This sweatlodge ceremony is reserved for Veterans Only.
Please call to reserve a spot.
What Happens During a Sweat Lodge Ceremony?
Sweat lodge ceremonies are about more than just sweating — they’re purification rituals used for a broad range of purposes, depending on the need and the occasion. Sweat lodge ceremonies practiced today are associated with the Native American culture, who use these ceremonies to give thanks, to heal, to seek wisdom, and to purify the mind, body, and heart.
Sweatlodge ceremonies take place in domed, circular lodge. A fire is lit directly outside the lodge, tended by a highly trained firekeeper who heats the stones that are used to keep the lodge hot.
The firekeeper places the stones in a hole in the center of the lodge, often adding cedar as an offering. The firekeeper also offers prayers while keeping the rocks.
The Difference Between A Sauna And Sweat Lodge
Every ceremony is different, depending on the traditions of the ceremony’s leader, but they can be held in silence, or accompanied by drumming and singing. It goes without saying that sweat lodges get hot—really hot. Most lodges stay at over 100 degrees (F) throughout the ceremony.
Sweat lodges are different from the sauna at the gym in two important ways. First, saunas are all about the heat, while sweat lodges are intensely spiritually focused. Second, while it’s not recommended to stay in a sauna for longer than 20-30 minutes, most sweat lodge ceremonies last several hours.
Spiritual and Physical Health Benefits of Sweats
Every aspect of a sweat lodge ceremony, from the construction of the lodge itself to the prayers offered, is imbued with deeply spiritual symbolism. The shape of the lodge is intended to represent the womb of the Earth, which renews and purifies those within it.
The ceremony itself is divided into four parts representing different spiritual challenges. The sweat lodge is a special place that engenders introspection and communion with the Earth, as well as a renewal of social and cultural bonds. Singing, drumming, and meditation empowers participants to endure the heat for much longer than they usually could, teaching participants to overcome physical discomfort and frustration.
These ceremonies can be a profound spiritual experience, and the science of sweat lodges helps explain why. Research has shown that sustained heat releases the same endorphins as heavy physical activity, but without the burst of adrenaline that accompanies a challenging exercise session, for example.
Sweat lodges can also help fight infections by creating a temporary fever state in the body, which lessens chronic inflammation. The heat is also a great remedy for arthritis, muscle pain, and skin disorders, which can be improved by the increased blood flow at the surface of the skin.
Risks of Sweat Lodge Ceremonies and How to Stay Safe
Sweat lodges can offer many benefits, but since they take place in such extreme heat, they’re not for everyone. Anyone with underlying health issues, especially illnesses affecting blood pressure or the respiratory system, should talk to a doctor before going on a sweat.
Even if you’re in perfect health, dehydration and heat exhaustion can be a real danger if not promptly recognized and treated. If you start to feel dizzy, weak, or faint, it’s 100% acceptable to ask for help and leave the lodge for a break. The leaders—who train for many many years before they can conduct a ceremony on their own—are there to help you in case this happens.
Is a Sweat Lodge Ceremony For You?
Despite the risks, a sweat lodge ceremony can be a life-altering experience, especially for people who are struggling to overcome difficulties such as addictive behaviors. If you’re considering taking part in a sweat, make sure to do your research first—and this includes research about the specific culture whose traditions you’ll be taking part in.
Native American communities are rightfully angry about cultural appropriation by people who just don’t care enough to really learn about the people and their traditions. So remember to be grateful for the opportunity to take part in this profound ritual, and do your best to be a good guest and community member.
Besides, the more you understand, the more you’ll take with you once your spiritual journey in the sweat lodge is over.
Remember: this way is not for sale, but your contributions to the people running the sweatlodge are greatly appreciated. Your donations help to continue the programs, provide and purchase fire wood and supplies to keep the sweatlodge open and operating. Without your donation this event is not possible.
Please call Doug Good Feather for exact address, location and start time. (720) 276-7558
Sweat Lodge Ceremony Protocol
• Please bring a meal or food to share to help serve 10 - 15 people. Fresh Fruit, Soups, or any potluck food is fine. There are no refrigerators on site but we do have coolers for keeping food cold.
• We do not provide childcare/daycare services-please ensure your children are supervised while you are in ceremony.
• The Sweat Lodge is hot and it can be difficult for children to participate. Children under 10 years of age are not advised and must be supervised during the ceremony.
• Do not eat at least 2 hours prior to entering the Lodge.
• We request each person provide some form of donation to cover the expenses of the lodge including: wood, travel expenses of the fire-keepers and singers, lodge supplies, port-a-potty sanitation. Donations come in the form of a cash donation of $20- $50/ a bundle of wood/ blankets/ Eco-friendly paper plates, bowls, etc.
• Individual prayer requests may be made- prayer ties might be required to help address specific prayers.
• Women on their time of the month may NOT participate in sweat lodge while they are on their time of the month. We respectfully request anyone on their time of the month to stay home and away from the ceremonial grounds. Please join us at the sweat lodge once your time of the month is fully completed.
• Clothing -
Men: loose shorts, towel, t-shirt, and a change of clothing for after the ceremony.
Women: ribbon dresses or long skirts, t-shirt, towel, and a change of clothing for after the ceremony.