speleotherapy clinic is located in the southwest of the Kochkor district of the Naryn region, in the Chon-Tuz mine. The underground facility occupies one part of the "Chon-Tuz" mine. It has been operating since 1980 with a capacity of 120 beds.
It consists of a horizontal gallery within the Kök-Tö mountain, measuring 500 m in length, 5 m in width, and 3 m in height.
Located at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level, the climate is moderately continental.
It is equipped with wards for those suffering from bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and certain allergic diseases. The volume of microcrystals of salt in the air of the underground facility reaches 5-10 mg/m3, with 75% of the microcrystals measuring up to 5 microns, allowing them to penetrate to the bronchi.
The air is characterized by high natural ionization (from 4,000 to 11,000 ions per cubic meter). At the same time, the bacterial contamination of the air is low (from 3 to 5 microbes per cubic meter). The air in the speleological sanatorium cleans itself; if used correctly, allergens from plants, insects, etc., do not penetrate.
The air temperature is 8-10°C at any time of the year. Atmospheric pressure is 600 mm (Hg), and relative humidity is 45-65%.
In the mountain climate, the microclimate of the salt mine has a beneficial effect on the human body.
The unique combination of natural factors such as high altitude and increased concentration of aerosols in the speleological mines provides a powerful impetus for complex compensatory mechanisms. In response to high-altitude hypoxia, the pituitary-adrenal system is activated, playing an important role in adaptive processes.
The increase in the release of glucocorticoids, which have pronounced anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, is combined with the enhanced activity of the sympathetic-adrenal system. The activation of the latter positively affects the course of bronchial asthma, as it is known that sympathomimetic amines effectively relax bronchial tone and reduce mucosal edema. Such shifts can alleviate attacks of suffocation.
In the "fight for oxygen," hyperventilation develops, blood flow accelerates, the uniformity of ventilation-perfusion relationships increases, and oxygen diffusion improves. This is facilitated by the increased capacity of the pulmonary vascular system due to the centralization of circulation and changes in breathing mechanics due to reduced air density. Along with this, the respiratory capacity of the blood increases (the mass of circulating erythrocytes increases, and the hemoglobin level rises). Overall, the increased efficiency of gas transport systems and improved oxygen utilization in tissues contribute to a reduction in hypoxic phenomena observed in bronchial asthma.
Chon-Tuz is a speleological sanatorium. The desensitization of patients with bronchial asthma is aided by the low content of allergens and dust in the mountain air, while the change in nonspecific resistance is influenced by the high degree of air ionization and a large share of ultraviolet insolation. Normalization of the psycho-emotional state of patients is also of significant importance.
The therapeutic natural salt "Chon-Tuz" was formed in the ancient Kochkor lake about 40 million years ago.
The environment saturated with salt aerosols has a therapeutic effect, improving the rheological properties of bronchial mucus, promoting optimal functioning of the ciliated epithelium, exerting mucoregulatory effects, and enhancing the drainage function of the respiratory tract. Due to its physicochemical properties, this action of salt occurs in all parts of the respiratory tract, including hard-to-reach areas. Acting as a rehydrating agent, aerosols reduce bronchial mucosal edema and help decrease stagnant phenomena in the vessels. Salt ions have a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect on the microflora of the respiratory tract, promoting increased phagocytic activity and positively influencing local immune and metabolic processes. As a result, the mechanisms of sanogenesis in the respiratory tract are stimulated. Chon-Tuz is a speleological sanatorium.
The rocks in which the speleological mines are located consist of 97% salt; the floors are covered with crushed salt (Kochkor salt has a quality certificate). High ionization of the air is recorded in the treatment wards (up to 4000-5000 light negative ions and 2200-3000 positive aerosols).
The gamma background does not exceed the level on the surface of the earth. The effectiveness of treatment for atopic forms of bronchial asthma reaches 92%, while for infection-dependent forms, it is 67-78%.
For patients with neuroses and neurasthenic conditions, staying in the speleological mines is highly effective for normalizing sleep and reducing irritability, anxiety, and worry.
The main areas of activity of the center are the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with bronchial asthma, other nonspecific respiratory diseases, and allergic problems (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, Quincke's edema), as well as diseases of the nervous system.
Contraindications for treatment in the speleological sanatorium include tuberculosis, brucellosis, nephritis, glomerulonephritis, oncological diseases, rheumatism, hypertension of 2-3 degrees, diabetes mellitus, cold allergy, varicose veins of 2-3 degrees, enuresis, fear of confined spaces, and age under 5 or over 65 years.
You must bring: fluorography, blood test for RW, discharge from medical history, warm winter clothing.
You cannot bring deodorants, colognes, or other cosmetic products.
The cost of a 16-day package includes three meals a day, accommodation, speleotherapy, and computer allergy testing.
Standard rooms start from 23,290 soms for 16 days. This is approximately $341;
Junior suites start from 32,784 soms for 16 days. This is approximately $480;
Luxury rooms start from 73,627 soms for 16 days. This is approximately $1,078.
From the Kochkor center to Chon-Tuz, a taxi ride costs 50 soms per passenger/ about 30 minutes (you need to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver).
Entrance fee to the mine:
For foreigners: up to 5 people, the total cost is 500 soms; after 5 people, an additional 50 soms per person is required.
For Kyrgyz citizens: up to 10 people, the total cost is 300 soms; after 10 people, an additional 30 soms per person is required.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE
The gallery is furnished with soft furniture, near which multimedia systems are located. Each bedroom is additionally equipped with all necessary interior items. The bar will provide comfort during your stay underground.
ADDRESS AND CONTACTS
The sanatorium is located at the address – Kyrgyzstan, Naryn region, Kochkor district, village of Chon-Tuz
Postal code: 722500
Room reservations by phone:
Phone: (+996) 555 123211
Phone: (+996) 554 702977
WhatsApp: +996 709 702977
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://chon-tuz.kg
