Thanks to the allegedly unspeakably beautiful Cleopatra at least one wellness tradition from ancient Egypt is well handed down: the famous bath in milk. But that was by far not the only way how you could relax more than 2,000 years ago. At that time, Psammotherapy was also widespread. In many parts of the world, the ancient wellness treatment is now being rediscovered. But what is psammotherapy anyway? And why should you try out this beneficial treatment?

What is psammotherapy?

The sand bath can be combined with massages. © Shutterstock

The term "psammon" comes from the Greek. It means "sand" and all organisms living in or on sand. Psammotherapy uses precisely this substance: sand. But not just any sand. It is cleaned in advance for therapeutic use and heated up to 50 degrees Celsius. For the "sand bath," those seeking rest are wrapped in a soft cloth. You lie in a special tub and are then covered with up to 475 kg of warm sand. However, the heart region and the face are left out.

What does psammotherapy do?

While the weight of the sand is evenly distributed and its warmth flows through the muscles, the body begins to relax. The vessels dilate and blood circulation increases. As a result, tensions are relieved and pain subsides. Psammotherapy is used primarily in sports medicine, for rheumatic and orthopedic diseases, in neurology and gynecology, and in urology.

Lava sand is also used. © Shutterstock

Scientifically, this treatment is not particularly well researched. But the fact is that amazing calm sets in as soon as you are covered with the sand. The effect is similar to that of a visit to the sauna, but many people tolerate the dry heat better than the hot and humid air in the sauna. People who have problems with the circulation should, however, as a precaution, refrain from the sand bath. Cleopatra may have been the first prominent woman to swear by psammotherapy, but she wasn't the last. According to rumors from the best spas in the world, Hollywood stars also rely on the treatment now.

Zen with sand. © Shutterstock

5 hotels that offer psammotherapy

Nova Maldives
Dhangethi, Maldives
Web: nova-maldives.com
Tel: +960 668 8777
Price: Doubles, all inclusive, from € 470,-

Designhotel Whitman
Plöner Ch 21, 24326 Ascheberg, Germany
Web: designhotel-whitman.co.uk
Tel: +49 4526 33900
Price: Doubles from € 115-

Laguna Palace Hotel
Riva Brioni, 17, 34073 Grado GO, Italy
Web: launapalacehotel.it
Tel: +39 0431 85612
Price: Doubles, all inclusive, from € 470,-

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141, United States
Web: carillonhotel.com
Tel: +1 866 800 3858
Price: Doubles from €603,-

Park Hyatt Dubai
Dubai Creek Resort - Park Hyatt Dubai - Dubai Creek Club St - Port Saeed - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Web: hyatt.com
Tel: +971 4 602 1234
Price: Doubles from € 265,-