You feel you are in need of a whole body reset but being born all over again is not an option? We’d like to suggest a hammam as an alternative to a full rebirth.
The Hammam is a widespread and very affordable beauty and wellbeing secret in North Africa. Also known as a Turkish bath, it is a traditional cleansing ritual that has been practiced for centuries in North Africa. The practice involves a series of steps, including steam, exfoliation, and massage, all designed to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. Although rooted in the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman bath houses, the Hammam was introduced to Islamic culture as a means for people to cleanse themselves before prayer; Hammams are therefore usually found near mosques. Whilst the Romans built their bath houses as huge complexes for local civilians to gather and gossip, the Hammam is a smaller design, built for tranquility and purification.
The North African hammam quickly became a traditional, weekly ritual among North Africans, especially since having a bathing room was not common in houses. But even now that most houses have bathing rooms, the Hammam remains an important place of gathering and community, a place to relax and purify and connect with others. Another reason the traditional North African hammam grew in popularity is that water is a very important symbol of purification and cleanliness in Islam.
Those who still abide by the traditional Hammam swear by its many benefits for the mind and the body. Wether done alone or with their friends and family, North Africans head to the hammam to cleanse themselves, talk about life, socialize, and sometimes even make connections or new friends.
Steps of a Hammam:
The steam room, or hot room, is the first step in the hammam experience. The high temperature and humidity of the steam room can cause sweating, which helps to flush out toxins from the body and improve circulation. The heat also helps to open up the pores of the skin, making it easier to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.
The next step in the hammam experience is exfoliation. This is typically done using a kessa glove or loofah, which helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. Exfoliation can also help to unclog pores and prevent ingrown hairs.
But exfoliation here is not some St.Ives micro beads exfoliation - the exfoliation is VISIBLE: with proper technique, force and friction, along with the steam of the room and prepping of the skin, you are supposed to see your skin actually fall off; spaghettis of dead skins are supposed to roll off your body, revealing your renewed and refreshed skin underneath. If you don’t see the aforementioned spaghettis of dead skin, you are not getting he genuine hammam experience (or you have already hammam-exfoliated in the past few days). It might sound abrasive, but it becomes a need the moment you experience it for the first time.
After exfoliation, the body is rinsed with cool water, which helps to close the pores and stimulate blood flow. Sometimes, this is followed by a massage, which can help to further improve circulation and relax the muscles.
The final step in the hammam experience is relaxation. This is typically done in a quiet room, where Hammam users can rest and rehydrate. Drinking water after a hammam session is important, as it can help to replace fluids lost through sweating and improve overall hydration. Traditionally, people would drink mint tea and eat citrus fruits while relaxing and drying.
Benefits of the Hammam:
The benefits of hammam extend beyond just physical cleansing. The ritual can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The combination of heat, water, and massage can have a soothing effect on the body and mind, helping to reduce tension and anxiety.
Body and soul detox
The process of cleansing and purifying your body will help you relax internally. It calms the mind, allowing you to think more clearly, reduce any anxiety or stress that is built-up, and help you have a better sleep.
Lymphatic Drainage
The Massage of the loofah on the whole body, stimulation of lymphatic nodes and the thermal activation and energy needed for the hammam supports adequate lymphatic drainage, which is the system of your body that support natural detoxification and immunity.
Muscle relaxation
The process of exfoliating your body in the steamed rooms is almost like a deep massage. It’s a therapeutic experience that your skin and body benefit from, loosening any tight knots in the muscles, helping you to truly let go and relax.
Healthy skin
Exfoliation as well as increased blood flow stimulation supports your skin in its physiological functions, but it also makes it plumper and more radiant overall. North African women who Hammam weekly have the softest skin out there.
Your skin will also benefit from the many vitamins and minerals in the natural and traditional Moroccan hammam products - and exfoliated skin is better at receiving all those goodies. These products will nurture your skin, improve elasticity, and keep it fresh and revitalized. Beldi soap contains olive oil, meaning your skin will benefit from vitamin E and a high level of antioxidants. It is a deep cleanse for your skin, allowing easier maintenance on the days where you are more gentle on your skin.
The science behind hammam is rooted in the benefits of heat and water on the body. The steam room, exfoliation, massage, and relaxation all work together to provide a deep cleansing and rejuvenating experience for the body and mind. Whether practiced for cultural or therapeutic reasons, hammam is a time-honored tradition that has stood the test of time.