Oct14

Therapeutic Sweat Lodge

The sweat lodge ceremony is an ancient cleansing practice that dates back thousands of years and is present in some form in most indigenous cultures in the Northern Hemisphere. The practice involves heating rocks in a fire, placing them in a pit within a domed shelter, and pouring water on the rocks to release steam – creating a sauna-like environment. Participants gather in the domed shelter (lodge) to reflect on personal growth and to offer intentions (pray) for specific needs. Water is poured on the rocks with each prayer. The lodge facilitator monitors the process to prevent over-heating. Participants may leave the lodge at any time. In a traditional ceremony, the prayers and songs of a particular indigenous culture are used. Non-traditional ceremonies use the varied songs and prayers of the participants to create a unique experience for that particular group. For some participants the experience connects them to their personal faith/spiritual journey and for others the experience provides a unique opportunity to reflect on areas for personal growth.