Temezcal – a healing ceremony for mind, body and soul
Temezcal ceremonies may be closely following the trend line of Yoga sessions worldwide – fashionable, seeing broad acceptance and often misinterpreted. From Bronx to Ibiza, you can easily find a Temezcal ceremony of your liking today. However, the Temezcal roots can be traced back all the way to pre-Hispanic days in Meso-America – when they were reserved for the upper warrior class for healing and restoration.
An ancient tradition
Temezcal, meaning house of hot stones in Náhuatl, is as much about purifying the mind and soul as it is about purifying the body. Symbolizing reentering your mother’s womb for healing, the participants enter an igloo-shaped hut made of adobe bricks or volcanic rocks, with a very small and low passage. Entrance is shut to cut off the external world, and create a microcosm inside.
When I was in Puebla, I called Pablo and Mari Carmen at Neigua Temezcal to see if they had any planned ceremonies in the next few days. Neigua is located on a beautiful property by a tranquil lake about an hour away from the beautiful town of Cholula. Fortunately, they had an upcoming ceremony with 6 other people from the town. Pablo and Mari Carmen can help organize private sessions as well, but it’s the sense of community which is en essential part of the healing experience.
Neigua Temezcal in Puebla
On the day of the ceremony, we arrived at 9 in the morning, and everyone there seemed to be on the move. There is usually a lot of preparation involved and everyone is an equal participant. We start by greeting the 4 elements of nature – Earth, Fire, Water and Air. Smoke is billowing from a gigantic fire next to the Temezcal. We pick some volcanic stones and place them in the fire – what we would use later in the Temezcal.
After getting rid of our psychological baggages and expressing gratitude for the good things in life, we entered the Temezcal one at a time. Each of us thanked the Aztec god Ōmeteōl (Nahuatl – meaning two gods, or god of duality), representative of the dual cosmic energy. 13 red hot volcanic stones at the center of the Temezcal, we sit in utter darkness. Meanwhile, Pablo offered some Copal to the hot stones, and eventually poured cold water over the glowing rocks, turning the space into a hazy chamber. External world ceases to exist.
Breaking the ice
After 5 minutes of getting to know why everyone was at the Temezcal today, Juan breaks into an uncontrollable sob. He starts sharing his guilts and repentances, and how he is working toward becoming a better dad. How we wants to give up smoking marijuana everyday. Pablo and Mari Carmen both pitch in with their timeless wisdom, and words of encouragement. It’s hard not to cry together. Everyone shares a part of them – with the extreme heat, it is easier to break the ice and be vulnerable.
“With the extreme heat, it’s easier to break the ice and be vulnerable.
Entering a state of trance
Few more minutes pass by and everyone breaks into a chant – wood and wind instruments follow. I don’t understand a word of it, and start to feel a certain uncomfortableness in the intense chaos. Gradually, I enter into a state of trance. The weird concoction of heat, music, darkness and the herbs is doing its thing, and it is no longer merely an intense sauna bath in the woods.
I feel my head is about to implode with the heat – I recoil my body to better distribute the heat. Pedro, a regular at this temezcal, is quick to interject that it’s better to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground for better energy flow. I oblige. After 20 minutes, we begin to cool down a bit, and get out of the Temezcal for a brief while. I feel a sense of relief, and relaxed. We rehydrate, sit by the fire, and prepare to be vulnerable once more.
Channeling the positive energy
We enter 4 times, representative of the four elements. Between every round, the relaxation routine involved rehydrating, stretching and laying in the sun. The final round, representative of Fire, was the most intense. The only time I contemplated getting out in between. But I persisted. After a final, gentler 5th cooling round, we wrap up by taking a cold bucket-shower. Mari Carmen had infused the water with local herbs in the morning.
Being the amazing host, Mari Carmen has lovingly prepared refreshing Tamarind juice and a hearty organic meal for everyone. I sit still for a while, processing the last few hours. We wish each other well, give lingering hugs, and bid adieu. From close confidantes to strangers again?
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