Many people are sure that a bathhouse or sauna is an exclusively Russian-Finnish invention. Indeed, these words often give rise to exactly this association.
However, Eastern culture also has a similar procedure.
Moroccan baths have recently become very popular. But this is not a novelty. Baths in the East are in great demand. In addition, unlike a traditional steam room, they have excellent Moroccan bath therapeutic effects and combine a variety of procedures.
However, a Moroccan bath is still not a sauna, in the usual sense of the word. There are similarities, but there are also a lot of differences.
So why has the whole world literally gone crazy about them, ready to pay quite significant amounts for a visit, preferring a regular steam room? This is worth looking into.
Main Features
A bathhouse is a useful and pleasant procedure in any case. It is aimed at improving health, complete relaxation, and cleansing of the body.
Regular visits to steam rooms improve skin tone, start regenerative processes in tissues, and stimulate the immune system. All this fully applies to Moroccan baths, although they do not resemble a sauna in their operating principle.
The first difference is the mild microclimate. These steam rooms are not characterized by sudden changes and unbearable heat. Comfort is what the whole principle of a Moroccan bath is based on.
The temperature in them is no higher than 40–50 degrees, with humidity up to 20%. In such a microclimate, the body relaxes as much as possible without stressful overheating.
Interestingly, such a humidity regime is very similar to a hammam, which also distinguishes these establishments from Russian saunas.
The second nuance is a wide range of additional services. So, when visiting the steam room, you can undergo a set of restorative and health procedures:
- scrubbing with natural ingredients and applying masks to the entire body;
- massage—soft, relaxing;
- rubbing in essential oils to soften and nourish the skin.
It is not for nothing that Moroccan baths have become a favorite way of cultural pastime for the wives of sheikhs and Arab nobility.
The body is transformed after them, starting from a peaceful sparkle in the eyes to silky, soft to the touch skin and a good mood. Hair care is also provided, helping to cleanse, heal, and strengthen the hair.
Principle of Impact on the Body
A visit to a Moroccan bath not only tones the body but also helps to strengthen the immune system. The effect of rejuvenation and deep cleansing of the body is also achieved.
With the use of natural cosmetics and alternating a relaxing massage with rest in the steam room, muscle and joint pain goes away, and spasms are effectively relieved.
Among the key beneficial properties of the Moroccan bath, it is worth noting:
- beneficial effect on the respiratory and nervous systems;
- prevention of insomnia;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste;
- elimination of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Visiting such a steam room helps to maintain good shape and stabilize weight. It will also be useful for those who suffer from joint diseases and frequent colds. Warming up in a gentle temperature regime soothes inflammation.
Eastern Traditions
First of all, Eastern traditions are expressed in division by gender. Initially, it was believed that Moroccan baths were intended exclusively for women; only representatives of the fair sex could work there. A similar principle is observed in Muslim countries today.
If earlier it was believed that only women from Morocco were allowed to serve visitors, today there are representatives of other nationalities among the staff.
The procedures have also changed, or rather, have expanded significantly. In addition to relaxing massages and rubbing with oils, eyebrow care services, hair removal, and henna tattooing have been added.
And also in many steam rooms, you can find wraps and anti-cellulite procedures. However, do not think that such “fun” is designed exclusively for women.
Men will also be offered massage and beauty treatments. Today, such health improvement is available to everyone, and anyone can go to the steam room.
It is believed that real and proper steam rooms can only be found in the East. However, in the same Emirates, visiting these establishments is considered an expensive pleasure.
But given their popularity, today you can find such baths on the list of services of many SPA resorts in European countries.
