Top 5 Benefits of Temazcal
What is a Temazcal?
Before we talk about the Top 5 Benefits of a Temazcal, we must understand it’s origins and history. Mayans and Aztec cultures have been practicing steam baths for more than 2000 years in various forms. The most common iteration has its origins from the center of the Mexican Republic known as the great Tenochtitlán and its surroundings.
More than a spa treatment, the Temazcal is a cultural experience of an authentic Mayan steam bath or sweat lodge. In Temazcal they merge harmoniously ancient Mayan wisdom and herbal medicine. The word derives from the terms tetl, Mazcatl and Calli, which together mean “steam house of stones”.
Warriors would have a Temazcal before and after battle. Women would have a Temazcal while giving birth in labor. The purpose of the Temazcal is to be reborn or rebirth. A new being. It is to heal and purify the mind, body and soul. The ceremony represents a return to the womb of Mother Earth, and is still used today in many parts of Mexico and Central America for spiritual and health reasons.
The ritual has endless physiological and psychological benefits, and works as an excellent stress reliever because it detoxifies and regenerates cells. The vapor created by the mix of essential herbs provides a long list of Temazcal benefits: it clears the digestive tract, improves blood circulation, energizes tired muscles and cleans the skin. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Benefits of a Temazcal.
1. Aid in healing and recovery
As mentioned, the Ancient Mayans often carried out Temazcal rituals for warriors returning from battle, and new scientific studies also support this practice. Thermal therapy increases blood circulation, thereby delivering vital hormones to areas of the body that most need them for recovery. It’s really helpful in treating respiratory problems. Exposure to heat can also help reduce pain in patients with arthritis because it stimulates the release of endorphins and hormones such as adrenaline.
2. Detox your skin
A Temazcal will clear and soften your skin by promoting the regeneration of skin cells. It is excellent process to heal, tone, cleanse your skin.
3. Aids in stress and depression
A Temazcal helps your muscles and nervous system relax. You will learn breathing exercises to lower your heart rate and relax. While stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, breathing practices supply the brain with increased oxygen and stimulate the parasympathetic system, which has the opposite effect, eliciting a relaxation response.
The Temazcal also releases negative ions into the air, which can help boost energy, alleviate depression and relieve stress. Negative ions are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge and are created through air molecules breaking apart— in the case of the Temazcal, through moving air and water. Once the negative ions reach the bloodstream, they produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood-enhancing chemical, serotonin.
3. Cleanse the respiratory system
A Temazcal is useful to release toxins and impurities from your organs such as your liver, kidneys and lungs. It can temporarily relieve the symptoms of the common cold by clearing and opening up your lungs and respiratory system.
What is the process?
Your Temazcalera, will meet with you to check your health and any issues you want to address. This healer will use a hand-held fan made of herb leaves and a small vent at the top of the Temazcal to adjust the temperature to a level that’s perfect for your body. Your Temazcal will encompass 4 doors or passages.
1. Quetzalcóatl. We use the plant rue to cleanse our energy field so that we have a good experience and receive the medicine that is to come.
2. Huichilopochtli. We work with the energy of strength and will when we have to get rid of our bad habits, addictions, and problems. We work with chamomile plant. It is a sweet plant to calm our minds and our anxiety.
3. Chipetotek. This is where we shed our skin and work with rosemary plant to help us detoxify our liver and kidneys.
4. Mixlantecuhtli. This is where we will remain resting and let go of our past and where we are going to be reborn. We work with basil plant. The basil helps us with mental alertness or awakening when used in aromatherapy.
These unique herbs and chants will be chosen specifically for your needs and health benefits.
To book your Temazcal, Whatsapp message us via our Facebook page here or Whatsapp below. 
Rudolph Lim
