by Penny S. Vincent

Created on: October 16, 2009

Many people from around the world have discovered the health benefits of Native American Sweat Lodges, and other similar aboriginal ceremonies. When asked what the benefits are, most people will mention the detoxification of the body or the spiritual renewal. They may mention the emotional release and the mental relaxation gained through participating in the ceremony. All these can definitely be among the benefits gained from attending a Native American Sweat Lodge ceremony.

Numerous people try to pinpoint what exactly makes the sweat so beneficial. Some think it is mainly due to the heat and steam. Others think it is due to the prayers and drumming. Still others may believe that it is due to the cedar or sage that is used. A few may even associate the healing benefits to the complete darkness in the lodge. Many imitations of the Native American Sweat Lodge ceremonies are being carried out by non-Native Americans trying to replicate the healing conditions.

However, what many of these imitators do not seem to realize is that each and every sweat ceremony is unique. No two are exactly alike, even when led by the same leader performing the same actions each time. Another thing many may not realize is that not every tribe practices the same traditions, so not every sweat utilizes the same elements. Even when using the same elements, the elements may have different meanings to the various Native American tribes. Nevertheless, the same benefits may be attained despite the differences.

Although the heat and steam do help to detoxify the body, it is not the main healing agent of a sweat. No two people in a sweat experience the same intensity of heat or get the same amount of steam. Even with just one stone and very little steam used, a sweat can create a very intense healing experience for a person. On the other hand, even with a pit full of hot stones and a lodge full of steam, the same person could feel comfortably cool and barely feel any type of healing. Some people get the same benefits while sitting outside the lodge that they would get if they had entered the sweat lodge.

Music or rhythm cannot be the main therapeutic element, although each can certainly be very healing. Some Sweat Lodge leaders do not use any songs at all. Those who do use songs do not always use the same songs each time. The same goes for drums and whistles. Nor is it specifically any one type of prayer, since everyone in the lodge is free to use any method of prayer or language they choose.

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