Nestled in a serene valley near Turkiye’s Aegean coast, a unique form of natural healing is quietly drawing people seeking relief from chronic ailments. On his farm in Karaburun, Izmir, veteran beekeeper Huseyin Ceylan has turned traditional beekeeping into a form of therapy—using hive air to comfort and calm those in search of wellness.

The method, known as apitherapy—from the Greek word for bee—invites guests to breathe in air circulated directly from beehives. Though not officially endorsed by Turkiye’s health authorities, the practice is gaining traction among those who value alternative and complementary treatments. Similar methods are also used in countries such as Germany and Russia.

Ceylan, who comes from a long line of beekeepers and holds a degree in agriculture, began experimenting with hive air therapy 15 years ago. For him, it’s not about replacing conventional medicine but enhancing it.

“We don’t oppose Western medicine—on the contrary, it’s crucial,” said Ceylan. “But apitherapy works alongside it. I’ve spent years researching this and advocating for its integration into modern healthcare.”

A Breath of Natural Relief

Guests typically stay in modest wooden cabins on Ceylan’s bee farm, surrounded by rich greenery and the gentle hum of honeybees. Each day, they spend up to three hours in specially ventilated rooms where air from active beehives is gently piped in through tubes.

The scent varies from hive to hive, giving each session a distinct aroma. Some visitors describe it as earthy and comforting, while others find it nostalgic. Sessions are structured, with each person inhaling from three separate hives in 45-minute intervals. The experience costs around 5,000 lira (approximately $128) per day, which includes meals and lodging.

Stories of Resilience and Reflection

For many, the therapy is more than just physical—it taps into memory and emotion. Senay Ilham, a 68-year-old cancer survivor, says the hive air reminds her of childhood days spent near beekeepers.

“It’s like a scent from the past,” she shared. “It soothes me, both in body and mind.”

Another participant, 69-year-old Ulku Ozman, turned to the therapy after repeated surgeries left her immune system depleted. A friend recommended the bee air treatment, and she found it not only rejuvenating but peaceful.

An Ancient Practice, A Modern Quest

Though it remains outside official medical recognition, apitherapy is increasingly supported by anecdotal evidence and grassroots interest. Ceylan continues to present his findings to government bodies, hoping one day the therapy will gain broader legitimacy.

Until then, his bee farm remains a haven for those who believe that nature—and the bees—hold healing power beyond honey.