5 Types of Natural Healing and Therapy You'll Only Find in Egypt
Most tourists who travel to Egypt go there to visit the pyramids, explore ancient temples and tombs, and even swim in some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. What you may not know is that thousands of people come every year for what is called therapeutic tourism?
In the desert, in oases or by the sea, there are a host of natural treatments and therapies for a wide range of ailments, whether physical or psychological.
For the curious, here is a non-exhaustive list of natural therapies found in Egypt.
Siwa Oasis and Sinai Hot Mineral Springs
Egypt is home to over 1,300 natural springs, but the ones that are making a name for themselves when it comes to natural therapy are the hot mineral springs of Siwa in the Western Desert and Ayoun Massa, Hammam Moussa and Hammam Pharaoh in the Sinai. Balneology (treating illnesses by bathing in mineral-rich water) is not a proven science, but studies have shown it leads to measurable improvements in a host of different ailments.
Recommended for the treatment of chronic digestive diseases, gout, diabetes, rheumatism, high blood pressure, skin conditions and arthritis.
Thalassotherapy by the Red Sea
Thalassotherapy is the use of seawater for the treatment of medical problems; and not just sea water itself, but also sea mud, seaweed, sand and any other natural and pure material from the sea. It is extremely popular in the Dead Sea and has started to gain popularity on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea, with luxury hotels like Cascades in Soma Bay offering a wide range of thalasso-spa treatments.
Recommended for the treatment of back and muscle pain, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, hypertension, asthma, bronchitis. Some even praise its effects on weight loss and cellulite.
Safaga black sand treatment
Safaga is a small coastal town by the Red Sea located a few kilometers from Hurghada. Its black sand beaches
have been shown to contain three non-toxic radioactive elements in low doses that have been shown to be effective in therapy
rheumatoid and articular; uranium, thorium and potassium. The sand is also rich in other healing salts and minerals, including
including gold salt.
Recommended for the treatment of acute and chronic arthritis, skin inflammation and psoriasis, edema
joint and joint effusion.
Mud baths in Wadi Assal
Located in Ras Sudr on the Sinai Peninsula, Wadi Assal is a natural hot spring known for its mineral-rich mud. Locals cover themselves in mud from the spring (known for its anti-inflammatory properties) and then soak in the hot spring for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards, with the water temperature reaching over 50 degrees Celsius.
Recommended for the treatment of arthritis, joint pain, inflammatory skin conditions and muscle pain.
Bahot sand ins in Aswan and Siwa
What may seem like torture to some people is actually the treatment of choice for others. During the summer, with temperatures soaring, people looking for all kinds of relief from pain (and even infertility) do 3-5 days of hot sand baths and therapy led by health workers. experienced in Siwa and Aswan. Patients are buried up to their necks in hot sand for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by hot drinks and rest in a tent. No cold showers, cold drinks or air conditioning are allowed for the 3-5 days.
Recommended for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain, infertility and impotence.
