Sweat lodges are typically safe, and it is possible to participate in them safely. But there are a few things you should know about sweat lodges before you rush in.
- Know The Person Who “Pours The Waters” In The Sweat Lodge. In the Native American tradition, the person who “pours the waters” is the spiritual leader of the ceremony and responsible for monitoring the mental and physical condition of each participant. You need to be able to trust they know what they're doing. Find out their background, experience, and who they learned from, just like you would check out anyone else you're trusting with your health.
- Know How Many People Will Be In The Sweat Lodge. The typical number of people in a sweat lodge is eight to 12, but it can go up to two dozen in a traditional sweat lodge. The unusually large number of people -- 55-65 -- in the Sedona sweat lodge made it dangerously difficult to monitor the participants.
- Know Your Sweat Lodge Etiquette. Sweat lodges will vary in how they're run. Skaná, The Spa at Turning Stone Resort-Casino, is owned by the Oneida Nation and has a sweat lodge with a wooden floor, and everyone wears bathing suits. At more traditional sweat lodges, you might be wrapped in towels, wear light clothing, or go naked (especially if it's not co-ed). At private sweat lodges, the person who invites you is responsible for instruction on clothing, behavior, and expectations.
- Have An Exit Strategy From The Sweat Lodge. People respond differently to heat. Listen to your body and step outside the sweat lodge to cool off and drink water if you need to. Make sure that is the philosophy of the person who “pours the waters.” Some sweat lodge (including the one conducted by Ray) discourage people from leaving. Feeling free to leave is especially important if you’re new to sweat lodges.
- If It Doesn’t Feel Right…Leave. A sweat lodge involves a high level of trust. In some sweat lodges you might be naked or wrapped in towels; in others you might wear light cotton clothing. But when it's done authentically you're entering a sacred space of healing. If someone is charging money for it, think twice. Traditional Native American healers don’t allow that (though it is customary to make "offerings.") Sexual overtures are another sign that something is wrong.
- Know Who Shouldn’t Be In a Sweat Lodge. People who should not participate in a sweat lodge including pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, epilepsy or medical conditions like heart disease.
- Take Precautions Before Entering the Sweat Lodge. Don’t wear jewelry (it can cause burns). Don’t eat a heavy meal right before a sweat lodge experience (it puts a strain on the circulatory system.) Eat lightly, and wait a few hours.
- Be Aware of The Cultural Sensitivities. This is a sacred ceremony with spiritual significance, and many Native Americans believe it shouldn’t be adapted for casual or commercial use by spas or people like James Arthur Ray. If you start looking for sweat lodge ceremonies, you may come across people with strong feelings about them.
