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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.
On an emotional level, many find the warmth and moisture of the ceremony to be comforting. The body-mind relaxes and emotions are more likely to come to the surface. Individuals are then able to release these emotions in a safe and comforting environment. This environment , with the physical-emotional changes, helps create emotional healing. Most people come out of the lodge feeling good physically and feeling good about the self. Walking with strong positive self-esteem is a critical foundation for creating positive change in one’s personal environment.
On the spiritual level, many things can happen in a lodge. One’s ancestors may appear or other guidance may come to assist the person requesting assistance. The success of this level of work is dependent on the psychic-spiritual development of the person facilitating the lodge and the willingness of the individual to receive the assistance. It is because of this level of work that the Elders require years of training and service. The one channeling or interpreting for the spirits must be clear and of strong character; able to keep personal issues out of the mix and have sufficient knowledge and expereince to provide follow up counsel.
Not everyone will necessisarily have the same experience in the lodge. Some people relax and enjoy the heat and others may struggle to find comfort. I have been in lodges where some see “the little blue lights” floating in the lodge and others see nothing. When individuals are open, however, they receive exactly what is needed at that time. It is often the case that 3-5 days after the lodge, individuals become aware of the subtle interactions which occurred in the lodge
In short, do a lodge to recive healing whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual. Come to experience a way to connect with your positive ancestors, and to connect with others of like intent If you come with a closed heart and simple curiosity, you just might miss the healing.
Tags: Alcohol Addiction, Ancestor, Body Core, Body Mind And Spirit, Critical Foundation, Cultural Identity, Elders, Emotional Changes, Emotional Healing, Emotional Level, Endorphin Release, Health Advocates, Hot Tub, Immune System, Intervals, Mind And Spirit, Native American Clientele, Natural Stimulation, Natural Substitute, Personal Environment, Physical Changes, Purification Ceremony, Rapid Release, Reading Studies, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Level, Success Rates, Sweat Lodges
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