For more indepth information, please read this excellent article by Dr. Horacio Rojas Alba, called 'The Traditonal Mexican Sweat Bath'. (link will open in a new window)

T E M A Z C A L
A Temazcal is a traditional steam bath that has been used for both healing and ritual purposes since prehispanic times throughout México. 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”) and “calli,” which means bath and house respectively. "Temaz” is also thought to mean rock, vapor, purification, and knowledge.

The Temazcal is an enclosed structure which has a small pit in the center and one entrance. Participants of a Temazcal enter through the door and gather around the pit. The pit holds hot volcanic rocks, as water is drizzled on the hot rocks to produce steam. The Temazcal ceramony goes on through several “sessions” and at the end of each session, you can choose to stay or leave. During the pause between sessions, more rocks are added to the pile to increase the heat of the Temazcal, herbs are used during each of these sessions for a calming and therapeutic experience.