What is Temaxcal
or Aztec steam bath?
Temazcal is an ancient healing ritual, which
dates back to the Aztecs and the first Spanish
conquistadores documented this practice. Temazcal is still
practiced today in the Mexican region of
Oaxcaca by the last indigenous population living there.
The word temazcal, in the Nahuatl language derives from the
words temaz which means 'bath', and from calli which means
'home'.
Temazcal or Aztec steam bath, Mexico – how it is practised
Temazcal is an herbal steam bath, practised inside a dome-like
structure, made of clay with a low ceiling. The heat is produced
by heated volcanic rocks, upon which the temazcalera (the
lady in charge of the temazcal)  puts
herbs that have healing properties (different herbs are used
according to the ailment that needs to be cured) and sprinkles
herbal tea in order to generate vapour. The temazcalera is
the person who chooses which herbs to use according to the
illness and she also decides whether to rise or lower the
temperature inside the dome, according to the patient’s
reactions and needs. During the ceremony, the temazcalera
may gently beat the bather’s body with herbs.
The steam bath in the temazcal
usually lasts about 45 minutes (although time may vary according
to the patient’s needs), after which the bather is wrapped
in a dry cotton sheet, allowed to relaxed and massaged.
Simbolic meaning of temazcal
In Aztec culture, temazcal was not only part of a healing
process, but also had high religious and symbolic meanings.
The goddess of the sweat bath was called Temazcalteci, and
she was one of the manifestations of  Teteoinan,
the mother of gods. The way in which temazcal were built incorporated
the elements of Aztec cosmology and even today temazcal are
built following most of the ancient rules. The temazcal represents
a microcosmo and is oriented according to the cosmic directions.
Moreover, the temazacl represents the womb of the mother of
gods Teteoinan and it is not a coincidence that it is shaped
like a womb and it has a small and low entrance. Exiting the
temazacl represents the bather’s rebirth after a process
of purification.
Benefits of Temazcal or Aztec steam bath
Temazcal is part of the Mexican indigenous medical tradition;
it is usually practiced to cure ailments, but also for women’s
conditions related to menstruation, infertility, pregnancy
and before and after childbirth to help the birth process
and the mother’s recovery after giving light to the
baby.
The benefits of temazcal are generally the same as saunas
and steam baths, with the addiction of the healing properties
of the herbs employed during this particular type of sweat
bath. Aztec traditional medicine is based on the principles
of hot and cold; too much of either one can cause sickness
and temazcal is considered a perfect way to help the body
find the right balance again.
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