Mayan Temazcal

The word Temazcal comes from Nahuatl Temazcalli and means “house where you sweat”, although the Aztecs were the first to practice Temazcal sessions, in Mayan culture kings, athletes, and priests also performed these detoxification ceremonies accompanied by Peyote to increase the experience in the Mayan Temazcal.

 

 

For the Maya, it meant a sacred space to connect with yourself and for medicinal purposes.
Now visitors who do this experience are not offered peyote. However, the ceremony is conducted by a shaman, who performs songs and sets the place with herbal essences.

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Mayan Temazcal: What you must know

 

The temazcal sessions are held in small groups of maximum 10 people, in a stone igloo that symbolizes the mother’s womb.

It aims to clean the body and mind, detoxifying, and revitalizing.

People sit around the place, leaving the center where the shaman is placed to start the ceremony.

The interior of the Temazcal is dark, and elements with various sacred meanings for the Maya are placed, including:

•  The copal which has the function of cleaning the spirit and recovering the memory of the origin.
•  The sweet stick which attracts beauty and reveals the tenderness inside the heart.
•  The cedar to thank and bless.

 

The shaman performs songs in the Mayan language and prepares vapors by infusions of medicinal herbs such as rosemary, basil, and pepper, which are placed on hot stones located in the center.

The mixture of steam and the essence of herbs helps clean the digestive tract, improves blood circulation, energizes tired muscles, and cleanses the skin.

For the Maya, the temazcal contained all the elements of the universe; Earth, fire, air, and water.

 

Recommendations to attend a Mayan Temazcal

 

The duration of temazcal sessions lasts from 1 to 2 hours, to enjoy it we recommend:

• Wear comfortable clothes or a swimsuit.
• Assist hydrated.
• It is not recommended for people who are susceptible to claustrophobia or skepticism.
• It is not allowed for people suffering from heart disease or diabetes.

 

 

In Isla Mujeres, you can find 2 Mayan temazcal one is in the Garrafón Park, and the other is called Mundo Natural temazcal spa, near the north beach.

If you want to know other wonders of Isla Mujeres, Skulls Landing Hotel, is your best option to stay and enjoy this beautiful island. Contact us!