Posts Tagged ‘Elders’
Why Do a Purification Lodge?
I am often asked, why do people do sweat lodges? The purpose of the lodge, better known as a purification ceremony, is just that, to purify the body, mind and spirit. Modern health advocates have long recognized the effectiveness of steam in helping to release toxins from the body through sweating. The process of heating, steaming, cooling the body in progressively longer periods provokes a rapid release of toxins from the body core. The intervals of heating and cooling the body over several cycles has also been proven to boost the immune system. The process of going in and out of a hot tub or sauna, progressively heating then cooling the body, has similar effects.
The ceremony, because of the heat and steam, causes the body to release endorphins; the “feel good ” hormone. I recall reading studies in my earlier years that Native American clientele had higher success rates of recovery from alcohol addiction when they regularly participated in traditional purification ceremonies. Success was, in part, attributed to higher self esteem due to reclaiming cultural identity. Also critically important to this success was that the stimulated endorphin release gave a natural chemical alternative to alcohol.
Welcome to Songs for the Lodge!
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Our website focuses on Lakota spiritual practices with respect to the sweat Lodge. We also provide some information on Yoruba tradition because of its relationship to Lakota practices. Our information is based upon years of personal experience in these traditions. We have also done a great deal of scholarly research. We do not presume to be experts in either tradition although we have been initiated into Ifa and Sun danced with traditional Lakota people. Rather, we want to share what we have learned on our journeys to help others maneuver with some through these traditions.
