#16: The Ritualistic Saunas of the Mayans

The Mayans elevated the humble sauna into a sacred experience with their teazels—stone and clay structures designed for more than just a good sweat. These ancient steam baths were at the heart of purification rituals, where heat and herbs combined to cleanse body and spirit.

Far from a simple wellness trend, temazcals were spaces of renewal, connecting participants to the divine and fostering healing. They symbolized rebirth and balance, embodying the Mayans’ deep understanding of the interplay between physical health and spiritual well-being.