Deep breathing: the asthma clinic buried 250 metres into an Armenian salt mine

Deep beneath the outskirts of Yerevan, Armenia, a medical facility operates in an unusual setting. Patients descend 250 metres into a former salt mine to seek relief from respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic allergies. This facility, which has been active since 1987, relies on the environment of the mine itself, where the air is salt-saturated and free from common allergens or pollution.

For many who visit, this location is a sanctuary. Patients spend six hours a day in the underground chambers, where they nap, play billiards, and perform breathing exercises. Proponents of this practice, known as speleotherapy, point to the low rates of respiratory illness among salt mine workers as proof of its effectiveness. Doctors at the site claim that the consistent 19C temperatures and lack of external noise contribute to the healing process.

However, the future of this underground clinic is uncertain. In 2019, the Armenian government ended state funding for the facility, citing a lack of scientific evidence to support the benefits of speleotherapy. While the clinic continues to run, patients now pay approximately £20 per session to maintain their treatment. As Armenia reforms its healthcare system to focus on universal coverage, the clinic struggles to remain open.

Medical specialists remain divided on the practice. Many view the mine as a complementary space that might help manage symptoms but should not be a substitute for standard clinical care. Despite this debate, patients continue to travel from places as distant as Russia to receive treatment. For those who swear by the therapy, the quiet, allergen-free environment offers a respite that they cannot find anywhere else.