Temazcal: Ancient Tradition and Modern Ceremony

What is a Temazcal?

Temazcal is a sauna used since pre-Hispanic times by the Central America indigenous people. They are an ancient tradition in Guatemala. Temazcals are similar to sweat lodges found in shamanistic cultures around the world. Typically constructed of earth, stones, and clay. They are filled with heated stones doused with water to create steam and produce sweat.

The people of Central America have performed temazcal ceremonies for centuries. They used the temazcal to treat a variety of illnesses and to inspire healing and balance. Even today, they remain a part of shamanistic culture. Many Mesoamerican communities still use temazcals for healing rituals.

Temazcal History and Early Records

The first written reports of the temazcal exist in the Florentine Codex, writings by a Spanish Friar named Bernardino de Sahagun. He recorded much about daily life and belief throughout central Mexico (at the time known as “New Spain”). The work is written in both Spanish and indigenous Nahuatl. Sahagun worked with local scribes to produce the document.

Among the many subjects Sahagun wrote about were the medical practices of the local culture. At the time, the type of medicine practiced in Spain was largely based in folk tradition. Spanish medical practices included bloodletting with leeches and using mercury as medicine. The Spanish wanted to improve their health and the indigenous people of the Americas offered new practices as inspiration. The Spanish Friars tried hard to eliminate the local culture’s spiritual traditions. However, they believed strongly in the medical benefits. It’s likely temazcals still exist today because the friars considered them more of a healing practice than a religious one.

The Maya area has a lot of archaeological evidence of temazcals. The site of Ceren, for example, has one which was well-preserved by a volcanic eruption. Many structures are close to the ball courts used for the famous Mesoamerican ball game. Because of this, archaeologists believe men used temazcals after exertion, much like the saunas in gyms today. These players represented either the hero gods working to enter the underworld or the Gods defending the Underworld. As such, temazcals near ballcourts may represent a metaphorical descent of the players into the underworld.

Women & Feminine Symbolism

The temazcal ceremony was never restricted just to men. In fact, it was common for women in central Mexico to partake in temazcal ceremonies during pregnancy. Midwives would prepare the Temazcal using herbs to heal and sanction the health of mothers and their future children.

Symbolically, the Temazcal is associated with a mother’s womb. In Mexican tradition they are typically constructed as round structures evoking a pregnant woman’s belly. Those entering the dark, warm, earthen hut find an opportunity to return to this space to find cleansing and renewal. After the ceremony, the participant exits “reborn”.  Indeed, many participants feel as if they sweated their burdens away from the intense heat.

Tlazoteotl: The Eater of Filth

The depiction of the temazcal from the Tudela Codex features the face of a goddess, Tlazoteotl. Tlazoteotl is the patron goddess of midwives among other things. Her name translates roughly to “Eater of Filth.” The Aztec people believed she helped purify negative energy by consuming it. Her black mouth represents this power, symbolizing negative energy’s residue. She is a fitting symbol for the Temazcal, since she cleanses negative thought and action.

Our Ceremonies

Doron Yoga and Zen Center’s Temazcal is a complete cleansing experience. Spacious and beautiful, we built the structure in a traditional style with mud and local stone. A wood-fire barrel fitted with volcanic stones heats the space. The heated stones produce dry heat, in our ceremonies we also pour water on the stones to intensify the heat and create steam. We can accommodate roughly 12 participants. Therefore it’s larger than the majority of sweat lodges in the Lake Atitlan area.

We use Temazcal to purify the body, restore health and cleanse our mind, body and spirit. Although not specifically a yogic tradition, cleansing techniques like this are an important part of yoga culture. For example, the Shatkarmas have a similar intention of cleansing and purifying the body’s systems. We host weekly temazcals for our guests here at Doron Yoga. We also enjoy participating in the ceremonies for our own cleansing.

The Temazcal ceremonies we host here at the center typically last about 45 minutes to an hour. We offer fragrant leaves for self-flagellation to help open up the pores increasing beneficial sweating. We then lead several rounds of chanting and perform a cold-water ceremony to help participants cool down. There is also a cold water shower available outside to help participants cool down after the session.

Share the Sweatiness

If you enjoyed learning about this healing tradition, leave us a comment below and let us know what other healing ceremonies or rituals you enjoy! Share this article with any friends you carry out healing practices with!

For more information on booking a Temazcal ceremony with us, please visit our Activities Page.