THE HEALING POWERS OF THE TEMAZCAL
Jenn and Amanda here, excited to report that we're just a few weeks away from our Tulum, Mexico Retreat! One aspect of our upcoming Ayurveda, Alignment, + Yoga Retreat experience that we are REALLY looking forward to is our group Temazcal Ceremony! We're super intrigued by this ancient Maya tradition and wanted to share what we've learned so far. When we get back, we'll be sure to share what else we discover about it (and ourselves!)
A temazcal is a type of sweat lodge which originated with pre-Hispanic indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli /temaːsˈkalːi/ ("house of heat"), or possibly from the Aztec teme (to bathe) and calli (house).
The Maya, in modern-day Mexico, used the temazcal as a place for both spiritual ceremonies and physical healing. They would enter the temazcal for days at a time in search of the answers within themselves, exiting the ritual as a newly profound being. Laboring women also enter the temazcal to birth their babies. They used the heat, aromatherapy, and chants to guide new life into the world. In general, the temazcal was viewed by the Mayans as the womb of Mother Earth. The structure itself is typically constructed from volcanic rock, cement and clay and has a circular dome. Volcanic stones are heated and placed in a pit inside. Between 2 – 20 guests sit in the temazcal and a Shaman (ancient Maya healer) usually performs a series of guided meditations targeted at cleansing and harmonizing the spirit.
The temazcal experience is unique to each participant. It is said to release emotions, creativity, toxins, and more. When our tribe of soulful travelers journey down to Tulum this February for our Ayurveda, Alignment, and Yoga Retreat, Shaman, Fabian Rios, will guide us all through a healing Temazcal ceremony!
Fabian is a spiritual healer and a Temazcal Leader. He has studied the ancestral Pre-Hispanic sciences and his travels have led him to unique experiences, such as being initiated by the Mazatecs in the Oaxaca Mountains. He is also a healer through his unique massages and knowledge of the spirit. His work has been directed to help humanity in finding their inner freedom. He empowers humanity to find their center and beliefs through spiritual initiations, rituals and ceremonies.
In Ayurveda, we use heat during the winter to balance out the Kapha dosha that dominates this season. Qualities of the Kapha Dosha are: Heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, oily. Heat can balance out the mind-body in Winter because it counters the heaviness of kapha through its detoxifying and lightening effects.
Healing traditions take place all over the world and we're pretty excited to head to Mexico and immerse ourselves in ancient rituals like the temazcal ceremony as well as also share ayurvedic-inspired self-care routines that can provide deep healing for the mind, body and spirit! Stay tuned! If you're like us, and totally into this stuff, check out our blog post on bodywork and energy healing in Tulum, Mexico!
Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, fitness, or other health program.