History of Hammam

Posted on 14 Jan 2015 by vivek gusani

It’s one of Middle East’s most treasured spa experiences – the Hammam, also referred to as the Moroccan Bath, is a cleansing experience that is both extremely beneficial to the body and also immensely relaxing and luxurious.

As the years have gone by, the hammam has grown and developed into a more modern experience that is available at selected spa’s across the globe. While it is now known as a luxurious experience, the hammam originated with a very humble beginning.

The hammam actually came from the days of the Roman empire, when Greeks placed a significant importance on cleansing of the body – people visited public bath houses weekly to cleanse themselves as a part of their routine. This bathing ritual was quickly adopted into Arabic culture, and has now developed from a public bathing house into a special spa treatment that offers the experience in a more personal and relaxing manner.

Though the hammam has been around for years, it is only recently that the health benefits have gained increasing international attention. Due to its wider availability in spa’s, the benefits are now more well known: the hammam, due to its combination of heat, steam, and aromatherapy helps to relieve stress, relax muscles, ease respiratory problems, and stimulate circulation. The treatment also deeply cleanses the skin, improving its tone and texture. Perhaps most importantly, because the steam opens the pores, the hammam helps the body to rid itself of toxins.

Spa enthusiasts and doctors alike suggest that visiting hammams can play an important part in the nutritional cleansing process, promoting weight loss, increased muscle mass, higher energy levels, and mental clarity. The holistic combination of hammam with measures like diet and exercise boosts the immune system and promotes general well-being. In fact, in Arab culture the hammam is sometimes thought to go hand in hand with purifying the soul by purifying the body.

Some common terms used to describe the artifacts used during the hammam:

Bowl – Tas
Scrubbing Mitten- kese
Soap- sabun
Wrap Towel – peştamal

Want to try this cultural experience yourself? Get a taste of tradition at our Moroccan Bath – book during January 2015 and enjoy your experience for AED 250 only, instead of AED 300.