A wellness practice that has lasted centuries

I love experiencing the practice of wellness in other cultures.

One of my most recent new experiences was getting a Turkish bath in Istanbul.

A Turkish Bath or a hammam, also spelled hamam. Is a public bathhouse.

 Going out in public to bathe in America does not sound relaxing, but this is not just any ordinary bath. 

The structures are beautiful and are architecturally designed to provide a warm, steamy bath. Some places have a sauna, or “hot room,” you sit in beforehand. Followed by a full body exfoliation and finished by a lather of olive oil soap. 

The benefits

• exfoliates all dead skin and opens up your pores

• Increases blow flow

• Relaxes the mind and body

The History

Bathhouses can be traced back in history to the Greeks and the Romans. They built these beautiful structures not just for bathing but also for socializing.

During the Ottoman Empire, Hamams began to be built rapidly across Turkey. (and also in Morocco)

Cleanliness is an essential issue in the Islamic world, and it makes sense for them to adopt this century-old practice, which remains very common today.

How to experience a Hammam as a tourist 

There are two ways to experience a hammam.

You can either go to a Hammam place wash, and follow along with what the locals are doing. Or you can go to a Hamam spa and have someone bathe you. Which is what I did.

If you want to read about my expeirence click here