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| Soaking feet in radon mine waters |
Our Five Days at Earth Angel Mines in Basin, Montana
By John Fisher (assisted by AI)
My wife and I recently spent five days with our daughter at Earth Angel Mines in Basin, Montana. Each day followed a simple routine: three one-hour sessions in the mine—morning, afternoon, and evening—with a period of rest after each dose. That added up to about three hours a day over five days. Between treatments we enjoyed the Boulder Hot Springs, which are only a short drive away. For lodging, we stayed right at the mine in one of their rental units, making the whole experience convenient and immersive.
This post is both a reflection on our time there and a practical overview of what you need to know if you are considering radon therapy.
Why People Seek Radon Therapy
Radon mines like Earth Angel are part of a small but long-standing tradition in the U.S. and Europe. The idea is that controlled exposure to low levels of radon gas may reduce pain and inflammation, especially for conditions like arthritis, back pain, or fibromyalgia. Visitors sit in the mine’s warm, humid tunnels where radon levels are naturally elevated.
Many people—ourselves included—go in search of symptom relief, improved mobility, and, in some cases, a reduction in medication use.
The Benefits Reported
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Pain relief: European clinical studies, especially in Austria, suggest that a short series of radon sessions can ease pain for several months. Some patients report being able to cut back on painkillers.
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Reduced inflammation: Recent research points to possible immune effects, such as dampening inflammatory pathways.
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Overall well-being: Beyond the science, there’s the subjective experience. Spending quiet time underground, then relaxing in the hot springs, gave us a sense of calm and renewal.
For us, the most immediate benefit was the structured routine—sessions, rest, hot springs—that encouraged us to slow down and focus on our health.
The Risks You Should Understand
Radon is not without controversy. It is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Even low-dose exposures add incrementally to lifetime cancer risk. For a short visit like ours, the increase is very small—on the order of 1 in 20,000 additional risk for a healthy nonsmoker—but repeated or prolonged visits could raise that number.
Other practical risks include:
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Humidity and heat: Mines maybe warm and damp, which can be uncomfortable for some people. The Earth Angel Mine stays cool at about 55°F (13°C). Wear layers to keep warm while underground, and be sure to drink water and rest after each session.
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Respiratory sensitivity: Anyone with lung disease should be cautious.
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Uncertain science: While many patients report feeling better, large-scale, long-term studies are still limited. (See other articles in this series.)
Pros and Cons in Balance
Pros
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Potential for meaningful, months-long pain relief.
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Restful, meditative environment.
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Combination with local hot springs makes for a holistic wellness trip.
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Lodging on site is convenient.
Cons
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Scientifically controversial and not widely accepted in mainstream medicine.
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Small but real cancer risk from radon exposure.
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Effects may fade over time and are not guaranteed.
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Not appropriate for everyone, especially smokers or those with serious respiratory conditions.
Final Thoughts
Our week at Earth Angel Mines was both a health retreat and a family memory. We valued the quiet time together, the structured rhythm of sessions and rest, and the chance to enjoy Boulder Hot Springs each day.
If you are considering radon therapy, weigh the potential short-term relief against the long-term risks. Go in informed, listen to your body, and always discuss such treatments with your healthcare provider—especially if you have pre-existing health issues.
For us, the trip was worthwhile not just for any physical benefit but also for the time it gave us to pause, reflect, and enjoy being together as a family.
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