Neuralgia & Polyneuropathy

Natural pain relief for nerve disorders

Neuralgia and polyneuropathy are among the most debilitating nerve disorders. They often occur as a result of other underlying conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or following infections, injuries, and operations—and can affect sufferers for the rest of their lives. The burning, stabbing, or electrifying pain makes everyday life a torment.

Many patients suffer from night-time pain attacks, tingling, numbness, or pronounced sensitivity to touch. Classic painkillers often have only limited effect or cause unwanted side effects. A natural way to effectively relieve neuralgia and polyneuropathy is a course of therapy in the Gastein Healing Gallery.

In the unique healing climate of the tunnel, radon, heat, and high humidity specifically target the typical symptoms. Studies and many years of experience prove that pain relief can last for months—without the side effects of conventional painkillers.

On this page:

Neuralgia & Polyneuropathy – Causes, Symptoms & Progression

Neuralgia is a sudden, often very severe pain that occurs along an irritated nerve. Typical forms include facial pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia, back pain caused by irritated nerve roots, or intercostal neuralgia in the rib area.

Polyneuropathy, on the other hand, affects the peripheral nerves—usually starting symmetrically in the feet, but the hands can also be affected.

It is often caused by metabolic disorders, alcohol abuse, infections, or certain medications. Multiple sclerosis can also be associated with neuropathic pain.

Typical symptoms:

Burning, stabbing, or shooting pains (neuralgic pain)
Tingling, numbness, or abnormal sensations
Excessive sensitivity to pain even with light touch
Muscle weakness and impaired coordination of movement

Chronic nerve pain is treacherous: the pain memory can perpetuate the symptoms even when the original trigger no longer exists. That is why early and targeted treatment of neuralgia is important.

How does radon therapy help with neuralgia and polyneuropathy?

The combination of radon-rich air, mild hyperthermia (above 37.5°C) and high humidity (70–100%) in the Gastein Healing Gallery has a special effect:

Radon absorption through the skin and respiratory tract: The body is stimulated to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances and reduce the pain-mediating substance P. This can effectively dampen nerve irritation and pain signals.
Influence on endorphins: Radon can modulate the body's own pain processing, resulting in pain being perceived as less intense.
Heat effect: Deep muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation relieve accompanying muscle tension and increase mobility.

Pain relief often begins towards the end of a complete course of treatment in the Gastein Healing Gallery, with the effect usually intensifying in the weeks that follow and lasting for many months.

Experience: Long-term effects on nerve pain

Observations in the Gastein Healing Gallery show that radon therapy can significantly reduce neuralgic pain and discomfort associated with polyneuropathy. Patients report:

Months of pain relief
Improved sleep quality
Reduced need for pain medication
Fewer movement restrictions

Patient with fibromyalgia exercises with a physical therapist on the wall bars in the healing gallery.

To make the treatment of neuralgia even more effective, it makes sense to combine different methods. In addition to Gastein Healing Gallery Therapy—which forms the basis for pain relief, so to speak—additional therapies such as physical applications, acupuncture from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), or neural therapy can be used.

Gentle exercises and holistic movement therapies also support the healing process.

Patients tell their stories

Experience reports

Christa Limmer

59, Reisbach, Germany

Chronic pain caused by rheumatism dominated Christa Limmer's life for a long time – until she discovered the Gastein Healing Gallery. Thanks to natural radon therapy, she is now virtually pain-free and has regained her quality of life. In this interview, she talks about her impressive experiences.

To the experience report

Katy Kramer

49, Hamburg, Germany

One illness rarely comes alone. At least, that was the case for Katy. Now 48, she suffered from a skin condition at the age of 10. Then joint inflammation set in. It turned out to be psoriatic arthritis. Later, bronchial asthma developed, and fibromyalgia was also suspected for a long time. A personal account.

To the experience report

Petra Grube

64, Loitz, Germany

Since 1952, 125,000 patients with ankylosing spondylitis have found relief in the Gastein Healing Gallery. Behind this number are personal stories and successes: less pain, more mobility, a new zest for life. A treasure of nature, confirmed by studies. The anniversary patient reports on her experiences.

To the experience report

Elisa Pachernik

27, Heiligenkreuz, Austria

Back pain? It's harmless, right? Not for young people with ankylosing spondylitis. This chronic disease often starts early, but is only diagnosed late. Elisa Pachernik experienced exactly that. Her symptoms began at age 14, and she received a definitive diagnosis at 19. She talks about how she learned to live with the disease.

To the experience report

Sandra Klossowski

56, Glücksburg, Germany

Sandra's (54) life is dominated by the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia. She has been in pain since her youth, and the condition has led to her early retirement. Nevertheless, this cheerful woman manages to deal with her condition in a positive way. An interview about the ups and downs and why it is important to give the condition a face.

To the experience report

Barbara Richter

70, Wolfsburg, Germany

Barbara battled fibromyalgia for over 20 years. Her life was dominated by endless visits to doctors, countless therapies, and strong medications with severe side effects—all without success. It was only in the Gastein Healing Gallery that she found help: radon heat therapy gives her up to 10 months of pain relief and a new zest for life.

To the experience report

Sabine Cauli

60, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany

After my stay in the healing gallery, I am usually pain-free for almost 10 months and only need to take tablets very rarely. Sabine has been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for 38 years. Today, she has hardly any symptoms. Her recipe for success is treatments in the Gastein Healing Gallery and a mindful lifestyle. In this interview, she talks about her experiences.

To the experience report

Günther Gruber

51, Naarn, Austria

"I can no longer imagine life without the healing gallery. For me, it is the most important remedy and, along with daily exercise and plenty of movement, helps me to live with my illness with just one tablet a day." Günther talks about his experiences and why he had the healing gallery logo tattooed on his body.

To the experience report

Rosa-Hermine Biermeier

72, Wolkersdorf, Austria

Rosa (69) has been suffering from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years. At first, she was even confined to a wheelchair. She describes the Gastein Healing Gallery as "a gift." After a course of treatment, she no longer needs painkillers for many months. We spoke to her about her experiences with rheumatoid arthritis:

To the experience report

Birgit B.

Saxony, Germany

Pain dominated her life for years—until Birgit B. from Saxony found a way to manage her osteoarthritis without medication. In this interview, she explains how a treatment program at the Gastein Healing Gallery has enabled her to walk, sleep, and enjoy life again. A story full of hope and a new quality of life.

To the experience report

Healing Gallery Treatments in Gastein

Therapy & Services

Radon therapy in the Gastein Healing Gallery is tailor-made: doctors generally recommend eight to twelve sessions in the warm Healing Gallery. Each session lasts around one hour, during which time the combination of radon, warmth, and humidity has an intense effect.

Procedure

A train takes patients directly into the interior of the mountain, where the body relaxes at a constant temperature of over 37.5 °C and high humidity. The radon-rich climate has a powerful effect on inflammatory processes, the immune system, and pain receptors.

Therapy Procedure

Complementary Therapies

Depending on individual needs, the stay in the Healing Gallery can be supplemented by physical treatments such as massages, exercise therapy, or physical therapy. This provides ideal support for the recovery process.

Physical Therapies

Prices & Reimbursement

Therapy in the Gastein Healing Gallery is recognized by health insurance companies in Austria, Germany, and South Tyrol. However, many patients also come to the Healing Gallery as self-payers.

Prices & Reimbursement

Arrange a free medical consultation with our team of specialist doctors now:

Schedule an Appointment