What is a hammam?
If you haven't heard of the hammam yet, you will soon. This treatment is known worldwide for its relaxing and cleansing Moroccan ritual that is centuries old.
A hammam is slightly different from a traditional thermal spa. Although both are deeply relaxing and good for the skin and do not use thermal waters, hammam treatments use hot steam to achieve a deep and invigorating cleanse.
Many hammam treatments also use vitamin E-rich, olive soap known for its nourishing and exfoliating properties. In addition, some treatments may include rhassoul clay, an antibacterial mineral that effectively and safely removes toxins and impurities from the body, reduces sebum and tightens pores.
THE ART OF BATHING
The tradition of bathing is an integral part of Middle Eastern and North African culture, often taking place in beautiful old baths. Bathing is a place of gathering and conversation, as it is a place for relaxation and purification.
The two most common types of baths are the Moroccan hammam and the Turkish bath. Although both are popular, the Moroccan hammam is often favored for its use of steam over water. The steam works wonders for softening the skin, relaxing the mind and opening the pores for deep cleansing.
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HISTORY OF HAMMAMS
The first public bath was created by the Roman Empire more than 2000 years ago. As with traditional hammam baths, Roman baths contained rooms of different temperatures. In this way, it was possible to stimulate circulation, as well as detoxify the body by sweating out impurities, while ensuring deep cleansing.
The concept of the public bath was adopted with the rest of the world shortly after Morocco was one of the first countries to adopt this way of bathing. The citizens approved of the way they could keep themselves clean and their skin nourished, and everyone could sit and talk with their neighbors.
Today, the hammam bath is still very widespread in Moroccan culture, and many Moroccans visit the baths on a weekly basis.
WHAT A HAMMAM TREATMENT CAN DO FOR YOU
In addition to skin softening and nourishing ingredients and natural exfoliation and antibacterial detoxification, the hammam also does the following:
Strengthens the immune system. The hot steam used during the hammam boosts the immune system by dilating blood vessels and increasing circulation in the body, opening the pores so that the poison can be released.
Rejuvenates the body. There is something truly transformative about the power of hot steam to restore tired, sore muscles.
Intensely strengthens. The intense scrubbing and massage you experience during the hammam leads to a significant increase in blood flow, which stimulates and awakens the senses.
It relaxes the mind and body. Thanks to the intense heat and steam, as well as the relaxing massage element, you will be hard-pressed to find a treatment that will be more relaxing and enjoyable than a hammam.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE HAMMAM?
Previously, the sexes were segregated in hammams. However, it is now more common for unisex treatments to be provided, so you can bring a bathrobe, bikini/swimsuit and flip-flops to your hammam treatment to protect your privacy.
Source: www.spaexperience.org.uk