8 facts that will convince you to participate in your first Temazcal
The temazcal is a steam bath that has been widely used in Mesoamerica for thousands of years, for therapeutic, hygienic, and ritual purposes. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl temazcalli and means "steam house" (temaz - steam, calli - house). Heat, steam and sweat cause a body purification well known to ancient cultures. In the temazcal tradition, this purification is not limited to the body but also encompasses the spiritual. The symbolism of the temazcal structure and the oral tradition reflect the connection between the body, thespirit and nature.
In itself, the temazcal represents the land that gives us life and sustains us. When one enters the temazcal, it is said that they are entering the womb of Mother Earth and that is why the temazcal has the shape of a dome. In some cases it is literally built into the ground in the form of a cave. The interior of the temazcal should not have lighting, since it symbolically represents the return to our mother's womb. When we leave, we will be new people, physically, mentally and spiritually renewed.
Due to its healing characteristics, it is an effective method to stimulate all the internal organs, cleansing our body, sweating large amounts of toxins accumulated by medicines or by food itself, because we currently face many pollution problems. These are some of its physical benefits:
1.
The temazcal promotes relaxation of the muscular system, since it relieves contractions thanks to the effects of temperature and the volatile oils of the plants that are used.
2.
Through the high temperature and the boiling of fresh water, a high degree of movement is achieved in the circulatory system, helping to correct varicose veins, varicose ulcers, numbness in the hands and feet, high or low blood pressure, and other circulatory problems.
3.
Improves the immune system, since it increases the production of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the body. It has been observed that people who take these sweat baths and who suffer from chronic or recurring diseases, do not suffer as much from the symptoms or, if they do get sick, they recover more easily.
4.
Facilitates detoxification of the body. In the temazcal, a person can detoxify everything necessary to purify their body via sweat: uric acid, skin problems (acne), burn fat and skin impurities, cure arthritis, among others. In addition, when sweating, the proper functioning of the kidney is favored.
5.
Stimulates skin regeneration. Temazcal temperatures exceed, in some cases, 50 degrees. The pores are reactivated, which facilitates the formation of the acid mantle, vital for the protection of skin infections.
6.
Cleans and decongests the nasal and paranasal canals. Steam baths are used for the treatment of flu, bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis. Due to the effect of the heat, inhalation therapy occurs, which occurs with the steam added to the smoke and the oils of the healing plants deposited on the stones during the ceremony. The clearing of the airways occurs automatically. It also activates irrigation in an impressive way, becoming seven times greater. There is increased blood flow, which added to the expansion of the lungs and bronchi facilitates the expulsion of accumulated toxins. It is possible to greatly alleviate cases of sinusitis, colds, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other pulmonary problems.
7.
In the temazcal there is a relaxing effect that is ideal for dealing with problems such as stress, insomnia and nervous tension, all without adverse reactions. It acts on a psychological level, allowing a better understanding of your emotional questions and personal problems.
8.
When the Spanish arrived in America, they sought to eliminate this practice, considering it in bad taste and even demonic. However, the temazcal has been kept alive thanks to the native groups in Mexico that have managed to preserve it, and so today we can share it with the world and, even better, continue enjoying it for our health.
