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.
Herbs certainly can be used for healing. However, it is not simply which herbs are being utilized during the ceremony. Different herbs, such as sage, cedar, and sweet grass can be used during a sweat. The structure of the Sweat Lodge also doesn't make the main difference between healing and not healing. So what does make the difference in what healing benefits a person receives from a sweat? Why will two people, who are identical in every way, have two very different experiences from attending the same Sweat Lodge ceremony?
The answer is simple. It is the person's own ability to have faith that the ceremony is beneficial to him or her. It is the individual's belief in the ritual itself that makes it possible for the person to receive benefits from performing the ritual. What creates the intensity of experience is the individual's own struggle with the healing process.
In any human, there is a constant struggle going on between the part that wants to change and the part that is afraid of the unknown, so that part fights changing. The entire sweat lodge setting is designed to help the individual let go of any mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional burdens in complete anonymity. Although the person knows others are present to give support if needed, he or she feels like he or she is completely alone with Creator.
If the individual willingly releases control over the burdens, then even the hottest sweat lodge simply feels cozy and comfortable. On the other hand, if the person isn't quite willing to let go of the control over the burden, then the sweat lodge becomes a very intense place to be. In that case, even the coolest sweat lodge will seem extremely hot to the individual and the person will find it difficult to remain in the lodge. If that person does stay in the lodge, he or she will most likely come to realize it is his or her own resistance causing the discomfort. In some cases, it may take several sweats to help the individual release control over the burdens of life. Some may never reach that point of release. Yet, that release of control decides exactly how beneficial a Sweat Lodge ceremony is to any individual.
To fully benefit from a sweat lodge, people should find a ceremony being conducted by a trained Water Pourer. The person should be recognized as a medicine man or woman for his or her tribe, or by other members of a Sweat Lodge family. The person should be wary of any sweat lodge which charges a fee to enter the lodge. A true sweat lodge ceremony is not held as a for profit business. The commercialized sweats are not always conducted by trained personnel, and can be very dangerous to the individual.
However, a request for donations for the upkeep of the lodge is normal. Usually, a jar, basket, or blanket is set out to collect the donations, again allowing complete anonymity. This request should be honored. It does cost money to attain the rocks and firewood, and food for the feasts after the sweat ceremony. It also costs money to maintain the structural materials used to build the lodge, and to maintain the grounds around the lodge. In addition, the medicine person may have had to travel a long distance to conduct the ceremony. Gifts of tobacco, money, blankets, and food are the traditional gifts offered to the Water Pourer and Fire Keeper, as well as the Door Keeper. It is also tradition to gift the host and hostess, whether or not they are the sweat leaders or not. These gifts should be given in addition to the donation for the lodge's upkeep.