Readers Respond: Have You Ever Visited A Sweat Lodge?

I had one of my very best spa experiences at a sweat lodge at New Age Health Spa in Neversink, NY. The person who "poured the waters" (was in charge of the sweat lodge ceremony) was not Native American, but had a lot of traditional training from elders. He called it a multi-cultural sweat lodge. It lasted about two hours and got progressively hotter, but he let us know we could step outside any time. Share Your Story

Dakotah Tiyospia

I am American Indian, a Sundancer, and attend Inipi several times a week for as long as I can remember in my life. People twist, distort, and abuse our traditions. It upsets me. I believe that all colors of men are allowed to take part in our ceremonies, but with respect. Doesn't the medicine wheel have all 4 colors of men? Only someone who has sundanced for 4 years should run a sweat for anyone, they should be a sacred pipe "chanupa" carrier. They should never charge you money. I give money as an offering when someone is running it, because in this day and age it is the easiest medium, but someone should never ask you for money. You should never bring crystals etc. Most Native people consider this new-agey stuff disrespectful of our culture. Please seek out a sweat on a reservation like where I live and you will find the most legidiment Inipis. Don't be disrespectful to the person running it when you find a traditional one.

—Guest Dakota

sweat lodge

I am Native, and wanted just to clarify a small point in your description...since the sweat lodge for us is a sacred ceremony and not just a Sauna, I have never attended a sweat lodge where people go in naked or just wrap in a towel, we actually wear long skirts and our tops must cover the shoulders, like a T shirt or a sweat lodge dress, and men go in in shorts or ceremonial skirts, I am not sure where you got the idea that people go in the sweat lodge without proper covering, thank you

—Guest Amankay

Sweat Lodges...

A true sweatlodge process is not "paid" for...I have attended as well as held sweat lodges; people are always told that if they have medical conditions they don't have to take the whole 4 circles and can leave anytime they don't feel well or too hot or any other feelings. No one is told they have to stay. Each person is watched carefully and at the end of each turn people are interviewed if they wish to continue. It can be intensse depending on the heat but it is a very spiritual experience and can be beneficial for body, soul and mind. I was reading up on the sweat lodge deaths and a very heartfelt condolences go to the families. Sweat lodges have been used for thousands of years and are very safe if not abused. I really don't know how educated this person was in sweatlodges or he is just one of those people that are cashing in on First Nations' spirituality and practices and First Nations/Americian Indian medicines and practices.

—Guest Darlene

sweat lodge

I just got seriously hurt in sweat lodge. I will never do that again. I am still suffering from the effects it had.

—Guest ken

Have you ever visited a sweat lodge

On Sept 23/09 I attended a sweat lodge in Sedona, AZ while on a spiritual journey. Our spiritual leaders, including the Native American who lead the sweat, were aware that only a couple of us had previous experience with sweat lodge. We were well prepared and informed and the two that were running the sweat were very careful not to overheat us recognizing our newness to the experience. Only one left before the four rounds were over and congratulated on the amount of time she was able to be in the lodge. This was not my first sweat lodge, my previous experiences were with Native family run sweat lodges and I could tell immediately I was in capable, knowing hands. Our spiritual leader informed us at a later date that the particular spa she scoped out first for our group was not chosen due to her uncomfortableness with that particular group. I am sure I speak for our entire group of Spiritual Travelers in expressing our gratitude to our leaders and the team who ran the Sweat for us.

—Guest Sandra Gamache

sweatlodges are serious ceremonies

I personally have taken part in several sweatlodge ceremonies over the years. Every sweatlodge ceremony I attended was conducted by a humble, gentle, caring very experienced Native American Elder. In my 52 years of walking on Mother Earth I have never heard of a true sweatlodge keeper charging anyone for the privelege of attending. Sweatlodges are sacred ceremonies and are not to be sold. a person that charges anyone for a sweatlodge ceremony has their own agenda and is missing the entire point of the original teachings. They should not be trusted.

—Daniel57

Sweat lodges

I have been in many sweat lodges and they are the most relaxing and spiritual experience I have ever experienced. Just because one person doesn't know what they are doing should scare someone from this experience. Always know who is running the lodge and you will have an experience you will never forget

—Guest candi bjorkman

Sweat Lodges and Safety

I have been in numerous sweat lodges, traditional & non traditional is ambiguous, cultures have different traditions & uses for a sweat lodge). Never was I ever encouraged by any lodge leader to stay in, not to ask for the door to be opened, nor denied water. Every lodge leader I have encountered asks after each round if all the participants are OK. If you are required to pay for a ceremony, beware, lodges are suppose to be open. It is customary to gift the leader, not mandatory. Blankets & bling bling (non useful thingamabobs) are nice but do not pay bills or put food on the table. This is not the olden days when blankets were used as trade, currency is the modern trade. Use common sense. Make sure there is access to water. Think twice befor going naked in a mixed lodge. The purpose of sweating is to cleanse & purify, not to prove you are gender blind-there is always a special tension between genders. A lodge is not a place to display endurance or be macho/machisma. ASK QUESTIONS

—Guest Shilah