For over 1,200 years, the temazcal has been a sacred healing practice used by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, and recently I had the opportunity to participate in my second temazcal ceremony with Shaman Luis from Yucatan, Mexico, at Hotel El Cid. This experience was far more than a simple steam bath—it was a full immersion into ancient traditions that left me feeling spiritually renewed, grounded, and connected to something much deeper.
As we entered the dome, the smell of burning copal—a sacred resin used for spiritual purification—filled the air. This aromatic smoke, used in pre-Hispanic times to cleanse and purify, enveloped us, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence. The heat inside the temazcal was generated by glowing volcanic stones, known as abuelitas (grandmothers), which were heated outside and placed in the center of the dome. When Luis poured water infused with medicinal herbs over these stones, the steam rose up and carried the scent of these powerful plants, which included yerba buena (peppermint) and other healing herbs, into the air. The steam was not just heat—it felt like it was cleansing us from the inside out (MexiDude)(Well and Good Travel).
The ceremony was accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and the soft rattle of traditional instruments called ayoyotes, rattles made of dried seeds strung together. We, the participants, were encouraged to drum and rattle along with Luis, creating a powerful communal rhythm. The sound of the drum echoed in the dome, and it felt as if the beats were resonating in my chest, mimicking the heartbeat we heard in the womb. At one point, we were given bunches of herbs, which had a fresh, minty scent, and were told to gently hit ourselves with them to stimulate circulation and further the detoxification process. The combination of the heat, the sound, and the herbs created a sensory experience that transcended time (MexiDude)(Cyndie Burkhardt Photography).
Midway through the ceremony, Luis offered us a traditional drink—not a hallucinogen, but a natural, grounding beverage that helped us stay hydrated. His assistant came around to cool us with splashes of water, which felt like a blessing in the intense heat. At one point, the dome’s sprinkler system was turned on, and for a brief moment, it felt as if rain was falling on us inside the womb-like dome. It was a surreal, beautiful moment that added to the overall feeling of being reborn (Moments Log).
Luis then led us through a journey of rebirth, asking us to remember our time in the womb and to give thanks to our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and ancestors. The heat, combined with the smell of copal and the sound of the drums, created an atmosphere that felt timeless—as if we had been transported back 1,000 years. The ceremony was deeply grounding, spiritual, and emotional. I could feel the weight of modern life lifting off my shoulders as I reconnected with the earth and my ancestors (Well and Good Travel).
At the end of the ceremony, we were led outside for a sound healing session on mats arranged in a circle. Luis’ assistant played traditional instruments, and the sound echoed beautifully off the walls of the dome, bouncing between us in perfect harmony. The acoustics, combined with the purifying steam, left me feeling renewed, cleansed, and spiritually rejuvenated. The entire experience was as if I had been reborn.
Participating in a temazcal is a transformative journey that everyone should experience at least once in their life. It’s a chance to step out of the modern world and reconnect with ancient wisdom, detoxify your body and spirit, and emerge feeling grounded and renewed. If you ever find yourself at Hotel El Cid, I highly recommend taking part in this sacred ceremony with Shaman Luis. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the steam has cleared.
Have you ever experienced a temazcal? If not, I encourage you to try it—it’s a journey that will leave you feeling completely reborn.
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