Light on the Sweat Lodge

   I have decided to write this article about the sweat lodge in the wake of the recent media frenzy on this subject. The avalanche of information (and misinformation) that fell upon us a few weeks ago has painted a lopsided picture of this process that I am eager to bring back into balance.

    First of all, and so that you don’t have any sneaking suspicion that I am coming from a biased position, I will pounce into the open (quite a feat for a Scorpio!) and expose it openly: I love the sweat lodge. So you can rest assured that for the most part I will be writing to you out of this enduring love for what I experience as a rich, powerful and amazingly beautiful ritual. I will also try and contain my feelings long enough to give you some sober facts on safety and medical considerations.

    In case you somehow managed to miss out on the media’s reports regarding the sweat lodge, they were triggered by someone dying in a sweat lodge in the northern part of the state. It was the sixth reported sweat lodge related death in eleven years, that’s worldwide. What was questioned was the safety of the sweat lodge process. There were no clear conclusions as to the actual cause of the death other than to a reference that maybe chemically contaminated bore water was used.

   I have no idea what actually happened up there, the reports were contradictory, erratic and some statements were clearly poorly researched.

What follows is my experience of the sweat lodge.

   I attended my first one in 1991. It impacted me so deeply that I immediately took to it and within a year or so was already in training and facilitating my own ‘sweats’, as they are affectionately referred to amongst enthusiasts. I have honestly lost count of the number of sweat lodges I have facilitated since then but, for the record, a figure between 400 and 500 springs to mind and I have had the honour of introducing thousands of people to this sacred ritual.

    As its name implies, the sweat lodge shares quite a lot in common with the sauna. Physiologically speaking the two processes are very similar: both generate steam and heat in order to induce sweating and flush out toxins. Both impart feelings of relaxation and well-being in the participants.

   The main difference between the two is that the sauna is primarily a physiological detoxification process whereas the sweat lodge is a spiritual cleansing ritual. In other words, the sweat lodge’s concerns are first of all spiritual, whilst still delivering detoxification on the physical level. This is the most distinguishing feature of the sweat lodge.

    To me, the sweat lodge could be described as my ‘church’, it is where I most often and most deeply connect with the spiritual realms. It is also where I fulfil part of my life’s purpose which is to facilitate for people the same experience that I have, namely a rich experience of reconnecting to their deeper Self, to Spirit, to God.

    The sweat lodge is not for everyone. Nor is the sauna. Nor is cricket, for that matter. Some people come to the sweat lodge once and, having whetted their curiosity, do not come back. Others find that they like to come once a year or every few months or on each full moon. Others still like to come at each and every opportunity.

    What’s more, some people should not come to the sweat lodge. Both the sweat lodge and the sauna carry clear warnings for people with certain medical conditions.

    The sweat lodge, for instance, is not recommended for pregnant women. Nor should anyone with severe medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, heart problems, kidney disorders, liver problems or uncontrolled diabetes, consider doing a sweat lodge without first consulting their health care professional. It is just common sense.

    So who is the sweat lodge for? Anyone who is moderately fit and healthy can experience what the sweat lodge has to offer without any ill-effects. Of all the people who have come through my sweat lodge none have suffered negatively from the experience. The vast majority report feelings of bliss, well-being, mellowness, stillness, peace, oneness and quieting of the mind, to mention just a few.

    Yet even moderately healthy people need to adequately prepare for the lodge. The body will after all go through a powerful detoxification process. Inside the lodge your heart works harder to affect heat exchange and cool down your core temperature. Sweat glands flood the skin with sweat in order to cool the blood. Even so your core temperature will still rise by anything between one and four degrees, effectively emulating a fever. Toxins are flushed from the skin and also from several internal organs. Many viruses are destroyed. Powerful stuff.

    It pays to be adequately prepared. One should drink more water (not tea, not coffee, not soft drinks) than usual so that the body is fully hydrated and there is no danger of dehydration. One should abstain from alcohol and drugs for 48 hours before the lodge. It is best to fast for at least five hours before the event, even better if you can bring yourself to fast all day. If you are on any prescription drugs consult with your health professional before booking in.
Also, if you are thinking of doing the process for the first time, shop around until you find a facilitator you feel comfortable with. The best way of doing this is to talk to people who have experienced the facilitator you are considering. Also speak to them directly. Ask questions regarding their training and experience. Ask them about their lodge’s protocol. How hot are their lodges? Can people leave if they need to or have to? Is there any induction? Any debrief? Above all else use your intuition and your discernment. Once all the ground work’s done, relax and prepare to experience a truly transformative journey.

Claudio Silvano

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