Investigating the Effects of Sweat Therapy on Group Dynamics and Affect

Colmant, Stephen A.; Eason, E. Allen; Winterowd, Carrie L.; Jacobs, Sue C.; Cashel, Chris

doi:10.1080/01933920500184931

Cited by 6 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Results indicated that the acute physiological effects of sweating include increases in skin and rectal temperature, skin blood flow, heart rate, cardiac output, cardiac stroke volume, systolic blood pressure, vital capacity, tidal volume, minute ventilation, and forced expiratory volume of the lungs, along with decreases in diastolic blood pressure and pulmonary congestion. Colmant et al (2005) confirmed additional health benefits of sweating by the use of the sauna or sweat lodge, noting that it promotes healthier skin, aids in eliminating toxins, enhances immunity, and promotes deeper sleep, pain relief, and muscle relaxation. Neurologically, sweating from these practices activates the sympathetic nervous system and stimulates the hormonal system (Colmant et al, 2005).…”

Section: Evidence Of Effectivenessmentioning

confidence: 82%

“…The direct physical benefits of sweating have been well documented in the literature (Colmant et al, 2005;Dunn, 2004;Hannuksela & Ellahham, 2001;Smith, 2005). Hannuksela and Ellahham (2001) conducted a comprehensive review of the effects of sweating in a meta-analysis of 271 studies over the last 40 years.…”

Section: Evidence Of Effectivenessmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Although little empirical evidence exists showing the effectiveness of the use of sweat lodge in contemporary settings, the few studies that do exist indicate the significant impact of this practice on participants, both Native and non-Native alike (Colmant, 2006;Colmant et al, 2005;Colmant & Merta, 1999Gossage et al, 2003;Schiff & Moore, 2006). However, there are many studies that have examined the physiological effects of sweating and a handful that have studied the benefits of sweat therapy in particular.…”

Section: Evidence Of Effectivenessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Colmant and Merta (1999) listed the use of some form of sweat in Celtic and Teutonic practices, in Africa, Melanesia, New Guinea, Polynesia, Eastern Europe, Finland, as well as among the Aztecs, to name a few. Much of the current understanding of significance of group sweating comes through descriptive research such as ethnographic works that have offered views into the sauna culture of Austria, the shvitz in the Jewish tradition, the Finnish sauna, the Russian bania, and the Islamic hammam (Colmant, Eason, Winterowd, Jacobs, & Cashel, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Crying for a Vision: The Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony as Therapeutic Intervention

Garrett

Rivera

Brubaker

et al. 2011

Jour of Counseling & Develop

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The Native American sweat lodge ceremony or sweat therapy is being used increasingly in various medical, mental health, correctional, and substance abuse treatment centers serving both Native and non‐Native clients. This article explores the sweat lodge ceremony's background, elements of Native American spirituality, origin story, cultural symbolism, prayer, and contemporary use. Current evidence of effectiveness and therapeutic benefits is presented, then implications for integrating the sweat lodge ceremony as a complementary counseling approach are discussed.

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Section: Evidence Of Effectivenessmentioning

confidence: 82%

Section: Evidence Of Effectivenessmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Evidence Of Effectivenessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Crying for a Vision: The Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony as Therapeutic Intervention

Garrett

Rivera

Brubaker

et al. 2011

Jour of Counseling & Develop

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show abstract

“…[65,66,67] Sweat therapy enhances group counseling sessions in psychotherapy, where those in a sweat group counseling condition were found to have a more positive and optimistic state of mind. [68]…”

Section: The Health Benefits Of Sauna Bathingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Sweat Factor in Bikram Yoga

Bartholomew¹

2018

ujph

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It is common ground that the practice of hatha yoga will yield many health benefits, both physical and mental. Much of the recent research on hatha yoga has focused on Bikram Yoga, which differs from other forms of hatha yoga by virtue of it being practiced in an elevated ambient temperature which occasions profuse sweating, and is generally referred to as 'hot yoga'. Much of the recent research tends to be negative about this form of yoga, for instance Bikram yoga doesn't assist in removing impurities from the body, doesn't increase aerobic fitness and doesn't yield any more benefits, physically or mentally, than other schools of hatha yoga. This article reviews the sweaty rituals that have evolved throughout human history, principally the Buddhist and Hindu practices, the Greco-Roman baths, the Finnish Sauna, Russian Bania, Islamic Hammam, Japanese Mushi-Buro, the African sweat huts, Irish sweat mounds and the Native-American & Eskimo sweatlodge, and it is shown that most of these sweaty traditions have a purification, rejuvenation and spiritual significance, and that human beings have a primary and primeval need to sweat. The fact that Bikram yoga resonates with this primeval need elevates it to a higher level than other schools of hatha yoga. The health benefits (both physical and mental) of profuse sweating are also presented, in particular that it rids the body of toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and some pesticides and thus is a cleansing and rejuvenating process. But over and above the health benefits profuse sweating as a purification ritual is a major morale booster; it is a natural way to make us feel good and to make us feel good about our lives.

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Challenges and New Developments in Existential Group Therapy

Tantam¹

2019

The Wiley World Handbook of Existential Therapy

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Investigating the Effects of Sweat Therapy on Group Dynamics and Affect

Cited by 6 publications

References 12 publications

Crying for a Vision: The Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony as Therapeutic Intervention

Crying for a Vision: The Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony as Therapeutic Intervention

The Sweat Factor in Bikram Yoga

Challenges and New Developments in Existential Group Therapy

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