Temazcal: a spiritual & therapeutic ceremony performed inside indigenous sweat lodges
The ceremony is a spiritual and therapeutic practice that has been used for centuries in Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztec, Maya, and Olmec. It is a sweat lodge, made of adobe or stone, heated with volcanic stones that are doused with water to create steam. Participants sit inside the temazcal and are led through a ritual involving prayer, chanting, and the use of medicinal plants.
History and Significance:
Temazcal originates from the Nahuatl word “temazcalli” meaning "house of heat."
The ceremony is considered a physical, emotional, and spiritual cleansing process that helps participants release negative energy and emotions, and gain a deeper understanding of their connection to the natural world. It is believed that the temazcal can help heal physical ailments and promote overall well-being.
Benefits:
Studies have shown that the use of a temazcal can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. The heat and steam can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the body, and also aid in the release of toxins. The ritual and meditative aspects of the ceremony can also help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of emotional well-being.
Recommendations:
If you are interested in participating in a temazcal ceremony, it is important to find a reputable and experienced guide to lead the ceremony. Participants should also be aware of the potential risks associated with the practice, including dehydration, overheating, and respiratory issues. It is important to stay hydrated and communicate with the guide if you are feeling uncomfortable or unwell.
Similar Practices from Around the World:
The temazcal is not the only traditional practice that involves heat and steam for therapeutic benefits. Here are a few other similar practices from around the world:
Finnish Sauna: A traditional Finnish steam bath that involves sitting in a heated room and then taking a cold plunge.
Russian Banya: A Russian bathhouse that involves alternating between a heated steam room and a cold plunge.
Turkish Hamam: A Turkish bathhouse that involves a combination of steam, sauna, and massage.
Korean Jimjilbang: A Korean bathhouse that involves a combination of heated rooms and cold pools.
Challenges and Solutions:
One of the challenges associated with the temazcal ceremony is the potential for cultural appropriation and misuse of the practice. It is important to approach the ceremony with respect for its origins and cultural significance. Additionally, the use of medicinal plants and the heat and steam of the temazcal can pose risks for those with certain health conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in the ceremony.
What is it made of?
The construction of a Temazcal is simple, consisting of a dome-shaped structure made of natural materials such as adobe, stone, or mud. It’s warmed using volcanic stones that have been heated in a fire and placed inside the lodge, or next to it. The Temazcal is small in size, accommodating only a few people at a time (10-20), and is entirely dark. The heat and steam generated inside can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for healing.
How does it help physically?
The Temazcal is considered a symbol of birth and renewal, and its purpose is for physical and spiritual purification. The use of Temazcales for physical and spiritual purification has numerous benefits. Some of the most notable include detoxification, improved circulation, stress relief, immune system boost, and better skin health. Detoxification occurs as sweating helps the body eliminate toxins through the skin, which is one of the body's natural filtering channels. The heat generated dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles and tissues, reducing muscle tension, stiffness, and pain. Sweating also causes the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. Long-term exposure to high heat also increases the production of white blood cells, which can help boost the immune system. Additionally, it opens and cleanses the pores while removing impurities from the skin, improving overall elasticity and appearance.
Lastly, medicinal herbs are also used during the Temazcal. The steam released by them provides many health benefits to our organs and skin. You can place the leaves on the area of your body that needs healing (ie: Valeria’s lower belly/uterus) or you can rub them around your skin for them to release their essential oils and medicinal properties.
During some ceremonies, herbal infusions are also offered once you leave the Temazcal to help keep your body warm, and also for the herbs to work their medicinal magic.
How does it help spiritually and emotionally?
The Temazcal is Mother Earth’s uterus, considered to represent a woman’s uterus because of its round shape, warmth and darkness. This ceremony is supposed to help participants not only feel refreshed and rejuvenated but also go back to the moment they were in their mother’s womb. It is meant to help women and men heal the relationship with their mothers, or generational traumas. This ritual is also seen as a holistic remedy for uterine fibroids, physical trauma, fear of darkness, sexual trauma, depression, body aches, respiratory illnesses and more.
Rituals associated with the Temazcal vary depending on the community and its traditions, but they typically involve the use of medicinal plants and herbal remedies, chanting accompanied by indigenous instruments, and deep meditation. The purpose of these rituals is to connect with the spiritual world and purify the mind, body, and soul.
Whether used for spiritual or physical purposes, the Temazcal provides a unique and powerful experience that connects participants with their cultural heritage and the cosmic world.
Our thoughts?
There are differences in Temazcal ceremonies that range from where the hot volcanic rocks are placed (inside or next to the Temazcal) to the time spent inside, to the spiritual energy behind them. We have tried them all. Some, lasted 45 minutes and left us happy and energized, others lasted 3+ hours and felt like a psychedelic ceremony where our minds entered into different dimensions.
The ones we enjoy the most and repeat (weekly or biweekly) are the mild ones. The rocks are placed on the side of the Temazcal- it still gets very hot but not unbearably- and you get to walk in and out without the pressure of having to staying inside for hours. This Temazcal, has proven to be more healing for Valeria. She feels safe, connects more with the medicinal herbs proved to her by the Toci (Náhuatl name given to the medicinal “abuela” or carer of the Temazcal), enjoys giving love to her body at her own pace, and is usually done naked so the reproductive organs can absorb the steam of the medicinal herbs, and also detoxify.
We’ll be offering this type of Temazcal in all our retreats. Make sure you join our newsletter to stay up to date. (You can find the newsletter subscription at the bottom of our homepage).