Sweat Lodge Safety Guidelines

• Lodge leader (pourer) training
  • Each person who leads a sweat lodge at the Center for Peace has been trained in Native American traditions.
  • The leaders share their knowledge with each other and work towards safe practices in all of the lodges.
• Length of lodge
  • Our lodges range in length from one to four rounds. Each round is approximately 15 to 30 minutes in length, with the door being opened at the end of each round for 5 to 10 minutes; generally more hot stones are brought into the lodge during that time.
  • At the end of each round participants are checked on and asked if  anyone wants or needs to leave. Participants may leave the lodge at any time by letting the leader know of their desire to leave.
• Construction of lodge
  • The lodge at the Center for Peace is constructed using cedar branches covered with moving pad blankets. To assure that there is air circulation in the lodge during the sweat, our lodge has two doors. During the lodge both doors are opened several times to provide fresh air into the lodge.
• Health of participants  
  • Participants who have health issues including and not limited to blood pressure, heart, and lung and/or are taking medications, should check with their physicians or medical providers to make sure that being in a sweat lodge (sauna) is safe for their condition. If it is not appropriate for a person to participate inside the lodge, an opportunity is made available for that person to come to the door between rounds and receive a lodge   a steam blessing.
  • f the leader feels it is not appropriate for a person to participate inside the lodge, an opportunity is made available for that person to come to the door between rounds and receive a lodge blessing.
  • After each round (15 top 30 minutes) the lodge leader also checks in verbally with the participants to assure well-being of each   person.
  • Prior to the lodge all participants are told that they are responsible for their experience and that they may leave the lodge at any time by letting the leader know of their desire to leave. Our teaching has been that when someone leaves the lodge, they take with them something that others are also working to eliminate and are given our gratitude. There is no guilt associated with leaving.
  • Participants are encouraged to drink lots of water prior to entering the lodge and are provided with fresh drinking water upon their exit from the lodge.
  • Electrolyte replacement (Gatorade, Pedialyte or Emergen-C) is also available at each lodge.
• Capacity 
  • Our lodge will physically hold about 25 people. Generally the number is limited to 20 or less, except when there are several leaders present in the lodge to monitor the well-being of the participants.
  • If there are more than 20 participants, the lodge may be divided into two separate experiences.
• Dress
  • Dressing respectfully helps ensure a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space for everyone. 
  • There is no nudity at anytime during a sweat lodge held at the Center for Peace. 
  • Modesty is expected.   Acceptable attire includes long skirts, wrap skirts, loose pants with sarongs; paired with a shirt or top covering the shoulders that stays on throughout the  ceremony. Clothing should not be transparent, tight, or revealing. 
  • Lightweight, loose cotton fabric is a a good option that allows your skin to breathe. Tight synthetic fabrics can trap heat and restrict circulation. 
  • Jewelry and metal and accessories should be removed before entering. 
  • Avoid wearing strong scents due to allergies.

For more information, call Teresa McKee 865-775-0778 or The Center for Peace 865-428-3070