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The hot sand baths of Siwa


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. Locals say taking a sand bath is a natural therapy with powers to cure many medical conditions. Patients relax in the shade before treatment, which includes massages by the feet of health workers who also submerge their patients up to their neck in the desert. Patients drink mint tea in tents following the treatment. (Reuters)

Photography by Asmaa Waguih/Reuters

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