The Sweat Lodge Ceremony for Spiritual Healing

Abstract

Abstract Of the many Indigenous ceremonies that have a spiritual component, few are as immediate and powerful in restoring a balance of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well-being as the sweat lodge. Sweat lodges are often incorporated into healing programs that serve Aboriginal people, and are also available to non-Indigenous people. Their appeal across cultural and religious traditions stems from a nondoctrinal view of spirituality. A preliminary study of effect of the sweat lodge ceremony indicated measurable changes in spirituality. Additional analysis of the data suggests that existential coherence among participants increases as a result of the ceremony. The sweat lodge ceremony may help participants to increase their sense of spirituality and connection to each other.