A Traditional Mexican Temazcal

A Temazcal is a traditional steam bath that has been used for both healing and ritual
purposes in Mexico for hundreds if not thousands of years. The name Temazcal (or
Temazcalli) comes from the Nahuatl language and means “bathing house.” The term
actually comes from two Nahuatl words, “temas” or “temaz” which means bath, and “calli,”
which is the word for house. According to Dr. Jose Fernando Luna Bautista, “temaz” is
also thought to mean rock, vapor, purification, or even knowledge. The Indigenous peoples
of the U.S. have a similar tradition which in English is called a “Sweat Lodge.” While the
techniques can vary between these two indigenous traditions, the idea is basically the
same.

A Temazcal is an enclosed structure which has a small pit in the center and at least one
entrance. Participants of a Temazcal enter through the door and gather around the pit. The
pit in the ground holds hot volcanic rocks. Water is drizzled on the hot rots to produce
steam. The Temazcal goes through several “rounds” and at the end of each round, you
can choose to stay or leave. During the pause between rounds, more rocks are added to
the pile, increasing the heat of the Temazcal.

The Temazcal serves as a calming and therapeutic experience. I have heard that it is used
to treat anything from arthritis to sinus infections. It is also said to help the skin.
I have participated in several Temazcals during my time in Mexico. One was performed in
an Otomi village, and another in the Nahua village of Milpa Alta, outside of Mexico City.
These experiences were quite different.

In the case of the Otomi Temazcal, the ground was covered with branches of the Pirul tree,
which provided a pleasant peppery smell. We drank an herbal tea before entering, and
continued drinking as the process went on. The Temazcal went through four different
“puertas” or doors. During each door, we sang a song, or offered some thought or prayer.
At the end, more rocks were added.

I was surprised that this Temazcal was an interesting mixture of Catholic prayer and
indigenous ritual. Many of the participants said the Lord’s Prayer during the ceremony.
Other members of the community offered a thought in their native language.
We also sang a song that is often sung during a traditional temezcal.

“Agua mi sangre,
Tierra mi cuerpo,
Aire mi aliento,
Y Fuego mi espíritu.”
“Water my blood,
Earth my body,
Air my breath,
And Fire my Blood.”

In Milpa Alta, the woman leading the Temazcal used a bundle of medicinal herbs and
gently struck participants on the back. The Temazcal in this case was purely therapeutic.
There was no ritual involved.

More recently, I attended a Temazcal in Mexico City at a natural healing center called
Vientre Y Sol Temazcal in the Magdalena Contreras neighborhood of the city. This part of
the city is lush and green, with the green forests of Los Dinamos National Park within
walking distance of the Temazcal.

The Temazcal is part of the “Centro de Salud Natural y Medicina Tradicional Mexicana
TLITIK-TONATIUH Vientre y Sol.” In English: Womb and Sun, Center for Natural and
Traditional Mexican Medicine. TLITIK-TONATIUH is Nahuatl for Womb and Sun.

Vientre y Sol Temazcal offers a complete experience, including a purification ceremony, a
traditional Temazcal, and a light lunch. The setting is a beautiful park like area with an
adjacent colonial style home. There are plenty of trees and plants throughout the
establishment to present a sense of calm.

Vientre y Sol also offers natural therapies, traditional Mexican medicinal treatments,
massage, and herbal medicine.

This is a holistic healing center that specializes in traditional Mexican medicine. They
focus on healing both the body and treating mental health as well. Other activities include
meditation, crystal therapy, herbal medicinal treatments, and massage. The Temazcal is
run by a rotating group of experienced traditional healers.

The bottom of the Temazcal in this case was covered with laurel leaves and rose petals.
The roses are thought to help with the skin. We also brought musical instruments into the
Temazcal such as drums and rattles. This provided a unique experience as we played the
instruments and chanted in the darkness and heat. Upon entering, and each time we
spoke, we said the word "Ometeotl," which is the Aztec god of duality. I found this is similar
to a sweat lodge, where participants say "to all my relations" before offering a thought
inside the lodge. At the end of each puerta, the leader of the Temazcal played a conch
shell to end the session before adding more rocks. Each puerta was dedicated to a
cardinal direction.

While the Vientre y Sol Temazcal incorporates some modern techniques and ideas, it still
remains an authentic experience. The hostess, Beatriz Solis, has studied traditional
Temazcal techniques and has visited dozens of Temazcals throughout rural areas in
central Mexico.

Contact information:
San Rafael # 105,
Col. Pueblo Nuevo Magdalena Contreras
Between San Jeronimo and Avenida de Rosal
Mexico City, Mexico
Phone: 56-45-43-21
Cell phone: 044-55-25-64-07-20

Emails: yaotizitl@hotmail.com
titlik-tonatiuh@universo.com

They should have a website up sometime soon.

For now, you can read more about the Mexican tradition of the Temazcal at this website.