The meaning of Temazcal in Náhuatl is “the house of steam”, temez (steam) and calli house).
Its structure is of small size, the entrance symbolizes the maternal uterus, in the center is a hole called the navel of the mother earth, in which previously heated red hot porous stones are introduced, which are called “grandmother stones”, representing the memory of the earth.
Temazcal is a ceremony based on the purification of the human being utilized by the Aztecs and later by the Mayas, due to its therapeutic and spiritual power.
It is divided into four sessions called “doors”, and conducted by a Temazcal guide who invokes mystic elements such as music, prayer, and aromatic herbs.
During the ceremony the body heats and sweats, the heart and respiratory rates increase, the aromatic essences are inhaled, and the body and mind relax.
This triggers certain benefits such as: elimination of toxins, prevention of illnesses, renewal of the skin, increase in blood flow, and improvement in intestinal and respiratory activity.
As well, it promotes introspection, reflection, full attention, and even an increased perception of the passing of time