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“From Plans to Paradise“
TEMAZCAL - MAYAN SWEAT LODGE
purification & harmony of the body & soul
Let’s whisk you away on a virtual journey to give you a taste of the magic we have in store...
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We’ll pick you up from your stay and travel down a charming Mayan backroad to the enchanting community of Tres Reyes (Three Kings). Along the way, we'll introduce you to Octavio, your guide, a beacon of light eager to share his wisdom and help you find your own path. As we journey, you'll learn about the vibrant Mayan communities we pass, gaining insights into their daily lives and rich culture. Arriving at Wakan Chan at 9:00 a.m., you'll be greeted by Octavio and friends, including Mr. Lucas, the Warrior of Fire. This sacred ritual lasts about three hours, followed by a delightful lunch and relaxation. Our adventure concludes with a refreshing dip in the sparkling Cenote Esmeralda. Get ready for a day filled with wonder and discovery!
ABOUT THE ​​ CEREMONY
Welcome to the Wakan Chan Cultural Center! Upon arrival, we’ll chat with Octavio while enjoying refreshing agua de Jamaica, cacao seeds, and honey to energize us for the Temazcal. This is a special time to reflect on our intentions and how we spend our energy. The Temazcal offers a chance to step out of our routine, connect with our spiritual nature, and give thanks to Mother Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and God.
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Temazcal, an ancient Mesoamerican tradition, invites everyone to reconnect with nature and our inner selves, embodying Peace, Truth, and Respect. This sauna-like experience symbolizes returning to our Mother’s womb, enveloped in warmth and darkness.
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Before entering the Temazcal, we’ll offer three cacao seeds to the Fire, our Grandfather, symbolizing our True Intention. We’ll use drums, whistles, and shells to greet the 7 Cosmic Directions of the Mesoamerican Cosmovision.
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Inside the Temazcal, we’ll gather around hot volcanic stones known as Abuelitas (Grandmothers). The ceremony consists of 4 phases, each tied to a cardinal point and element. You can take breaks between phases, but maintaining focus and reverence is key. Octavio will guide us with prayers and chants, and we’ll have opportunities to share thoughts, chants, or moments of silence.
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Each phase, or "PUERTA," (door), corresponds to:
- North: Wind
- South: Water
- West: Earth
- East: Fire (the warmest phase)
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The ceremony encourages inner exploration, breathing, and participation in chants. Temazcal, meaning "The Sweat House" in Náhuatl, is a time-honored tradition practiced across Mesoamerica, especially by the Nahua people, descendants of the Mexica or Aztecs.
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Experience the healing power of Temazcal, where you can lie down and relax, letting the ancient traditions rejuvenate your body and spirit. Embrace this opportunity to be reborn in this beautiful space. **Our unique Temazcal has small windows to let in fresh air and light, perfect for those who may feel claustrophobic.**​​
More about the temazcal
Discover the Magic of the Temazcal
Step into the ancient world of the Temazcal, a primitive sweat lodge used by Mesoamericans for post-battle healing, ceremonial purification, childbirth, and general wellness. Shaped like a dome to represent the womb, this sacred structure uses heated volcanic rocks and water to create purifying steam.
Benefits Galore
Sweat baths like the Temazcal have been known for centuries to benefit skin, liver, and circulation issues, as well as rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and chronic ailments. They also help with acute problems like muscle pain, colds, and congestion.
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The Healing Power of Heat
Inside the Temazcal, your body temperature can reach up to 104 degrees, stimulating blood circulation, heart rate, and metabolism while promoting sweating. This creates a powerful internal movement of energy and fluids, similar to strenuous exercise, bringing increased circulation to muscles, organs, and tissues.
While all sweat baths offer these benefits, the Temazcal, expertly regulated by a healer, maximizes the curative effects through precise control of the body’s reactions to heat.
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Experience the profound healing and rejuvenation of the Temazcal, where ancient traditions meet modern wellness.