Purifying Temazcal

Mexico has understood the benefits of a temazcal ceremony for centuries. Part-sweat lodge/part-sacred ritual, participants have reported feeling physically, emotionally and mentally healthier.

The History of Temazcal Ceremonies

These ancient rituals have been part of Mexican and South American culture for around 1,000 years. The word itself originates from a Nahuatl word Temāzcalli, which translates to “house of heat.”

Thought to have derived from the Pre-Hispanic indigenous people of Mesoamerica, the cleansing ritual took place before and after battles and sports tournaments. It was also thought to have healing powers and was a place to give birth.

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What are the benefits?

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Temazcal, like other forms of steam room, has many physical benefits. Aston University in England, for example, notes the following five pros.

FLUSHES OUT TOXINS

Sweat helps to push out toxins — a catch-all name for generally harmful bodies that enter our systems. Getting rid of them can help to improve your overall well-being.

CLEARS SKIN

The steam produced by pouring cold water over the hot rocks helps to flush out impurities in the skin, clearing the pores and creating a smoother look. Steam rooms could also help to treat acne.

SUPPORTS WEIGHT LOSS

Increasing the amount you sweat can help you get rid of water weight. While not a cause for concern, water weight can cause bloating and be uncomfortable.

AIDS BLOOD FLOW

The heat in a temazcal ceremony will open up your capillaries, allowing blood to move around the body more easily. This has many benefits including increased oxygen levels and lower blood pressure.

 MENTAL BENEFITS

DECREASES RISK OF DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S

Sitting in a sweat lodge is understood to decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the scientific journal Age And Ageing.

RELEASES MENTAL BURDENS

Finally, many temazcal ceremonies involve deep contemplation akin to meditation. “It’s like… psychological therapy, It’s a very ancient ritual that we did for sanity, to be healthy, to be balanced, to stay calm in our minds.