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Sweat Lodge

Sweat lodges are spaces that can offer purification. Sweat lodge ceremonies have been a staple in Indigenous healing traditions. Sweat lodge experiences have been described as a cleansing that offers rebirth or renewal.

Health Benefits:
Health Condition:
Method of Use:
Ceremony
Alternative Names:
Inipi (Lakota)
Related Themes:
Ceremony

Cultural Narrative

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As a popular healing practice within Indigenous communities, sweat lodges can be used to maintain physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness. There are different types of sweat lodge ceremonies that people participate in for various reasons. Participating in sweat lodge ceremonies can invite transformational healing experiences for participants.  

 

Related assets

Story
Sweat Lodge
Elaine speaks about how sweating is healing, and wished it was integrated and used more. She hears from her Navajo sisters that being able to take that time to strengthen spirit and mind is needed.
Story
Sweat Lodge
Olga shares a story about ceremony through the practice of sweat lodge.
Story
Safety in Ceremony
David sharing a story about the importance of study, apprenticeship, and deep knowledge when practicing and teaching community ceremonies. He describes the need for safety in sweat lodge and the need to be connected to a traditional community with trusted elders and teachers in Danza Azteca. He also talks about the challenges of patriarchy in cultural traditions.
Story
Temazcal Ceremony
In describing the temazcal ceremony, Brianna describes how she utilized this type of sweat lodge ceremony when bringing a healthy baby into this world. This practice encompasses aspects of prayer, spirituality, and connection with community.
Story
Temazcal Ceremony
In describing ceremony as medicine, Susy describes her first temazcal ceremony and how it aided in her healing, transformation, and connection to self, ancestors, and land.

References

Rybak, C., & Decker-Fitts, A. (2009). Understanding Native American healing practices. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 22(3), 333–342. https://doi-org.du.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/09515070903270900 

Portman, T. A. A., & Garrett, M. T. (2006). Native American Healing Traditions. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 53(4), 453–469. https://doi-org.du.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10349120601008647 

Related community member(s)