Temazcal (from the word Temazcalli "hot house" in Nahuatl) is a type of sweat lodge used by the various peoples of mesoamerica. The Temazcal in mesoamerica is constructed of volcanic rock and earth or cement and is a circular dome in shape.To produce the heat hot volcanic stones are placed in a central hearth inside the temazcal and hot water is poured over them to produce steam. The temazcal is used to purify the mind, body and spirit thus oftentimes the burning of sacred herbs such as copal, spearmint, or other herbs takes place for therapeutic purposes. Prayer and singing may accompany some of the ceremonies as well.
A temazcal is
not simply a sauna and must be respected given the fact that in mayan and nahuan tradition it is thought that when one goes into a temazcal one is entering the "womb" of mother earth and thus receiving its spiritual and physical cleansing benefits. In recent times the temazcal has regained its importance in Mesoamerica and in places where the use had been forgotten or abandoned it is starting to make a comeback and once more takes its place as a wonderful and powerful therapy.
Photo acquired from: http://www.raftinghuasteca.com/images/fotos/temazcal.jpg
Happy new year Everyone!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
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