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Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Nakhichevan, an area about 420 kilometers west of the Azerbaijani capital Baku, has a long list of historical monuments, including towers, castles, tombs and even caves.
But the Duzdag Salt Mine, or “Salt Mountain,” the largest medical tourism facility in the region, is a particularly attractive destination.
These mountains hide a health resort. Photo credit: Camilla Rzayeva
Located 110 meters below the Earth’s surface, this target offers an alternative complementary treatment for respiratory diseases in chambers that were first hollowed out almost 5,000 years ago.
Retreat in the mountains
Duzdag Physiotherapy Center was founded in 1979. Photo credit: Camilla Rzayeva
These caves are located in the mountains and at an altitude of 1,173 meters.
The modern physiotherapy center was founded in 1979 on the site of a salt mine discovered by archaeologists in the 1970s.
It is believed that people have lived here since the third millennium BC. Salt was mined in the 1st century BC and exported to the Middle East.
Legend has it that a local child engraved these images in salt caves. Photo credit: Camilla Rzayeva
It is not clear exactly how the caves became famous for their healing properties, as many stories offer different explanations.
For example, one legend says that the caves have long been respected by locals, who consider Duzdag salt sacred for its healing properties.
During excavations in the 20th century, archaeologists are said to have improved after an illness with bronchitis and asthma.
Salt therapy
Salt therapy is nothing new. Photo credit: Camilla Rzayeva
Salt-based treatments are nothing new.
In mid-19th century Poland, a salt mine doctor named Felix Buczkowski noticed that miners rarely suffered from respiratory illnesses.
Buczkowski is considered the founder of what later became known as “halotherapy”, i.e. the inhalation of air laden with small salt particles to improve breathing.
It is believed that people have lived here since the third millennium BC. BC Salt is mined. Photo credit: Camilla Rzayeva
The popularity of this treatment has increased in recent years, although the scientific community is not convinced by the consensus on its benefits.
Experts noted that salt in the air can help thin mucus in the respiratory tract and wick away moisture, and salty environments are usually free of allergens.
However, because there is no evidence-based evidence to support the creation of medical guidelines, the American Lung Association recommends always consulting a doctor before this treatment.
Salty shine
What sets the Duzdag complex apart is its horizontal location, which allows patients to gradually acclimate to the cave conditions as they walk to their rooms, located about 300 meters from the main entrance.
A winding road first leads to the elegant, one-story wooden building of the physiotherapy center, which contrasts with the mysterious light walls inside the tunnel.
What is immediately noticeable, even before entering the caves, is the very distinct smell of “Duzdag” salt, which is quite different from the light salty breeze blowing from the nearby Caspian Sea.
The thickness of the glittering salt layers on the walls is 8.2 meters, and you will never feel that the spacious tunnel is cramped as it offers seating on both sides and a relaxation area with a TV screen and tables.
If you examine the pink rocks near the walls, you will see that they are also made of salt.
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