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by Mary Blackmon
Spa-Addicts.com
Editor-In-Chief
Want to book it? Find it here.
 WHAT IS IT?! The Sweat Lodge
The Sweat Lodge ceremony is a Native American ritual intended to purify the body, mind and spirit so that a new sense of self may emerge. The Sweat Lodge structure is made of willow branches and is circular in shape, creating a womb-like environment. The Lodge floor is made of the earth and hay, covered to keep out light and keep the heat in.
Stones, heated in a fire pit, are brought into the Sweat Lodge in a series of four rounds. Each round signifies the four directions: north, south, east and west, allowing participants to view their purification process from different perspectives. Water is poured onto the stones to create steam, expressing the release of ancient knowledge. Participants perspire heavily, and when the door to the lodge is opened between rounds, the steam rises to meet Father Sky with the prayers of the participants.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
You will be brought to a fire and told about the Indian ritual and may start to get into the spirit of the ceremony. Each person’s aura will be “cleansed” by sage and a special chant that will supposedly wash away any negativity before entering the sweat lodge. You may feel a bit of anxiety as the lodge will be dark, except for the red hot stones, and you may worry about your ability to remain for the entire “round.” However, if you really cannot make it one full round, the "instructor" with you will reluctantly dismiss you early.
You will enter the lodge and hot stones will be brought in one by one. They are quite beautiful and glowing with their heat. The doors will shut, and all will be dark. Water will be poured on the stones to create steam. Some sage may be placed on the rocks as well. Once the first round begins and you are seated in the lodge, you may start to feel much better as it actually is uplifting, rather peaceful and even “fun!” People may speak, if they want, and tell a personal story or communicate a personal wish/prayer that coincides with a “theme” for each round. The time for each round varies. After the first round, the heat becomes more intense as each round progresses, complete with its own theme for “sharing”. Some may not last all four rounds, as it is of individual preference and based on your own will and desires.
HOW WILL I FEEL?
Without a doubt, you will feel hot! My personal experience was overall positive. It was uncomfortable at times and intense, yet I am very grateful to have participated and been able to push my personal boundaries and last for two rounds. The outcome differs for everyone, however, as this can be spiritual and you may feel exhilarated, or you may feel that this is not for you. But many really love it and feel that the experience and memories are worth it. I feel the same way.
TIP:
The first round is a “breeze” compared to the second and following rounds. The second is much more hot and intense. Some lasted all four rounds, but many found their limit after the second.
WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
You can find it at New Age Health Spa in Neversink NY. Pictured here.
Is there a treatment that you'd like to know about? Let us know! Email us: suggestions@spa-addicts.com.
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