Early European settlers of America report the use of sweat lodges among tribes. In 1643, Roger Williams reported: “They used sweating for two ends: first to cleanse their skin; secondly to purge their bodies, which doubtless is a great means of preserving them, especially from the French disease (probably influenza) which by sweating and some potions, they perfectly and speedily cure.” Only a few people like Williams saw the sweat lodge ceremony used among tribes to be sacred and spiritual.
Unlike Williams, there were also those who feared and misunderstood the ceremony. The missionaries and government saw the sweat as a threat of an uprising of Natives against officials, and therefore denied its use. This ban had a devastating impact especially on the tribes who used the ceremony for spiritual purposes.
On the other hand, others saw the ceremony as a secret society: a society of just men or just women entering the lodge. There is some truth to these secret societies, but not the whole truth. In some traditions, women and men sweat separately, while sweats are integrated in others. For example, only men will enter the sweat lodge to discuss certain issues or ask for guidance and success for their hunting trip.
The sweat lodge is used for numerous occasions, from sacred matters to some social events. However, in most tribes the major purpose of a sweat is for spiritual renewal and purification of the mind, body, soul, and spirit. This ceremony can be used to heal an illness, to prepare for other ceremonies or to seek guidance. For example, the Lakotas use the sweat lodge for preparation for a Sun Dance. According to author, Mike Aaland, “The purpose, in most cases, went beyond getting the body clean. The sweat bath provided a cure for illness, revitalization for aching muscle, and a sense of racial identity.”
The sweat lodge can last up to a few hours, depending on the participant’s particular situation. For example, a participant can enter the sweat lodge to pray and ask for guidance. When the ceremony is concluded, the participants exit the lodge in a clockwise direction. The sweat lodge ceremony is done differently depending on the sweat lodge leader. There are no two sweats that are held alike, each are unique. The sweat lodge ceremony is used throughout the United States and Canada; it also varies from tribe to tribe. (Below are a few pictures (1 & 2) of different sweat lodges. The third picture is a picture of rock pit where the Rocks used during the ceremony, are heated up.)
Although the meanings of the sweat lodge differ among various tribes, there are also shared symbols associated with the sweat. For example, most Plains tribes especially the Lakotas see the interior of the lodge as a representation of Mother Earth’s womb. Although others have different views of the representation of the lodge, they all have universal purpose of spiritual renewal and the purification of the mind, body, soul and spirit. All nations also view the sweat lodge as a sacred and honored ceremony
The sweat lodge helps remove toxins from the body, so why not use it for recovery from alcoholism. In fact many use the sweat lodge as a native culture treatment for Native Americans recovering from alcoholism. Individuals in a recovery programs that use native culture treatment have slightly more confidence of staying sober than those who don't use culture treatment. In a study of cultural treatment, participants reported that their cultural treatments were both more enjoyable and self-empowering than their usual treatment routine of talk-therapy and education. In a three-year follow up interview of these participants, the research revealed that "these experiences, and their corresponding insights, had been helpful both in their ability to cope and [maintain] their sobriety." Since it is connected to spiritual renewal and purification of the mind, body, soul, and spirit, the sweat lodge is one form of alcoholism treatment. “Because the sweat lodge produces a powerful physical and mental experience, it has been considered an antidote for alcohol, which also produces strong physical and mental reactions” says anthropologist Roberta Hall. She went on to say “local control, cultural sensitivity, and the use of traditional cultural practice are positive steps” in recovery from alcoholism. We Native Americans believe that the sweat lodge helps bring the individual closer to the elemental forces of life.
Native American religious practices (re) establish the connection to Native culture and identity that can nurture a healthy self-image as well as provide the practitioner with a sense of genuine power - spiritual power.
