Sweat lodges – handmade dome structures that house Native American sweat ceremonies – have become increasingly popular over the years in non-native populations. Many swear by the healing properties of sweats, and now they’re more accessible than ever. Travel Correspondent Wendy Wegner finds out if growing awareness of sweat lodges is helping more people, or if this act of cultural appropriation is just putting them in danger.

In the right hands, sweat lodges have been known to be successful in the treatment of infectious diseases, psychological and emotional disorders, insomnia, and a variety of other ailments. The medical community is even finding growing scientific support of sweat lodges’ detoxification and anti-cancer properties. However, there are also a number of potential health risks involved, particularly when sweats are practiced by inexperienced participants and irresponsible leaders.

On June 22, 2011, James A. Ray, self-help guru and author, was found guilty of negligent homicide after three people died during one of his sweat lodge ceremonies in 2009.

In the preceding year, Ray’s company made nearly $10 million from selling self-help books, videos, and events which included sweat lodge ceremonies. Willing participants not only entrusted Ray with their safety, but they also paid himfor the promise of a healing experience. According to witnesses, staff, and official documentation, Ray not only had no safety plan in place in case of emergencies – but he also regularly encouraged participants to push themselves beyond their individual physical limits.

Severe dehydration and heat exhaustion are serious risks associated with sweat lodges that can even lead to death when not properly monitored or treated in a timely manner. It is never safe for pregnant women, infants, or seriously ill persons to participate in sweats, and one should always be conscious and respectful of his or her own physical limitations.

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