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Mexcio's Best Spa Treatments


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When we talk about beauty treatments of long ago, for some reason the Romans and Egyptians hot the spotlight. Sure, Cleopatra, with her milk baths and kohl eyeliner, was a nice poster girl, but early civilizations here in the Americas had a few tricks up their sleeves, too. Between saunas, herbal soaks, massages and facials, the ancient world on this side of the Atlantic didn’t slack in the wellness department.

Today, Mexico’s top spas are taking note. From shaman blessings, classic rituals rule the treatment menus at even the most elegante resorts. Take a look at these throwback treatments from pre-Hispanic times. 


The word Temazcal originates from the Aztec, “calli”, meaning house, and “temas”, meaning vapor or steam. The structure, made from mortar and stone, is symbolic of Mother Nature’s womb. Through the use of steam and healing herbs, the Temazcal ceremony purifies the body and the spirit.

The stones, from which the Temazcal is built, represent generations of grandmothers who embody the knowledge of the Earth. They invite us to reflect on the past, as experiencing the Temazcal ritual is an opportunity to free ourselves from that which we no longer need in our lives and allows us to live holly in the present.

The natural elements brought together in the Temazcal are:

• Water—symbolizing blood, fluids and emotions
• Earth—the body and physical matter represented by the Temazcal itself
• Air—aromatic steam as our life’s energy and breath
• Fire—the embodiment of the spirit through hot volcanic stone

Bath blessing with a shaman

With so much beachfront property along the Caribbean Sea, is it any wonder the Mayans practiced hydrotherapy? Nowadays you can still visit a shaman—a traditional healer—who will lead you in meditation and a soak. He’ll bless a batch of fresh botanicals and add them to a small pool. Then, once you settle in, his helpers will drizzle water over your head and scrub your skin with the sacred blooms.

The National Latino Cosmetology Association is a Non-profit membership organization. Learn more about us at www.nlcamerican.org