How hot is Turkish Hammam? Is There a Back Massage at the Turkish Hammam? | Hürrem Sultan Hammam (2024)

The Turkish hammam is usually in the range of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. The humidity in the steam room reaches 100% but oddly it is easily tolerable. Hammam saturates the body with moisture, gently opens the pores, allows tired lungs to "breathe" and literally "washes" the whole body. And the traditional procedures really makes you feel like you are in heaven. The temperature level and humidity ratio in Turkish hammams also relaxes the muscles and create a feeling of comfort in the body. Therefore, the Turkish hammam is seen as a remedy for many health problems, especially stress.

Other benefits of the temperature in the bath can be listed as follows:

  • By increasing oxygen intake in the lungs, the bath helps the bronchial system as well.
  • Opening the airways helps to relieve congestion, curing colds, sinusitis and coughing attacks.
  • It relaxes the nervous system, helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • The high-temperature steam expands the pores of the skin, making the skin smoother and softer.
  • Toxins are excreted with sweat.
  • Heat accelerates metabolic functions, increases heart rate and stimulates the nervous and hormonal system, allowing the person feel better.
  • It softens the hair by purifying the hair and scalp.
  • Relieves the symptoms of menstruation with heat.
  • Cleanses pimples that appear in adolescence, purifies the skin.
  • A massage service is also offered to make the person feel relaxed. All Turkish hammams have expert masseuses and masseurs who provide their services exclusively with an additional cost to the entrance fee.

The Turkish bath also appeals to your 5 senses:

Sense of smell: The aroma of natural essences and soaps spreads throughout the hammam and mixes with the water vapor that fills the rooms of the hammam.
Hearing: The sound of water falling from the ceiling, fountains and droplets creates a pleasant music to the ear.
Sight: Enjoy the architectural monuments in the hammam. Baths are generally places of historical interest with their vaulted ceilings, columns, mosaics and marbles.
Touch: Immerse yourself in the experience and hands of a masseuse and let a warm marble caressing your body soothe you.
Taste: Calm your body with a delicious apple tea.

What Aroma is Used in the Turkish Hammam?

Mint oil is usually used to create a more invigorating atmosphere in the Turkish hammam.

Is There a Back Massage at the Turkish Hammam?

Yes, almost all Turkish baths offer back massage services. Back massage increases blood flow to the skin and muscles. It helps to relieve pain and stiffness. It can also help prevent wounds. Back massage applies pressure to some parts of the back relieving and relaxing the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Back massage is an ideal application especially for headaches, neck and upper back pain. At the same time, having a back massage helps to improve the quality of sleep and reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

What to Do Before Hammam Session?

Before going to the hammam, you should have epilation done throughout your body. In addition, don't forget to put your own shampoo and conditioner, moisturizer, comb or other hair products and spare clothes in a small bag.

How hot is Turkish Hammam? Is There a Back Massage at the Turkish Hammam? | Hürrem Sultan Hammam (2024)

FAQs

What is a Turkish hammam massage? ›

In Turkish baths, foam massages are usually performed using special soaps. This softens your skin and cleanses it more effectively. Foam massage is one of the main features of the hammam and is an experience that visitors will also love. Massage services are also offered in the Turkish baths.

Does hammam include massage? ›

What happens during a hammam? The hammam experience includes a sequence of treatments including a full-body cleanse, scrub, steam, and oil massage.

What temperature is a Turkish hammam? ›

The Turkish hammam is usually in the range of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. The humidity in the steam room reaches 100% but oddly it is easily tolerable.

What is the hammam massage procedure? ›

A classic hammam treatment:

During the Hammam treatment the pores of the skin open up, the body is ready to accept the soap massage, during which you will be covered in a true cloud of soap foam. After the hammam treatment a positive effect to your body is felt: circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory and nervous systems.

What to wear for a hammam massage? ›

Treatment process in the hammam

You must wear a disposable bikini or boxer shorts provided, but, if necessary (presence of children, friends, etc.), you can wear your swimsuit, or a headband covering the chest can be provided. The dry heat will cause profuse sweating which thoroughly cleanses the skin.

How long is a hammam massage? ›

Spa Experience offers a variety of hammam treatments, all of which are a treat for the mind, body, and skin. You can mix and match the procedures as you wish to get the full hammam experience, with each treatment ranging in time from 15-50 minutes.

What is covered in a full body massage? ›

A full body massage typically covers your back, shoulders, neck, legs, arms, hands and head/scalp, in that order. Some therapists will include chest massage if it's indicated as part of a sports or deep tissue massage (for example to help with restricted breathing).

Is a hammam before or after a massage? ›

Having the massage first means you will get all cleaned up in the hammam, hair washed, not greasy, and there's no real need to shower afterwards. But getting the hammam first gets your body totally loosened up, tingly, and even more relaxed for the massage.

What are the benefits of hammam massage? ›

It provides mental and physical relaxation

The Turkish hammam has an effect similar to exercise and helps the body to relieve stress, both mentally and physically. High heat relaxes you by relaxing muscle tension, while increased blood circulation nourishes the brain cells.

How much do you tip at Turkish Hammam? ›

Turkish Bath (Hamam) — There is no way you can avoid or forget tipping the Turkish bath/hamam attendant(s). Before you leave, they will all come 'to say goodbye', so make sure you have some cash money on you. You normally divide 10 to 20% of the total amount you spent among the attendants.

Can you go to a Turkish hammam on your period? ›

As long as you're comfortable, don't let your period stop you from having a hammam treatment. Hopefully all these recommendations and tips have fully prepared you to book a Turkish hammam experience! Spa etiquette is there to make sure you and other guests (plus hammam staff) feel safe, secure and respected.

Do you wear a bra to a hammam? ›

Men usually completely strip down and wear nothing underneath the bath-wrap. Make sure you remain clothed with the bath wrap at all times — flashing is frowned upon. Women on the other hand mostly keep on wearing their underwear ( but often not their bra) underneath the bath-wrap. The choice is yours.

What is the Turkish massage technique? ›

One of the most iconic massage techniques in a Turkish hammam is the foam massage, often performed using olive oil soap. As the masseur creates a rich lather of foam, they apply it to the body using long, sweeping motions.

What is a hammam massage? ›

What is Hammam? Hammam is a term for both the place and the practice of cleansing the body through the medium of water or steam. Four components comprise a traditional Hammam treatment. Welcome and relaxation. A tellek, the term for a staff member or therapist, welcomes guests to relax in a space called the iliklik.

What is Turkish bath massage? ›

The traditional Turkish bath experience typically involves a series of steam rooms of increasing temperature, followed by a body scrub with a special exfoliating glove called a kese, and a relaxing massage. The process is meant to cleanse the body and promote relaxation.

Do you wear clothes in a hammam? ›

For men, the hammam towel is tied around the waist. For women, it is tied around the chest to cover your chest to your hips. Depending on how comfortable you feel, you can either wear your underwear or swimwear under your hammam towel. Some places offer you disposable underwear.

What is the difference between a hammam and a Turkish bath? ›

A hammam, or hamam, is an Arabic word for a Turkish bath. People may use it to describe communal bathhouses associated with Islamic culture. You might expect slight differences between a Turkish bath and an Islamic hammam. For example, in a Victorian Turkish bath, you might find dry, hot air rather than the steamy air.

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