What is a Hammam?
The word “Hammam” comes from Arabic and means “hot bath”. In the context of Muslim Spain, it is also known as Moorish bath or Turkish bath (in the Western world). Its origins can be traced back to Roman and Greek baths. The Hammam works on the same principle and is used for body hygiene. As in ancient times, it is also an important social gathering place where people come together, talk for hours and escape the stress of everyday life.
Along with the mosque and the souk, the Hammam became an essential part of the Islamic metropolis in the seventh century and has since spread across the globe as Islam has spread. All over the world, from the Maghreb to the Middle East, Hammam are widespread. In Egypt, there are 365 Hammams, considered the most magnificent in the East.
What is the procedure of a session in a Hammam?
The Hammam consists of a series of chambers, one warmer than the other. Traditionally, it often consists of three areas:
- The apodyterium is a changing area with showers, where the temperature is comfortable.
- The tepidarium is the transition chamber between the lowest and highest temperature areas of the building.
- In the caldarium, with temperatures around 122 °F and humidity up to 100%, you will work up a good sweat.
The stay in each room should not exceed 10-15 minutes. So the whole stay in the Hammam should not be longer than 45 minutes. The most important thing is to listen to your body in order to relax and take full advantage of the benefits of the Hammam.
The advantages of a Hammam
The Hammam is a place of relaxation and well-being that offers a number of health benefits. It is a cleansing ritual based on heat and moisture, suitable for almost everyone to get away from the stress of everyday life and relax. But now let’s talk about the 10 benefits of Hammam for body and mind.
1. Stress relieving and cleansing effect
Hammam is the perfect place to relax and completely unwind. Relaxing in the warm, moist air of the Hammam and away from the stress of everyday life has a profound effect on the body and mind.
2. An invigorating and refreshing effect
Showering or bathing in the cold water after the Hammam is invigorating for the whole body, but especially for the skin.
3. A soothing and cleansing effect for the skin
The heat of the Hammam, through its dilation effect, helps to open the pores of the skin. When the body begins to sweat, bacteria and other substances are eliminated. The cold water of the shower or bath closes the pores and tightens the skin. You can get the full benefits of your Hammam experience only if you follow the prescribed heat and cool down schedule.
4. A relaxing and soothing effect
The 122 °F steam and high humidity of the Hammam have a profound effect on the muscles. We feel a real sense of physical relaxation. For this reason, the Hammam is suitable for the prevention of discomfort after physical exertion and for the relief of joint pain.
5. Decongestant and expectorant effect
In the Hammam we inhale hot water vapor, which is often mixed with eucalyptus and sage. This has an expectorant effect and relieves the sinuses, allowing deep, easy breathing.
6. A stimulating effect
Alternating bathing in a Turkish bath, which causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), and a shower or cold bath, which causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), improves blood circulation (reduction).
7. Increase of the well-being
In the Hammam we take care of the body with special treatments such as peeling with black soap, kessa or loofah peeling, m’hekka peeling, rhassoul or ghassoul mask and argan oil therapy for dry skin.
8. Anti-stress effect
Hamam is used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes in the treatment of stress. In addition, the warming effect on the body is helpful for people with sleep problems.
9. Application in aromatherapy
A few drops of essential oil in the bath combine the benefits of Hammam with those of aromatherapy.
10. Benefits for Hammam visitors
Almost everyone can benefit from the advantages of the Hammam – women, men and children. However, there is a special contraindication for pregnant women and people with heart problems.
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you should not visit the Hammam:
- Epilepsy
- Oncology
- Kidney inflammation
- Diseases of the thyroid gland
- Tuberculosis
- Cirrhosis of the liver and its other diseases
- Pregnancy
- ever suffered a stroke or heart attack
- Heart disease
- purulent lesions or fungal skin diseases
If you suffer from any of the above diseases, you should refrain from visiting the Hammam. However, there is an alternative – the infrared cabin.
