Bad Kreuznach has a European-wide unique spa treatment at its disposal in the form of radon therapy in a radon tunnel. Bad Kreuznach created the first tunnel in the world to be used for radon therapy in a disused mercury mine. There are similar facilities in Austria, Russia and South America. Nowhere else though are the conditions, especially for elderly people and people with poor circulation, so favourable.

The air in the radon tunnel contains minimal but absolutely safe amounts of the radioactive gas radon. This develops from the metal radium that is found in the volcanic stone of the rock massif.

The chemist Dr. Karl Aschoff from Bad Kreuznach discovered radioactive radiation in radon in the year 1904. Inhalation therapy has been practised since 1912. By activating the immune system through radon therapy, illnesses such as bronchial asthma, allergic respiratory diseases and especially rheumatic diseases are successfully treated.

Treatment consists of ten one-hourly sessions during which patients inhale the pleasant, almost dust free, dry, warm air in the radon tunnel. The radon which has been inhaled, is completely broken down within 30 minutes. The success of the treatment is due to activation of the metabolism by the radon.

Long-range studies have shown the effectiveness in pain treatment especially of patients with Morbus Bechterew. After treatment, patients are able to do without pain-killers with damaging side-effects for longer periods of time.

Radon therapy is only available on prescription. Contact a spa doctor or the Crucenia Health Centre.