Temazcal at Casa Amealco

A temazcal is a type of sweat lodge which originated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli. In ancient Mesoamerica it was used as part of a curative ceremony thought to purify the body after exertion such as after a battle or a ceremonial ball game. It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth. It continues to be used today in Indigenous cultures of Mexico and Central America that were part of the ancient Mesoamerican region for spiritual and health reasons. It is currently being recovered by all sectors of society in Mexico and Central America and is used as a cleansing of mind, body and spirit.

While there are many variations to a temazcal whose sole purpose is to contain red hot stones on the floor, in the centre of the space. Steam fills the room when aromatic herb infused teas are sprinkled on the hot stones. The ritual is intense with heat, humidity, music, aroma, shouting, singing, deep inhaling, yoga like exercises and finally the intention of relieving all negative energies through sweat.

Since 2015, almost once every month, I have been participating in the ritual. In this process, I have seen a variety of styles of performing a ritual. In casa Amealco, I first got the opportunity of being “initiated”, “purified” and given the “permission” to be able to build a temazcal. I have built more than half a dozen of them ever since.

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The temazcal is usually a permanent structure, unlike sweat lodges in other regions. It is usually constructed from volcanic rock and cement and is usually a circular dome, although rectangular ones have been found at certain archeological sites and this shape is also used. To produce the heat, volcanic stones are heated. Volcanic stones are safe because they do not explode from the temperature. They are then placed in a pit located in the center or near a wall of the temazcal.

As told by a temazcalera, (a healing lady, who runs the temazcal) the following are the benefits of frequent use of a temazcal.

• Help regain or maintain health. by relieving stress – a large percentage of diseases is caused by excess tension (stress). It also offers the possibility of detoxifying the body.
• It cleans the respiratory tract and the digestive system.
• Tones the nervous system.
• Helps with bone, muscle and joint problems
• As recommended by gynecology-obstetricians it helps to relax deeply. Relieves pre-menstrual discomfort.
• Combats insomnia, depression
• Tones the skin, Fades scars. Hydrates, heals and regenerates the skin
• Help fight sinusitis.
• Hydrates the hair.
• It benefits the blood circulation.
• Help to lose weight.
• Help in liver disorders.

The temazcal bath is recommended by the late or night, in order that you rest and feel renewed completely the next day. In personal preparation to take the temazcal, it is advisable to fast for a day or half a day. We do not enter temazcal until a couple of hours have passed after a heavy meal.

After sufficient investigation, I was able to combine the oven for burning stones along with the sacred space itself. Two types of burning methods were integrated. The primary – being a traditional oven like entrace at the back and a cavity for stones, (converting the temazcal into a kind of rocket stove). Stones would have to be moved the traditional way to the central cavity for the ritual. The secondary heating system was the integration of a modern 100K BTU/Hr burner in the Centre itself. Making the stones easier to handle (no need to move them while hot). The above drawing is a temazcal fit for 15-20 persons.

In Casa Amealco, this temazcal was built as a 3 day intensive workshop. Including theory, practicals and the final ritual itself. Following are the images of the workshop and the final structure.

The structure was built entirely of Adobe and mud mortar with a simple tie beam at the base. Waterproofing the structure was a challenge, and was finally demolished and rebuilt again in another workshop setting 2 years later.