Sarcoidosis

Natural Relief for Chronic Inflammation

Sarcoidosis is one of the rarer chronic diseases—and can affect almost any organ. It often manifests itself in the lungs and skin in particular. This inflammatory systemic disease causes tiny nodules (granulomas) to form, which are accompanied by inflammation and impair organ function.

Many sufferers experience persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, joint problems, skin changes, or ongoing exhaustion. In its chronic form, sarcoidosis can have a massive impact on everyday life – every movement and every breath becomes an effort. Medications such as cortisone alleviate the symptoms but often have side effects.

The Gastein Healing Gallery offers a sustainable, gentle alternative – a natural therapy that combines heat, high humidity, and the noble gas radon. Studies show that sarcoidosis symptoms can be alleviated for up to 9 months and the need for medication significantly reduced – without the burdens of long-term cortisone therapy.

On this page:

Sarcoidosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Progression

The exact causes of sarcoidosis are still not fully understood. Experts suspect a misdirected immune response to as yet unknown triggers. Typical symptoms vary depending on the organs affected:

Sarcoidosis in the lungs: dry cough, shortness of breath, reduced lung function
Sarcoidosis of the skin: painful, inflamed skin nodules (erythema nodosum), skin redness, pigment changes
Sarcoidosis in the musculoskeletal system: pain in muscles, joints, and tendons
Fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes

In chronic sarcoidosis in particular, the main concern is usually the restriction of lung function. Without targeted treatment, the inflammation progresses, which can lead to permanent organ damage. Although chronic sarcoidosis is often incurable, the symptoms can be alleviated in the long term with appropriate therapy. A course of treatment in the Gastein Healing Gallery can also have beneficial effects on the disease.

How does radon therapy help with sarcoidosis?

Patient lying down during radon therapy in the Gastein Healing Gallery

Radon therapy in the Gastein Healing Gallery slows down inflammation in the lungs, skin, and musculoskeletal system, alleviates pain, and activates the body's self-healing powers. Three natural factors work together here:

Radon-rich air
Temperatures above 37.5 °C
High humidity (70–100%)

This combination triggers a mild hyperthermia effect – a kind of therapeutic fever that can relieve cramps, relax muscles, and improve blood circulation. Radon is absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract and stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory messenger substances (TGF-beta). At the same time, the activity of pro-inflammatory substances (TNF-alpha) is inhibited.

Another advantage: the pollen- and dust-free air in the tunnel provides additional relief for sensitive airways – like a vacation for diseased bronchial tubes.

The effects at a glance:

Gentle soothing of the respiratory tract: The warm, moist air in the tunnel relaxes the bronchial mucosa, alleviates irritation, liquefies thick mucus, and thus makes it easier to cough up.
Radon absorption through the skin and respiratory tract: When absorbed in small, natural doses, radon has a regulating effect on the immune system and inhibits inflammatory processes – directly at the site of action.
Activation of self-healing: Radon stimulates the body's own cell repair mechanisms and supports targeted immunomodulation – i.e., the correction of overactive immune responses, which are typical of sarcoidosis.
Therapeutic deep heat: The mild hyperthermia effect causes the core body temperature to rise slightly, triggering additional repair and regeneration processes.
Targeted anti-inflammatory effect: Scientific studies show a significant increase in the healing messenger substance TGF-beta after the treatment, which restores balance in the immune system.

Studies show: Radon alleviates sarcoidosis symptoms in the long term

People with sarcoidosis find proven and gentle treatment in the Healing Gallery—free of side effects. Scientific studies confirm that radon climate therapy can improve lung function and sustainably reduce inflammatory activity in the body.
Several studies confirm:

Long-lasting pain relief (up to 9 months)
Improved lung function and mobility
Significantly reduced need for medication – including cortisone
More energy and quality of life in everyday life

For many sufferers, this means less shortness of breath, less skin inflammation, less pain – and more freedom in everyday life.

Patient sitting on a lounger, touching the rock from the Gastein Healing Gallery with her hand

Radon heat therapy acts on the lungs, musculoskeletal system, and skin—helping to alleviate the three central problem areas of sarcoidosis simultaneously.

University lecturer Dr. Bertram Hölzl, MD

Scientific advisor

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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

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