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Desert Sand Heals: Ancient Chinese Therapy Offers Relief
29 Jun
Summary
- Hot sand therapy takes place in the Kumtag Desert, Xinjiang.
- Sand temperatures can reach nearly 50 degrees Celsius.
- The practice is believed to help with rheumatic and rheumatoid arthritis.
In China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the edge of the Kumtag Desert becomes a natural spa during summer months. From June to August, visitors flock to Shanshan county in Turpan for a unique therapeutic experience: being buried up to their chests in hot sand. This ancient Uygur medical practice offers a profound sense of relaxation and is described as an "ethereal" experience by those who partake.
The sand, heated by the desert sun, can reach temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius. This intense warmth induces heavy sweating, which is understood to stimulate metabolism and improve blood circulation. According to practitioners at the local Uygur medicine hospital, the therapy also aids in detoxifying the body through the pores.
Turpan, known for being one of China's hottest and driest locations, provides the ideal harsh environment for this natural remedy. The tradition has been used for generations to alleviate conditions such as rheumatic and rheumatoid arthritis, drawing individuals from afar seeking relief through this distinctive desert treatment.
