Bodily and Spiritual Healing Tradition


The benefits of the vapor bath was known centuries ago. Today,  vapor baths are considered to be a suitable method for  cleaning skin and body, discharging toxins, accelerating blood circulation, stimulating the immune system and to support a holistic physical and mental health. Vapor baths  provide a relaxation. The problems related to muscular pains or arthritis are healed due to relaxing effect of  heat. The heat also diminishes pains and inflammation. People with asthma and allergic problems have some healing for their respiratory problems since heat expands air  passages. Heat cannot alone treat colds,  but it reduces congestions and helps for a fast recovery. Vapor baths increases the blood flow in the skin and accelerates sweating.

An adult sweats about 1 liter per hour in the Turkish Bath. A good sweating  removes the dirt and dead skin layer, and provides the skin with a healthy brightness. Acute liquid loss causes a reduction in the body water weight. Since this is a temporary condition,  the body will recover its water content by  taking liquids again. Heat is a treatment agent in many cultures. All functions of the body depends on chemical reactions, which are directly influenced by temperature. This situation is related to its influence on our tissues and health.


Turkish Bath is known to  be helpful for following recoveries:

  • Colds and asthma related to respiratory system,
  • It is known to be helpful for a fresh skin,
  • In the process of sweating, vapor effectively cleanses the toxins on the surface of the body,
  • Vapor improves the vascular flow, and increases the oxygenation in the cellular level,
  • Vapor bathes are very much effective in the process of removing fats and toxins,
  • Increases blood circulation,
  • Increases metabolic activity,
  • Provides a fresher skin, 
  • Eliminates muscular stress and pain, removes joint blockages,
  • Supports the immune system,
  • Increases lymph system cleansing,
  • Mitigates stress and is relaxative,
  • Mitigates sinus blockings due to cold, asthma or allergic conditions,
  • The heat released by vapor baths is among the treatments used against cancer and infection diseases nowadays,

 

TREATMENT IN THE TURKISH BATH

Such humid and  warm methods  as Turkish Baths and vapor baths are proven to be therapeutic for centuries  in many cultures. Perhaps, the most  interesting example is the encounter of modern therapy with the ancient treatments. Modern treatment methods also employ vapor for treating many ailments. But, Turkish Baths not only provide you with a good vapor, but also with traditional and new treatments, which help them survive centuries. So far, taking bath in Turkish Baths  is aimed for purification, beauty and body tonification. People also visit these places to recover. Traditional “hair removal”, “bath glove rubbing” and “foam massage” are the most prominent features of a Turkish Bath. In addition to those, clay, seaweed or mud are  other agents used in baths. Herbal remedies (mashed or powder herbs, or honey) are also used. In short, Turkish Baths do not only offer you a cleaning and bath glove rubbing experience, but also with a bodily and spiritual purification, a holistic therapy, massage therapy and beauty. These are medical, social and cultural facilities. 

Before starting to wash in a Turkish Bath

All  ornaments (gold, jewels etc.) and glasses  should be removed. Metal absorbs heat excessively and influences capillary veins, also causing skin rashes and irritation. Contact lenses may cause eye irritation, so they must be removed before starting to bath.

Starting a bath with the stomach full  may cause health problems, so one must stop eating and drinking before starting to wash. Any food taken before bath causes a stress in the circulation system. If you had a big meal, you must wait for one or two hours before starting to wash (as in the case of exercising). In addition to that,   taking a hot bath with a totally empty stomach is not recommended. Turkish Baths consume your energy, as in exercising. Some people may suffer nausea or fainting. Because of this, also taking into account the symptoms of your body, consider a lower temperature bath with a shorter time. Also, if you feel physically tired, avoid taking a Turkish Bath. Turkish Bath and hot is not good when you are on alcohol. It could even be dangerous.  

Nihat AYCEMAN, M. Sc.

Akdeniz University, Physical Education and Sports College