Information video (in english)

Patients of Heilstollen health centre:

A Ankylosing spondylitis patient: I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and chronic arthritis. That means that my cervical spine is becoming increasingly stiff and that lots of motions now cause pain due to the constant inflammations in my joints.

„I am here because I have fibromyalgia. This is a soft tissue rheumatic disease that causes pain all over my body. And now I can actually say that I can do a bit of sport again. I’ve got more quality of life.” says the fibromyalgia patient.

Heilstollen and its secret

The secret lies 2 km into the depths of Gastein’s Radhausberg mountain and is called radon. The noble gas relieves the suffering of about 90 percent of our patients. For almost an entire year.

Dr. Simon Gütl / Medical director: On one hand, the Gastein Heilstollen improves movement, reduces pain and then naturally, as a consequence, less painkillers have to be taken.

The patient: It feels very pleasant for the body because it is a beneficial warmth. You feel happy. You notice your body working. But it is simply a pleasant peace and that’s also good. It is simply good for the soul.

Natural healing

37 – 41.5 degrees Celsius, 70 – virtually 100 percent air humidity and natural radon content: The Gastein Thermal Water beneath the mountain supplies this unique combination. Heat and air humidity support the effect of the radon treatment. The treatment alleviates pain that is often noticed in joints and the spine.

Radontherapy in details

The noble gas, radon is absorbed through the lungs and skin and spreads rapidly through your body. A messenger is activated, which inhibits the inflammations and encourages healing. The repair mechanism of the cells is stimulated – long-lasting pain relief is achieved.

Radontherapy and science

Prim. Univ.-Doz. Dr. Bertram Hölzl / Scientific director: As well as all the medicinal treatments, there is a natural healing method that is definitely very effective for rheumatic illnesses and complaints. And this is also the only treatment option for a not insignificant number of patients. In the age of modern rheumatic treatment, there are also patients who only respond well to Heilstollen treatment.”

The exceptional healing power of the gallery was discovered coincidentally by gold miners in the 1940s. The yield of the precious metal is indeed disappointing. But for some miners, it is the discovery of their life. Their joint pain decreases markedly.

It has long been scientifically proven and globally recognised that the healing gallery help particularly with illnesses of the musculoskeletal system, such as ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia and rheumatic arthritis. This natural radon treatment also causes an impressive improvement for respiratory and skin diseases.

Health insurance companies will pay for the costs of treatment in many cases. Patients can receive help with the application from the Gastein Heilstollen.

Voiceover of health insurance company: The health insurance system in Austria and Germany is a very complex subject. Our chronically ill patients are often overwhelmed about how to pick their way through the system and, for this reason, the patient service has been set up explicitly to provide good information about this.

Heilstollen cure

A course of treatment lasts 2-3 weeks and comprises physical therapy – coordinated with the symptoms –, consultation and as much exercise as possible together with 8-12 descents into the healing gallery. The Gastein Valley offers the ideal circumstances for this as one of the most beautiful holiday regions in Austria.

What can the natural therapy do for patients?

„The Heilstollen has changed my life to such an extent that I am freer from pain now, can take part in more sporting activities and life in general, which was completely impossible at a certain time.“

„I have found a way to deal with this illness. That says pretty much everything really. The Heilstollen is my friend because it is good for me, plain and simple.”