In the early morning, it is easy to hear the sound of shovels and murmurs blend with the waves at An Sen Beach, Dong Son Commune, Quang Ngai. Around 15 people gather to help each other dig holes and bury themselves in the sand.
People bury themselves in the sand (Photo by Ha Xuyen)
In the pale morning light, figures lie still beneath the sand, with only their heads visible, a local practice for relaxation and relief from joint pain.
Nguyen Quoc Tien, 67, said he and his friends often visit An Sen Beach in the morning, first burying themselves in the sand before going for a swim.
“We dig holes about 40 cm deep, lie down, and cover ourselves with sand, leaving only the head exposed. It helps me feel relaxed,” Tien said.
The man is digging a hole to bury himself in the sand (Photo by Ha Xuyen)
According to Hong Thi Ha, 75, from Binh Son Commune, she has practised sand burial for over a decade. Rising early, she is at the beach by 4.30 am to dig a hole, bury herself, and lie still to relax.
After 30-40 minutes in the sand, Ha heads to the sea for a swim. She said the early morning sand burial and seawater help her cope with joint pain.
The early morning sand burial and seawater is seen as a way to relax (Photo by Ha Xuyen)
“Burying myself in the sand then swimming leaves me refreshed. More importantly, it has eased my joint pain, no more aching limbs,” Ha added.
Ha The Phong, Chairman of the Quang Ngai Traditional Medicine Association, said that sand burial followed by a morning swim helps refresh the mind and is beneficial to overall health.
Phong noted that sand burial is like mud bathing. It helps relax the body, and the minerals in the sand can help relieve joint issues.
