Turkish Hamam: Spiritual & Physical Purification

The Turkish Hamam (also known as Turkish Bath) is the Middle Eastern variant of steam bath. Hamams have played an important role in cultures of the Middle-Eastern Civilizations, serving as places of social gathering, ritual cleansing and as architectural structures, institutions, and other elements with special customs attached to them. Europeans were first introduced to the concept of the Hamam by Turks, that is why such baths are known as “Turkish Bath” throughout the world. Hamam has similar meanings in different languages. For instance; in Turkish, Arabic and Persian it means hot, bath and hot places.

The main reason why Hamams became an integral part of Ottoman culture was religion. According to the Koran, washing and pureness is not only an important, but an essential part of Islam. However, these marble temples helped create a social atmosphere, consisting of bathing, massage and chatting. Enjoying the company of friends and making business contacts were as important reasons for Hamams’ popularity as the bathing rituals.

Briefly, Hamam is described as a place for cleansing, purification  and body treatments. Hamam is not only an ordinary bath; it is also known as a center for healing events, social and cultural activities. That is why the meaning of Turkish Bath does not meet the real meaning of Hamam today. It will be accurate to use the word “Hamam” or “Turkish Hamam” instead of “Turkish Bath”.

Hamam Benefits

The benefits of Hamam have been known for thousands of years. Today, Hamams are considered an area for purifying and detoxifying the skin and body, increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system and encouraging complete physical and mental well-being.

Hamams draw upon the benefits of steam and sweat. The Hamam stands for far more than getting a leisurely bath or cleansing. First of all, Turkish Hamam has been used for purification of body, mind and it is a rite and a ritual in which the elements are harnessed for cleansing and purification of the body. Hamams are much more than just a place to cleanse the skin, they are unique places for physical and spiritual purification.

Hamams are relaxing and stress relieving. Those with muscle aches or arthritis may find that the heat relaxes muscles and relieves pain and inflammation. Asthma and allergy sufferers find that the heat dilates air passageways of the lung and facilitates breathing. Heat does not cure the common cold but may help to alleviate congestion and speed recovery time.

Hamams are worthwhile for your skin as the blood flow to the skin increases and sweating occurs. A good sweat removes dirt, dead skin and grime from pores and gives the skin a healthy glow.

Hamam is good for:

• Relieving and easing stress
• Relieving muscle tensions and stiff joints
• Boosting the immune system
• Lymph detoxification and enhances total lymph system cleansing
• Stimulating circulation
• Increasing body metabolism
• Alleviating sinus congestion due to colds, asthma, or allergies
• Keeping skin fresh
• Effectively washes toxins from the surface of the skin as you sweat
• Improves vascular flow, enhancing oxygen, nutrient, and lymph exchange at the cellular level

Traditional Hamam Treatments

As it is mentioned in the previous paragraphs there are so many application of Hamam. Any classification and standardization had not been made before until Nihat AYÇEMAN came up with the below classification in terms of variety of application and of effectiveness of Hamam treatments.

Hamam Training and Certification

People who tries to specialize in Hamam treatment have been learning how to apply Hamam treatments from ordinary experienced individuals in this field from past to present. After the importance of service management and of quality standards increased and the old methods do not meet the current requirements, new method of teaching, learning and doing services for  Hamam treatment occurred and new teaching and certification programs developed.

There was not any  Hamam training and certification programs before but  Nihat AYÇEMAN was the person whom acted as the initiator of this field after an expansive work which comes with long lasting experience in hamam, massage & natural therapies.

Nihat AYÇEMAN is the founder of professional Hamam treatments, Hamam Training and Certification programs. That is necessary for professional Hamam business. For Hamam business, project and consultation please prefer to work with professionals. Don’t hesitate to contact with us for your Hamam training and Project.