Most often you will hear that temazcal — This is a traditional steam bath of the Mexican Indians, which served as an element of religious rituals. Indians wearing temazcal cleansed both body and soul. Today it is difficult to say which function of the temazcal was more important for the Mayans — utilitarian or spiritual. They could wash themselves in the river, but they didn’t go to the temazcal without a ceremony. This was not a specific tradition of the Mayans alone — Temazcal is present in the culture of many Central American peoples.
Temazcal is a low, spherical stone structure, sometimes quite cramped. There is a hole in the ceiling, and inside — a small fireplace made of hot stones. In modern temazcals, for convenience, the hearth in the form of an oven or fire can be located outside. Bonfire — it's also effective. The entrance, or rather the hole, located on the side is curtained after the ceremony begins. Water poured onto hot stones on the hearth creates steam, which fills the structure. Temazcal was not necessarily spherical and could generally have been built in a cave, dug into the ground, or built from tuff or bricks. It doesn’t matter at all what shape the room is and what it’s made of. The main idea was to fill this room with steam, sacred and cleansing. High temperature and humidity caused intense separation — just as it happens in our usual steam room. The word «temazcal» comes from Nahuatl languages, where temaz means steam and calli means house, in other words «steam house». The oldest temazcals were found in Palena, Mexico, and in Piedras Negras, Guatemala.
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What rituals the ancient Indians performed in a temazcal is not known for certain. However, the Mayans did not disappear anywhere; the indigenous people of Mexico continue to use temazcal to this day, and according to their traditions it is possible to judge the purposes for which a visit to temazcal should be made.
Temazcals, where they are most often taken on excursions, are created for the entertainment of travelers, commercialized and not at all authentic. Many brands have their own steam temazcals, calling them temazcal spas. But for the guests of the countries the show is important. Temazcal — this is not a building. Temazcal — it is a ceremony, a mysterious ritual. Consequently, the ceremony itself, conducted by the shaman, will be very colorful and impressive.
Before the ceremony, which is usually held in the evening, participants undergo a cleansing procedure with smoke from the resin of the copal tree. Often a small circle of stones is laid out next to the temazcal, and certain objects associated with the ancestors are placed there to create a spiritual connection. They are placed in the center of the temazcal, heated over a fire, even though the Indians heated them directly in the temazcal. Temazcal warms up, people sit along the walls, and the shaman begins his ritual. The stones are irrigated with herbal infusions, and healing steam fills the room. Sometimes herbs are burned directly indoors. Through chants, reading prayers and physical influence on the body (massage), the shaman makes guests relax, gain peace of mind and feel a connection with the world around them. By emphasizing the connection between body, spirit and nature, the shaman seems to stimulate spiritual rebirth.
Aromatherapy plays an important role and has healing effects. A variety of aromatic herbs and resins, bazork, rosemary, and flowers are used. Each plant — its symbolic meaning. The effect is strengthened by offering herbal tea. Therefore, temazcal — it is also a therapeutic procedure.
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A traditional temazcal can last quite a long time. But not everyone tolerates high temperature (about 50 degrees) and humidity well, therefore, for travelers, the steam cleansing ceremony usually takes 15 minutes or half an hour.
After the ceremony, it is recommended to wrap yourself in a sheet and lie down for a while, for example, on stones or in a hammock. If the temazcal is located near Saint Froma, immersion in its cool waters can also have a certain therapeutic effect.
Even if you don’t believe in shamans and spirits, you prefer spa, temazcal — this is exactly what will make your body completely relax, cleanse, and you will get a huge boost of energy.
You can look at the contacts of companies that make temazcal in Mexico here.