How to Use a Turkish Bath
Turkish Baths, which are more commonly known as Hamam, have a long enriched history. They have been used for centuries, and have been part of the Turk way of life.
Many believe that these baths are only used for cleansing process. However, these baths are more than that, as they also serve as a process of socialising. In past, the process of infants’ births, marriages and several other important events revolved around celebrations that involved these baths as well.
Turkish Baths became popular in Britain in the mid 1800, and over the course of years, close to 700 Hamams were built in Britain. Popularity of these Turkish Baths did not remain restricted in Britain, as they also widely recognised in New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Many believe that the process of Turkish Bath is the same as of a Sauna, but in reality, there is a huge difference between the two.
Instructions
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1
Warm Room:
A pair of wooden clogs or shoes is handed to the person in order to keep one’s feet off the wet floor before entering any of the room. After wearing the wooden clogs, one enters in the first room, which is known as the Warm Room, to start the Turkish Bath process. The room is heated with dry hot air to make one perspire heavily. One can stay in the room as long as they want to in order to perspire completely. -
2
Hot Room:
After perspiring in the warm room, the bather is moved into the second room, which is known as Hot Room. Female bathers cover their body with a large towel, which is known as ‘pestemal’. It is their choice to remove the ‘pestemal’ once entering into a room. -
3
Cool Water:
After perspiring further in the hot room, the bather is moved into the next room to have a cool water bath. This bath will cool down the body, and will remove all the perspiration or sweating from the skin. -
4
Massage:
After refreshing through the cool water bath, the bather is moved into the next room, which is slightly heated, where they enjoy a full body massage. Traditionally, these massages were strong and forceful, and were not for those with delicate body. -
5
Relax in the Cool Room:
After having massage, the bathers can relax in the cooling room, where they can socialise with others. The Cool Room is designed for bathers to relax, as their body temperatures take time while returning to normal.
