Hammam (Turkish Bath)
Hammams were first used by ancient Roman and Greek civilizations long ago. When the Turks came to Anatolia, they developed it and used it not only for cleanliness but also as a social gathering place. It became an important part of daily life, where people of all statuses and ages came.
Running hot water and almost 100% humidity in the hammam air are very suitable for physical and spiritual well-being. Just like in the Ottoman Empire, you can purify your body and soul by immersing your silver bowl in hot water at 50 degrees and 100% humidity. The steam and hot water relax your muscles and cleanse your skin. Humidity also helps to remove harmful waste, toxins, from your body. After a hot bath, you will experience a scrub that will make your body lively and vigorous. With this scrub glove made of a natural fiber material, the dead skin layer on your body is removed by scrubbing and your skin is renewed.
One or two sessions per week are recommended for the bathhouse. If you have circulatory or heart problems, get an evaluation from a specialist and use the bathhouse accordingly. You can eat something very light before entering the bathhouse. You should not be too full. Drinking plenty of water after the bathhouse session is necessary for the body to renew itself. The bathhouse is a very suitable method for protecting against diseases such as flu in the winter and for opening the sinuses, and for cleansing the body from sweat and making it feel cool in the summer.
Holistic Benefits of a Turkish Bath (Hammam)
A Turkish Bath, or Hamam, is a traditional steam bath known for its rejuvenating and cleansing effects. The combination of steam, heat, and exfoliation helps detoxify the body, open pores, and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and radiant. It improves blood circulation, relieves muscle tension, and reduces stress. The deep relaxation and mental clarity experienced during a Hamam session contribute to overall well-being, promoting both physical and emotional balance.
Physical Benefits:
Detoxification:
The heat and steam promote sweating, which helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the skin.
Improved Circulation:
The heat dilates blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues.
Muscle Relaxation:
Relieves muscle tension and joint pain, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Skin Health:
Deep exfoliation removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth, glowing, and rejuvenated.
Mental Benefits:
Stress Reduction:
The calming environment lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety.
Mental Clarity:
The relaxing experience helps clear the mind, promoting better focus and mental sharpness.
Enhanced Sleep:
A Turkish bath session can improve sleep quality by soothing the nervous system.
Spiritual Benefits:
Mindfulness and Presence:
The serene atmosphere encourages being in the present moment, fostering mindfulness and self-awareness.
Emotional Balance:
The calming rituals help release emotional tension, promoting inner peace and emotional well-being.
Energetic Benefits:
Energy Flow Balance:
The relaxation and detoxification support the body’s natural energy flow, removing blockages and revitalizing overall energy.
Chakra Alignment:
The combination of heat, water, and massage can help align and balance the body's energy centers, or chakras, leading to a sense of harmony.
Hammam Foam Massage
Turkish Bath Massage, also known as Hamam Massage, is a traditional body treatment that originated in the ancient Roman baths and evolved in the Ottoman Empire. It is a unique and luxurious experience that combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, and relaxation, often performed in a heated marble room designed to open pores and purify the skin.
Techniques:
1. Peeling (Exfoliation):
- The massage begins with a vigorous body scrub using a special exfoliating glove called a *kese*. This process removes dead skin cells, stimulates blood circulation, and leaves the skin smooth and rejuvenated.
2. Foam Massage:
- After exfoliation, the therapist uses a cloth bag (also known as a *torba*) filled with soap to create a thick, frothy lather, which is then massaged into the skin. The foam massage involves gentle but firm strokes that relax muscles and cleanse the skin deeply.
3. Rinsing:
- Warm water is poured over the body to rinse off the soap and exfoliated skin, leaving the body refreshed.
4. Oil Massage (Optional):
- Following the traditional foam massage, an oil massage may be offered. This involves using natural oils, applied with gentle massage techniques to moisturize the skin and further relax the muscles.
Equipments:
- Marble Slabs:
The massage is performed on heated marble slabs, which help to warm the body, open the pores, and enhance relaxation.
- Kese (Exfoliating Glove):
A coarse mitt used for scrubbing the body and removing dead skin cells.
- Torba (Soap Bag):
A cloth bag filled with natural soap that is used to create the foam for the foam massage.
- Copper Bowls:
Traditionally used to pour warm water over the body during the rinsing phase.
- Natural Oils:
Often used in the optional oil massage to nourish the skin and add an extra layer of relaxation.