Sweat Lodges and Ayahuasca Anyone?

Ayahuasca retreats continue to grow in popularity as sweat lodge experiences grow in popularity. Seeking heat and mental, physical and spiritual growth? Well sweat lodges, a centuries-old wellness ritual, take perspiration up a notch as a shaman helps to release stress and sweat from your body. Glowing skin, increased physical health, and an improved mindset? Sign us up. Here’s everything you need to know about the sweat lodge experience.

What is a sweat lodge?

Sweat lodges, often in a “Temazcal,” an adobe hut dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures, is where participants are encouraged to sweat it out. Most commonly used to remove toxins and treat the body after illness, today they are on the rise

Many sweat lodges even offer you a tour guide on your wellness journey, called a shaman. This spiritual healer guides you through several stages of cleansing. At times the experience is paired with Ayahuasca, a South American psychoactive brew made from indigenous plants of the Amazon Rainforest. It is used as a ceremonial medicine amongst the indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin.

Typically, while each facility and healer has its own process, expect a bit of chanting, crying, praying, singing, and sweating. Participants report an intense experience that left them feeling reborn and rejuvenated upon emerging. They deemed sweat lodges effective in cleansing the body and soul. Learn more in this article from the Spafinder archives.  

How does the process work?

As expected, sweating is the basis behind a Temazcal. Think 100 degrees in a lodge with a dose of self reflection and detox methodologies. The sweat poses the opportunity to release toxins and impurities along with negative energy. The result? A clear and radiant complexion and circulation, improved mood, and better relationship with your body.

The adobe hut itself symbolizes the womb, implying that you’re “reborn” after a sweat lodge session and develop a stronger bond to Mother Earth. Interestingly, to encourage introspection, many shamans will also include ancient prayers or chants to encourage introspection. The premise is to dig deeper with the sweat serving as the ‘release’ mechanism. The inner reflection provided by a sweat lodge often results in a greater sense of purpose and self-love.

As for the physical and wellness benefits? Years of data have reflected the power of heat and humidity on the body. The effect is improved skin clarity, organ function, and circulation. Some Temazcal’s will offer mini cool down sessions. Additionally, expect to sweat a lot and notice a significant physical health improvement shortly afterwards.

Interested in learning more? Spafinder first explained the benefits of the Temazcal ritual in this Trends Report, published way back in 2016.