Medical caves
In medical caves there are treatments (speleotherapy) which qualify as special climatic therapies. The microclimate in these caves is dependent on the annual mean temperature of the place, the depth of the cave, its ventilation and the quantity and temperature of cave waters. The composition of air is dependent on the geological features of the cave, the flow of air in it, as well as its water supply. Cave air can usually be characterized by cleanliness, high relative humidity, favourable chemical composition, the favourable chemical composition of its vapour condensation, stable temperature and its abilities for self-purification.
Since cave air is absolutely free of dust, germs and allergens, there is high CO2 content in it, which intesifies the operation of the respiratory centre, and, in addition, there are anti-inflammatory Ca, Mg and I ions in it, primarily it is the patients suffering from respiratory diseases who can utilize cave air with the most benefit. The effectiveness of cave climate, especially, when complemented with other therapies, is by far better than the efficiency of the sanatoria of high mountain resorts. (Horváth Zs. 1992).
In Hungary’s karstic areas there are several caves, but only a few of them qualify as medical cave. These are as follows:
Abaligeti-cave (Mecsek):
The annual mean temperature of the cave is relatively high: (12,6°C). The relative humidity is 97 %, the flow of air is minimal. Its vapour-rich air, due to the presence of anti-inflammatory Calcium-ions in it, the air reduces the complaints of patients suffering from a variety of respiratory diseases, asthma and allergies. In the Abaligeti-cave patients are also exposed to mild radioactivity and this is beneficiary for people with silicosis and other similar respiratory diseases.
Béke-cave in Jósvafő (Aggteleki-karst):
The Béke-cave is Hungary’s second largest cave. The therapeutic effect of its climate was recognized long time ago and this is why in 1965 it became the first medical cave not only in Hungary, but in the world, too. The length of the corridors of the cave is 9 km, and an area of about. 340 m2 is used for therapeutic purposes. The air in the cave is dust-free, its vapour and salt content are very high. Its therapeutic effect is complemented by antibiotics, produced by the spores of mould fungi, thus the air in this cave is ideal for people who suffer from bronchitis and asthma. (10).
The medical cave of the Hospital of Tapolca (Tapolca-basin):
The cave with a lake, which is located in the town of Tapolca is a unique phenomenon in Central Europe. Its special beneficial climate was known to people in the past, too. Its permanent temperature of 18°C , its humid, clean air make it possible to treat patients with asthma, allergies and other diseases of the respiratory system effectively. The dry corridors of the cave are used for therapeutic purposes; this part of the cave is called ’hospital cave’ and it was explored as early as 1925.
Budapest (District II.) Szemlőhegyi cave, „Corridor of Giants” (Budai-hills):
It is one of Budapest’s most valued natural resources. 2.2 km of the cave system was explored and it is an extensively protected site. Its air is free of dust and germs and this is why the cave is suitable to treat patients with asthma and other respiratory problems. The tempreature of the cave is the same throughout the year (12°C). The cave can be visited by people who use wheelchairs, too. (meteoline.hu).
Miskolc-Lillafüredi Szent István-cave;"Black Hall" (Bükk):
This cave is 340 m long and 55 m deep. Its temperature is permanent, its air is cold, humid and exceptionally clean and free of allergens. In 1988 part of the cave was redesigned for the treatment of patients suffering from respiratory diseases.
For further details see: http://www.meteoline.hu/?m=333
Hungary has got reserves as far as cave therapy is concerned. Cave therapy is still of low intensity and capacity, so they primarily treat local patients with doctors’ referrals. It is the Béke cave which can receive a relatively large number of people, but it has only a sanatorium next to it. The proper infrastructure, a health complex of considerable size, which would be necessary for health tourists, is still non-existent. Another problematic area would be the peaceful coexistence of health tourists and ’plain’ tourists within the same cave. (Horváth Zs. 1992).