About the Apache Sweat Lodge

Function

The sweat lodge was used by Native Americans of the Apache tribe as a method of purification. By sitting inside the sweat lodge with the steam, they would cleanse their body and their spirit, all while singing songs or praying together in the darkness that the sweat lodge offers. Sweat lodges were believed to heal, refresh the spirit, purify the body, and train the minds of the young, among other things which varied from place to place and person to person.

Sweat lodges made by Apache Native Americans were usually created by making a frame of willow saplings by bending them together in the middle and covering them with either skins or cloth of some kind. Though sweat lodges varied in size, most would be able to hold about 4 to 12 people if they all sat down in the hut which would be about 4 feet tall. These huts would have a flap which could be opened or closed to regulate temperature, and a hole in the middle to put the hot stones which would have water poured over them to produce steam.

Though Apache sweat lodges can now be built properly anywhere that willow can be found, which is around wet soil and open areas in almost every area of North America, Europe, and Asia, they used to be found in much fewer places. The Apache Native Americans are believed to have lived in the southwestern regions of the United States since about one thousand years ago. This includes states such as Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Oklahoma. In any of these places where Apache Native American tribes could be located, you could also find Apache sweat lodges.

Especially during a long ceremony, it is important to open the flap or to step outside every once in a while to cool down while using an Apache sweat lodge. Drink water if you feel like you are getting dehydrated. If water is not permitted while participating in the ceremony, then end your session early. Dehydration and hypothermia are serious health risks. If you begin to get a headache, then this is an early sign of dehydration and you should drink something. If you begin to tremble or feel dizzy, then you are way too hot and should end your session immediately to cool down. Hypothermia of this degree can result in brain death at around 106 degrees, and if left unchecked, death. Also, never wear contact lenses or metal jewelry into a sweat lodge, as these items will eventually become too hot and melt into the eyes or burn the wearer.

Aside from the spiritual gains through communal prayer, Apache sweat lodges have many of the same benefits that one gains when going to a sauna. It is helpful for opening pores and making breathing easier for people with asthma. However, on the spiritual side, sitting and praying in the sweat lodge is a very sacred ritual. It is believed to have been given to the Apache from the creator as a chance to thank the creator for everything given to them. It is also seen as a time to not only bring members of the tribe together, but a time to bring members of the tribe together with nature, its wildlife, and the elements.

The Apache Native Americans are not the only tribe to have developed the concept of sweat lodges. Many other Native American tribes in the southwest, and even some beyond, have developed the same concept. Though the designs may vary from place to place, the function of the sweat lodge remains the same. Also, though it is customary to respect the lodge leader of an Apache sweat lodge, who is usually an Apache elder, it is not always necessary to present the lodge leader a gift before participating in a sweat lodge ceremony. Always ask beforehand to be sure.