Sweat lodges are used in prayer and purification rituals across globe . Deaths raise concerns over non - Natives trying to adapt traditional practices . so you can not generalize too much , '' said Bruchac , who runs an outdoor education center in Greenfield Center , New York . Typical Native American sweat lodge used in ritual of prayer and purification . One takes stones , puts them in hole in lodge , pours water over them .
Sweat lodges are used in prayer and purification rituals across globe . Deaths raise concerns over non - Natives trying to adapt traditional practices . Typical Native American sweat lodge used in ritual of prayer and purification . One takes stones , puts them in hole in lodge , pours water over them .