The 3rd Moscow Congress of the Association for the Sand Therapy convened at the Russian New University, the most innovative federal platform for integrating sand therapy into the educational process , started its work October 22, 2021.
The Congress was opened by sand show performed by Alena Epanchintseva who created Fenix bird out of the sand. The Congress was named “Renaissance” which by the words of its organizers symbolized restoration of the society after the hardships caused by the several waves of pandemia: living from a lockdown to the next lockdown, a society is to be reborn as the Fenix bird did, thus restoring psychologically
Aleksandr Ognev, Doctor of Psychology, who is an academic supervisor of the Humanities Institute at RosNOU, the expert in the field of sand therapy, head of the federal innovation platform, in his speech dwelled upon the sources of the sand therapy and explained the essence for the application of this methodology to render psychological assistance for preserving vitality, resistance and composure not to fall into frustration but continue working.
By means of choice and arrangement of definite figures, reflecting initial and desirable psychological status, everyone can simulate live situations and alter one’s own condition by changing his/her behavioural suggestions from “I am unhappy, unsuccessful, disappointed” into “I am happy, successful, pleased with myself”.
Aleksander Ognev told about the findings achieved by the application of cardiometry and eye tracking. It was stated that after sand therapy a man normalized pulse rate and general body status alongside with the decrease in tension index.
There have been demonstrated clips showing application of sand therapy among air stewards, which simulate all stages of a flight as well as among rescue command staff drilling placements for fire brigades.
The researcher generalized the experiences of his students in China numbering over one hundred. In China sand therapy is being successfully practiced at schools and rehab centers for young criminals.
Aleksandr Ognev presented in details the research conducted by his student Fang Juan doctor of science, docent from Hainan University in video report “Development and application of sand therapy in China” .
