#1
In the searing heat of summer in western Egypt, at the hottest time of the day, sufferers of rheumatism, joint pain, infertility or impotence lie buried neck-deep in the sand of Siwa near Dakrour Mountain
#2
Locals say taking a sand bath is a natural therapy with powers to cure many medical conditions
#3
Patients relax in the shade before treatment, which includes massages by the feet of health workers after they submerge their patients up to their neck in the desert
#4
A worker digs fresh holes for patients
#5
A patient grimaces as a worker covers his body in hot sand
#6
The patients are buried for 10-15 minutes
#7
Next the patients go into tents...
#8
...that have been uncovered and exposed to the heat of the sun so they act like saunas
#9
Patients can stay in the tents as long as they like
#10
A patient is helped from the tent
#11
Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease are not allowed to undergo the treatment
#12
Finally, the patients are not allowed to shower for three days after the treatment
