Crawl into the Womb of the Earth
A ceremony of heat, darkness and ancient stones to purify your body and reset your mind.
Meet the Grandmothers
In the center of the lodge glowing red in the darkness sit the Abuelitas.
To the uninitiated they look like volcanic rocks. To the Mayan healers they are the Grandmothers. These stones are the oldest things on earth. They have held the heat of the planet’s core for millions of years. When we heat them in the fire we are waking them up to ask for their medicine.
This is not a spa steam room. A steam room is heated by a pipe in the wall. A Temazcal is heated by the earth itself. The structure is built low and round to mimic the womb of Mother Earth. We enter on our knees to show humility. We sit in a circle to show equality.
When the water hits the stones it does not just make steam. It releases the memory of the earth. It creates a heat that is heavy, humid and smells of rosemary, basil and copal.
Into the Dark
We live our lives in the light where we are constantly seen, judged and distracted.
Inside the Temazcal the door is closed. It is pitch black. For the first time in a long time you are free from the eyes of others.
The ceremony is divided into four "doors" or rounds. Each door honors a direction and an element: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. The Temazcalera guides the energy with songs and the beat of a drum. It gets hot. Your heart will beat faster. Your mind might tell you to leave.
This is the work. The heat forces you to stop thinking and start feeling. It is a moment of confrontation with yourself held safely in the dark. You sweat out the toxins. You sing out the stress. When the door finally opens and the cool ocean breeze hits your face you feel like you have been born again. Because in a way you have.
A Fever That Heals
The elders say the heat burns away "spiritual impurities." Science calls it Hyperthermia.
When your core body temperature rises it mimics a fever. This is the body’s oldest defense mechanism. It tricks your immune system into high alert and triggers the production of white blood cells.
It is a deep detox. The intense sweating forces your body to flush out heavy metals, cortisol and salts that have been trapped in your tissues. The heat expands your blood vessels and improves circulation which pumps oxygen into your muscles and brain.
It triggers the release of Heat Shock Proteins. These are specialized proteins that repair damaged cells and protect your DNA. It is a physical reset button for your biology.
Please consult with your Doctor before participating if you have any health conditions or heat sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
It is natural to feel nervous about the small space. If you feel panic coming on remember that you are safe. You are sitting on the earth. If the heat becomes too much you can lie down where the air is cooler. If you absolutely need to leave you can say "Por Todas Mis Relaciones" (For All My Relations) and we will open the door for you. You are never trapped.
-
This is a traditional ceremony but we wear swimwear. For women a bikini or one-piece is perfect. For men swim shorts. Avoid wearing jewelry or watches as the metal can get hot against your skin.
-
The ceremony typically lasts between 90 to 120 minutes depending on the energy of the group.
-
It is an intense cardiovascular experience. If you have high blood pressure, heart conditions or are pregnant in the first trimester or near your due date please consult us first. We can modify the heat or seat you near the door.
-
You do not need to know the words. The songs are chants to help you focus and breathe. You can hum along, clap or simply listen to the drum. The vibration of the music is part of the medicine.