Heading to a Temazcal? Discover the Real Risks and Essential Precautions!

MEXICO CITY (apro).— The temazcal, recognized for its wellness benefits and as a traditional medicine practice, requires awareness of health risks and essential safety measures before engaging. This guide includes health guidelines, recent incidents, and clinical advice for safer participation, based on public health materials and protocols issued by the Puebla State Health Department.

Understanding the Temazcal

A temazcal is a Mesoamerican steam bath—from the Nahuatl word temazcalli, meaning “house of steam”—which takes place in an enclosed structure usually made of stone or adobe. Volcanic stones are heated and water mixed with herbal infusions is poured over them to create steam. While culturally and historically significant, its use requires strict control of time and temperature, proper ventilation, and supervision by a trained individual.

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Key Health Recommendations

• Session duration: do not exceed 20 minutes per session.
• Hydration: drink water or electrolyte solutions during and after sessions; exit immediately if experiencing dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, or breathing difficulties.
• Basic screening: check vital signs and exclude individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, symptomatic hypotension, or frequent migraines.
• Pregnancy and postpartum: pregnant women should not use temazcal. Restrictive conditions (approx. 40 days after vaginal birth and 80-90 days post-C-section) apply postpartum. Childbirth in temazcal should be prohibited.
• Children: not suitable for newborns and children under 6 years old.
• Facility safety: avoid objects that heat up, do not bring metals/plastics inside, wear cotton if clothed, refrain from alcohol use, and avoid direct contact with the stones.
• Site operation: the temazcal should be in an open or clear area, with continuous supervision and an emergency protocol in place.

Temazcal-Related Deaths in Mexico in 2025

January 21— Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca.

A 29-year-old man was found dead inside a temazcal at his home.

May 20 — Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca.

A 79-year-old woman was found deceased after entering a temazcal constructed at her residence.

September 7 — San Miguel Canoa, Puebla.

Two children (ages 10 and 11) died during a temazcal session; initial reports suggest carbon monoxide poisoning; their mother was hospitalized.

The common factors in these death reports were: enclosed spaces with combustion and poor ventilation (CO risk) and prolonged exposure to moist heat.

Risks and Warning Signs Inside a Temazcal

The combination of high temperatures and steam can lead to heat-related injuries: cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Warning symptoms: dizziness, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, very hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, fainting, or seizures.

Additional risk: carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning when using charcoal, coal, or gas in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces; CO is colorless and odorless and can cause drowsiness, disorientation, and loss of consciousness.

First Aid for Heat Stroke

• Move to a cool, ventilated area.
• Active cooling: apply cold water or cloths/ice to the neck, armpits, and groin; loosen clothing.
• Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or disoriented.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve immediately or if there is a loss of consciousness.

Who Should Avoid or Take Extra Precautions?

• Pregnancy (especially first trimester) and immediate postpartum period.
• Children under 6 years.
• Cardiac conditions, uncontrolled hypertension or symptomatic hypotension.
• Moderate to severe respiratory diseases (uncontrolled asthma, COPD, acute infections).
• Ongoing fever, dehydration, or gastroenteritis.
• History of heat stroke or heat syncope.
• Recent consumption of alcohol, stimulants, or drugs.
• Medications that impair thermoregulation (anticholinergics, certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, diuretics).
• Open skin wounds/infections.
• Elderly individuals who are frail, uncontrolled neurological disorders, or those with reduced mobility without assistance.
• Anyone medically advised to avoid heat/sauna environments or who hasn’t been assessed in case of doubt.

Facility Safety: Ventilation and Combustion

• Avoid temazcals that heat stones using charcoal or gas in enclosed spaces without proper exhaust.
• Ensure emergency exits, visible ventilation, first aid kits, and staff trained in first aid are present.
• Avoid facilities with accumulated smoke or strong smells of combustion.
• Checklist before, during, and after

Before

• Confirm that the site adheres to safety guidelines (timing, hydration, supervision, emergency protocols) and operates in an open or clear area.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals beforehand.
• If you have medical conditions or are pregnant, consult a doctor.

During

• Keep sessions short (≤20 min), with breaks and rehydration.
• Exit immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak.
• Maintain a distance from stones/boilers and hot surfaces.

After

• Cool down gradually, rehydrate, and monitor symptoms for several hours.
• Seek medical attention if signs of exhaustion or heat stroke appear.

Before attending a temazcal, it’s crucial to ensure that the facility maintains control of time, provides water/electrolytes, ensures adequate ventilation, and follows clear protocols. If these conditions are not met, it’s safest to avoid entering and look for centers with qualified personnel.