From Scandinavia to South America to Africa , people have come together in the sauna-like structures -- typically heated by pouring water on hot lava rocks -- for a variety of reasons , said Joseph Bruchac , writer and author of The Native American Sweat Lodge . Sweat lodges are used in prayer and purification rituals across globe . Deaths and concerns over non - Indians trying to adapt traditional ceremonies . Typical Native American sweat lodge used in place of prayer and ritual . Firekeeper heats logs , puts them in fire in lodge , pours water over them .
Sweat lodges are used in prayer and purification rituals across globe . Deaths and concerns over non - Indians trying to adapt traditional ceremonies . Typical Native American sweat lodge used in place of prayer and ritual . Firekeeper heats logs , puts them in fire in lodge , pours water over them .