Native American Sweat Lodge

Traditional style Sweat Lodge dating back to early 1600's

In recent news, a story of a tragic accident in a well known resort in Sadona, Arizona, where adult retreats have been held for many years, the deaths of a healthy man and woman in their 50's, was reported.  This freak accident in a "sweat house," occurred where numerous men and women of various ages, seek to rejuvenate both body and mind through this process of intense moist heat over a period of several hours.   With physical and spiritual benefits, this practice  began in the early 1600's by native American Indians who originated this tradition, believed to cleanse the body of infection, illness and toxins as well as ridding the mind and spirit of negative energy and evil spirits.  Tragically, this sweat house collapsed, causing two deaths and unjuries to 19 others.

Some years ago, I had heard of this practice and doubted I could handle the intense heat.  Many who had done this before, swore by it's healing qualities and health benefits.  As I do not like saunas or steam showers and am miserable in heat over 85 degrees, I was skeptical about doing this. I was not motivated until I was invited to a friend's property in Lake Tahoe, where they have practiced this form of deep cleansing for many years.  These are friends I love and trust and I was challenged by my fears and the need to overcome them.  I agreed to attend their special "Sweat Lodge" event in the summer of 2006.

Their property is magical, with a fresh water creek running through their back yard, flanked by lush willow bushes and every kind of wild flower known to this area.  It is surrounded by the natural beauty that is the Sierra's, with boulders and pines engulfing this special place.  I was enchanted the moment I arrived for the day, the likes of which I have never experienced before and the results which were completely unexpected.

There were 7 of us participating.  Close friends and the 26 year old son of our hostess were in attendance and it was also on her birthday with a full moon to appear that evening.  A very special day. 

 Upon our arrival we were greated with organic sun tea and an array of fresh fruit.  A meal before our sweat consisted of a  hearty home made vegetable soup with hot crusty bread fresh out of the oven.  We sat in a circle on her deck while our hostess described the traditional sweat lodge, what to expect and how to manage through the 4 cycles of the sweat.  The four cyles are symbolic of the seasons and our connection to the earth. 

Our host was busy preparing the lodge for our sweat, heating river rock from the yard and lining up several containers of water from the creek for the rock pit.  Coolers were filled with refreshments that he would bring into the sweat lodge throughout our day to ensure our our hydration needs were met.

Before we began our cleansing sweat, we set out to gather numerous willow branches to line the top and sides of the structure, both a tradition and part of the healing elements of the willow.  More willow was placed inside the 3x3 hole in the center of the ground where the hot rocks were heating and upon which more hot rocks would be placed throughout the day along with water to build the steam.

Each cycle of the sweat would consist of no more than 60 minutes and no less than 45 minutes, with 10 minute breaks between each segment.  During the break, we would go take a dip in the icy cold creek, where even in the summer is still quite cold from the previous winter's snow run off.  Some participants wore very little clothing.  I chose to wear a bikini under a pair of light weight long shorts and a summer tank top.  After my first dip in the creek, removing my outer clothing, I got smart and left my clothing on during subsequent dips in the creek, got soaked and had a cool layer of wet clothing to insulate my body from the intense heat upon returning to the tent tee pee.

This sweat lodge was a more traditional native tee pee style, with layers of heavy canvas covering the structure, with a covered opening where we would enter and exit between the four cycles.  The ground beneath us was so welcome, cool and earthy, where there was room to lay on your side, curled up if desired.  Most of the time, we were sitting up, listening to native American Indian folklore told by our hostess, followed by singing of familiar songs and each of us telling  stories and experiences of childhood or whatever  the mood brought to the group.  Our hostess, a true earth mother and spiritual guide, filled our time with enchanting stories, poetry and tales of earthly wisdom. 

The passing of organic juices and fresh water was constant throughout the sweat to keep us hydrated and comfortable.  We were also able to take the laddle of water to pour over our heads and bodies when needed. I was never thirsty or faint and marveled at my ability to maintain my equilibrium inside this somewhat claustraphobic space.  Never for a moment did I feel impaired or unable to go on to the next session of four.  I was surprisingly refreshed, energized and happy to be conscious throughout!

By the 4th session, our young participant and son of our hostess, decided he needed to opt out.  He couldn't take the heat and departed, somewhat bummed out that he had not stayed till the end.  The rest of us remained, sharing stories and experiences, hydrating, resting, keeping the moist heat doused by more and more water, sweating our little bodies out like never before.

Upon completeng our sweat, you can imagine that we had become somewhat dirty, muddy and gross!  However, despite this, we were exhilarated, energetic and cleansed.  We showered, put on fresh clothing and returned to the deck overlooking the mountains, proud pines and the clearest blue sky our eyes would see for some time.  Everything seemed so fresh, so clear, so alive.  Our skin was glowing, clean, rejuvenated.  Our minds and spirits, renewed.  Our purpose, inner strength and outlooks, life changing.  Pride was beaming in our faces, bodies tingling, smiles all around.

Our amazing host had prepared a scrumptous feast inbetween sessions while his wife and guests were busy sweating away in the lodge.  We enjoyed a great barbeque of steaks, chicken, corn on the cob, grilled in the cob, so yummy , baked beans and summer salad.  A feast  for hungry appetites.

After eating and sharing our thoughts during the sweat, we walked 45 minutes to a small lake in the woods, built a bon fire just as darkness blanketed us and the moon light glowed overhead.  The chatter, energy and comraderie was contagious and warming.  Our shared experience became a bond of friendship, trust and a common memory we will take with us through life.  It was something I could never have imagined if I hadn't done this myself.  It is unparalled, unbelievable and a positive experience I will hold dear to my heart.  And, yes, I would do it again!

                                                                        ***

My heart goes out to the families of those who died in Sedona and to the victims and families of those who were injured.  Their experience was meant to be as positive and healthy as mine.  This was an unforseen tragedy by all those involved and one which will haunt so many lives for a long time to come.  It is unimaginably heart breaking.