How does a hammam session work?
A true ancestral ritual, the hammam offers a multitude of health benefits. But to reap 100% of its many benefits, you need to know how to use it properly and follow a few precise steps. Find out how a hammam session works in this article!
The hammam: how a session works
You have just bought a hammam hammam? Now all you have to do is follow the steps below! We’ll show you how to enjoy 100% of the benefits of this essential steam bath in the comfort of your own home.
What you need to know about the hammam
Before any hammam session, we recommend you take a shower for reasons of hygiene. You can then enter the hammam in your bathing suit or wrapped in a light towel.
Traditionally, the hammam is made up of 3 rooms, each with a gradual rise in temperature. The first is a sort of changing room, with a normal temperature of around 37°C. This is followed by a second, hotter room with steam, and then a third, even hotter room, with a temperature of up to 55°C and 100% humidity.
The ritual consists of spending 10 minutes in each room, to get your body used to the heat. You can refresh yourself with a cold shower between each room to stimulate blood circulation and enjoy all the benefits of
Note that it’s normal for you to feel a slight sensation of suffocation at first (the heat and humidity are particularly high and require time to adapt). This should disappear after a few minutes (if it doesn’t, don’t force it and go out for a cool-down in the rest room).
The different stages of a hammam session: steam, scrub, mask and rinse
A real steam bath for your well-being, the hammam will dilate your skin’s pores and help eliminate toxins. Simply lie down on the warm slab and relax. Just a few minutes in the hammam improves circulation and cleanses the respiratory tract.
But to maximize the benefits of the hammam, don’t hesitate to turn it into a pleasant cocooning moment when you pamper your body. Take advantage of this time to :
- Apply black soap generously to your body (leave for a few minutes);
- Scrub your skin with a horsehair glove (traditionally a Kessa glove) to remove dead skin cells and impurities, while stimulating blood circulation;
- Make a mask by wrapping your body in Rhassoul, a Moroccan mineral clay that purifies and moisturizes your body in depth (leave on for 15 minutes);
- Rinse your body with lukewarm water. Gradually lower the temperature until you’re undercold water : this will tighten pores and smooth your skin.
Then dry off thoroughly in a bathrobe before heading to the relaxation room.
At the end of the session, take a moment to rest and fully appreciate the benefits of your wellness ritual. Drink green mint tea to rehydrate and complete this unique experience. Enjoy the effects of the hammam on your body: your skin is smooth, soft and fully invigorated.
Good to know: during a hammam treatment at a spa, the session is completed by a relaxing body massage, usually with argan oil. Don’t hesitate to mention this to your partner: it’s the perfect opportunity for you both to enjoy a wellness break!
What is the ideal length of a hammam session?
Now you know how a hammam session works. But what about the
Start with short sessions
For novices, we recommend starting with short sessions. A session lasting 10 to 20 minutes allows the body to acclimatize gently to the heat and humidity characteristic of the hammam. It also helps you better understand how your body reacts to this unique experience.
Gradually increase the duration
As you become more familiar with the hammam, you can gradually increase the duration of your sessions. Sessions of 30 to 45 minutes are generally considered a good compromise for enjoying the full benefits of the hammam without risking excessive exposure to the heat.
Listen to your body
The ideal duration of a hammam session can vary from person to person, depending on their sensitivity to high heat and humidity. We therefore advise you to listen carefully to your body. If you feel any signs of fatigue, discomfort or dehydration, interrupt your session and step outside for a refreshing break.
So make sure you‘re well hydrated before entering the steam room. During the session, perspiration causes significant water loss: staying hydrated is essential to avoid any discomfort or feeling of discomfort.
Is it a good idea to do a hammam session every day?
The hammam offers a host of health benefits: muscle relaxation, toxin elimination, skin purification, stimulation of blood circulation… We can understand why you might want to enjoy a hammam session every day.
Unfortunately, this is a very bad idea!
If you expose yourself too long or too often to humidity and heat, your body will let you know. You risk dehydration, dizziness, headaches and muscle cramps.
That’s why we recommend just 1 or 2 hammam sessions per week, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes. That’s more than enough time to enjoy all its benefits, without any undesirable side effects!
