The truth is, he had no business participating...this is not a vacation activity...I find it extremely disheartening and disrespectful that some treat this as an outdoors activity. There has to be a deep awareness, and courage to face yourself!
What you say is only partly true if we dont explore we dont know I definitely dont think he was disrespectful by having a curiosity to learn I commend him for his bravery and honesty.
I did my first Temazcal right before the world shut down. It’s disheartening to know the person holding the ceremony was forceful with making you stay during the whole thing. The Shaman who lead mine was the most passionate and caring person. I actually couldn’t make it thought the whole thing and had to leave and he even came out to check on me and make sure i was okay. Brining me water, fruits, etc. I wish this would have been your experience and yes all persons holding the ceremony SHOULD care about the medical conditions of people and take that into consideration.
Sounds like a wannabe medicine man ran the lodge and did everything wrong. U all should look up James Arthur Ray who ended up killing 3 people in a sweat lodge he charged people 10000 to go to. I am Lakota Sioux and have been to many sweats and from what im hearing everything was done wrong down to bullying them into staying in. If we get too hot during a round we say mitakey Oyasin which means all my relatives and is the door call word n they will let u out. Also it doesn't sound like they were let out between each round to cool off and the rounds were way too long. This is what happens when non natives who werent given the right thru our traditional ways to run lodge happens.
I am truly sorry you had a bad experience. One reason may be because we have a lot of false Natives practicing our way. We as Natives are having a lot of problems with people claiming to be Native and performing our religious Ceremonies. First of all a real sweat lodge would be twined and held together with tree divers. It looks like they used zip ties. Second, Sweats can only be performed by a medicine person and one who has been given the right to be a sweat leader by the tribe or an Elder. We always have a meeting about people conditions and we announce what the sweat will be about first before entering. Also we put those individuals next to the door so they can breathe better. It's sad that these sweats really do make other Natives look bad and makes people doubt our experiences to the world. I am truly sorry. I have petit mall seizures and yet 8 sweat quit a bit and never have a problem. Maybe because I have done them so long my body is used to them. But if they were truly Native they would have brought in some herbals to put on the rocks to help with breathing and calming. We use eucalyptus, cedar and sage to help people breathe. Sage was actually used as an inhaler by Natives. Breaking off the stem you will notice a white film inside. Breathing the end of the stem feels like a rush of cool air just like a cough drop and inhaler opening your lungs to help you breathe. Cedar and eucalyptus also helps open your lungs. So that's another sign this was not a real sweat lodge run by traditional Natives. Also a real beginner sweat does not take 2 hours. It is done with a total of 28 grandfather rocks ( lava rocks). 7 are added each round which is usually 4 rounds and each round depending on if health or beginners. Our people are always finding these lodges that are falsely doing these sweats and shutting them down. I hope after reading this you will take a second chance and visit another one. I also would like to add that there are different sweats and types. Each Tribal Nation has their own way of sweating and songs. We do these to cleanse and wash off the negativity. But there are other sweats for Ceremony and healing and prayers. We are very spiritual with the Creator and do our prayers one on one with the Creator. I hope that you reconsider going to palace where you would really enjoy a real sweat. And ty for taking a chance and trying something new no matter what it is and posting it so the world knows.
I would like to add an apology as to I should have read all of the enclosed. Yes Aztecs and Native Mexicans do have very different sweats. If you would like to try this experience again in different sweat lodge that is designed for you then please find one specifically for your needs. I hope to hear of an upcoming video of you trying one that is specifically for you.
The cultures behind these ancestral rituals , had such an advanced knowledge of the natural medicine. Even the concept of vapor rooms, or saunas, can be found in SO many countries and cultures, and one of the basic parts of the temazcal is that "basically" it's a sauna. The thing is that, it comes with a beautiful ritual, that works your physical, mental and even (in some cases) your spiritual side. It is not a SPA, not a resort, It's the uterus' of the Earth. That's the essence of the ritual. It's a ritual that happens inside a close and dark space, full of dirt, and vapor and heat that just goes up. Sometimes is difficult for us to control our mind and body, to be in such closeness with ourselves, with others, and with the elements (specially fire) And having all these elements together can be really difficult to deal with. But learning how to armonize with all of it, makes this ceremony a very healing tool.
Bruh I was 7 and always went with my dad and stayed in the hole time and also sat right next to dad who always sits in the back and it's hot as hell and still do it to this day
Im glad you get something positive from it, but it wasnt for me. Obviously my epilepsy is a big factor here so my intention with making this video is just to highlight that sweat lodge could be a problem for those with medical conditions.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Yes, and I do believe you accomplished that. Thank You! There is no shame in speaking truth. I think the people running it should have used tough love and disqualified you straight up. I pray you and your wife are well now. Please don't ever let yourself be bullied. Your body will warn you when its in danger. If you had a drug in your system, you are very lucky you didn't die. Keep warning others so some good can come out of a terrible experience. Thanks for your video.👍✌❤
I totally agree with one of the other commenters, part of the trigger for your seizure was very likely loss off critical electrolytes in tandem with exposure to extreme temperatures. A really good facilitator will take every participants medical history and current health situation into account previous to allowing them to participate in a session. The greayest failure overall that I cam see is in the facilitator's lack of understanding of your situation and well being. As a facilitator one is directly responsible for the care and wellbeing of all the members in one's group. You should always feel free to leave at any time. Further more, many sweat lodges will have medical professionals and or care givers ready outside to help in case there is a medical emergency or simply to help someone relax who is stressed out or not feeling well. This is designed to be a healing experience where one can find fellowship within a small group. There is no place (in this kind of experience) whatsoever for peer pressure or lack of empathy. I hope that you have recovered well and I am sad that you had to experience that.
Temazcal ceremonies are about strenghtening your mind and overcome your limits, very often it happens that people think they cannot stay in until the end and it's the facilitator's task to help you breathing and continue. The shaman should always ask to the people if they have medical conditions, but it's also your responsibility to tell and ask whether to enter or not. Temazcals are proper ceremonies that help people connecting with their inner world, being concious about their feelings and thoughts, think about the direction of their lives. You cannot participate just a moment to understand if it's funny of boring and then leave. I think it's better that you didn't participate to the ayahuasca ceremony, you'd have felt it was too strong to enjoy as you wished. Tourists can participate to ceremonies, but with respect and open mind.
I couldn't have said it or described better. It is not a "let's try and see what happens. " It is much more than that...humbleness is what I see missing the most from the person in the video.
I think a likely contributing factor also could have been electrolyte imbalance. Hyponatremia can cause seizures even in the absence of epilepsy, so I think more consideration and information of the risks should have been applied, particularly to participants with epilepsy, hypothyroidism, kidney or heart problems or a number of other conditions. It’s a serious demand on the body and a few cups of sugar saline and “good vibes” just isn’t adequate for some people. I’m sorry this happened to you 🖤
I want to also add that it is always important in no matter what you do sports or fitness and even sweats to always acknowledge your health conditions. A true sweat leader will always know what medicine to use and how long to leave the door closed. People with medical conditions are always welcomed and should always be attended to how the sweat is run. This is why there is a variety of sweats to choose from. Healing or cleansing or prayer. I hope everyone after learning about sweats will participate and be open minded.
I don't understand why there's so much hate in the comments, seems like most commenters really misinterpreted what you said here. I didn't hear you say anything negative about the rituals, rather just the people who were pushing you to stay and about the medical condition you have. Unfortunate.
As with anything spiritual/religious people get very defensive over it, and so the slightest criticism gets blown out of proportion. I don’t worry about it, but thank you for hearing what I was trying to say.
I've been noticing a sort of 'spiritual narcissism' that is becoming prevalent. (or I'm becoming aware of my own 'spiritual narcissism' and then project it on the world, don't know yet.) But I have heard strict and judgemental opinions from various people, everybody adhering to a different cultural heritage. From Kundalini Yoga practitioners, Tai Chi, Sufi mystics, Orthodox Christian priest, west coast new age whatever... ext. All clamming that they (and their culture) is worthy of 'higher' knowledge. I have done many Peyote ceremonies and two sweat lodges, I have decided that the sweat lodges are not for me. I was criticized and judged. I felt that perhaps something is wrong with me. Then it dawned on me that it makes no sense to believe in some kind of authority in 'spirituality'. If it is the exploration of the 'inner kingdom' then the only authority is the seeker himself. Of course many people have explored their own consciousness for thousands of years and came back with very wise and valuable information to give to others and are worth hearing and taking the time to practice them. But as valuable it is to listen to other people, it is equally important to cultivate a sense of sovereignty and discernment. I like this quote, I don't remember where I stole it from, lol!: "Nothing is more holy than the integrity of one owns mind."
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I've been noticing a sort of 'spiritual narcissism' that is becoming prevalent. (or I'm becoming aware of my own 'spiritual narcissism' and then project it on the world, don't know yet.) But I have heard strict and judgemental opinions from various people, everybody adhering to a different cultural heritage. From Kundalini Yoga practitioners, Tai Chi, Sufi mystics, Orthodox Christian priest, west coast new age whatever... ext. All clamming that they (and their culture) is worthy of 'higher' knowledge. I have done many Peyote ceremonies and two sweat lodges, I have decided that the sweat lodges are not for me. I was criticized and judged. I felt that perhaps something is wrong with me. Then it dawned on me that it makes no sense to believe in some kind of authority in 'spirituality'. If it is the exploration of the 'inner kingdom' then the only authority is the seeker himself. Of course many people have explored their own consciousness for thousands of years and came back with very wise and valuable information to give to others and are worth hearing and taking the time to practice them. But as valuable it is to listen to other people, it is equally important to cultivate a sense of sovereignty and discernment. I like this quote, I don't remember where I stole it from, lol!: "Nothing is more holy than the integrity of one owns mind."
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I commend you on your open mind about at least trying it, the thing is this is a VERY sacred practice for many people & you just called it "boring, churchy & tedious" only to blame your seizure on the ceremony. Can you seriously not see how that can get folks into their feelings?
When I did my first one, my ego detested it the first two hours, it manifested itseld as rebelliousness, discomfort, even fear that it could be harmful... I came out at the break, swearing never to return. After ten minutes, dozens of cold buckets and awareness, my mood changed and I decided not to run away, but return. That was excellent. It was the first of five or sixe I've done and would do many more.
Well if you or anyone thinks this is a “spa” no it’s not a spa, this is a spiritual stuff it’s not even for relaxing in a sauna, the purpose is to feel spiritual. And also if anyone has some kind of sickness (epilepsy, phobias etc) you should mention it.
Nowhere did I say this is a relaxing spa so I’m not sure what your point is. Yes this is a spiritual activity - which is exactly what I say in the video
Adeptus Psychonautica my point is that venturing in spiritual ways is not cool as it seems, you open a door for light and darkness too, that’s the reason of your experience 👍
Im under no illusion that its cool, or pleasant, or fun. There are quite a few videos on my channel where I talk about my motivations for following this spiritual path, which is to try to resolve my mother’s suicide. So I can assure you that acting cool is the last thing on my mind.
Adeptus Psychonautica sorry when I say cool I meant that it’s not as “relieving” as it seems. When you are interested in this spirituality as you are to find the spiritual path you need help. For example you can use yoga as meditation but when you try the real yoga “religious yoga” that’s way deeper so you gonna need the help os priests because you can open the door for bad spirits or feelings (sadness, anger etc.) and when you are guided you’ll find what you want. It’s the same thing with temazcal, you need a guide so you’ll be able to get in “light” and not evil spiritual ways 👍
If a sweat lodge has a culture or policy you cant leave Im not going in, the one I did was supre hot, too hot, people left on the first round, then on the third round lots of people found it too much. After cooling off and having some water / coconut water some of us re-entered and finished the first two rounds. If turned out the stones they used got more hot than usual. There was a case in the US some years ago where the leader stopped people leaving a sweat lodge, 3 people died and 18 serious injured. Be careful People.
Babies are born inside the Sacred Sweat! It’s not for Europeans experiencing or curiosity! Are you legally walking in those sacred temples? How did you get there? How long are you stay there and how much did you paid???? We are the Original Native people and it’s a shame hearing this news from your. We don’t appreciate our own people playing with religion in our spiritual ways and we don’t like fake shamans or fake experiences. Stay away from the temples.
The Sweat Lodge is native American and they've been doing it safely for centuries. It has a spiritual and purification purpose. It should not be taken lightly or be messed around with as it can be dangerous. Don't blame the sweat lodge for your bad experience. When you use these ancient practices misappropriately, when it's stolen and abused. You get your ass kicked. When you have the wrong attitude, you get your ass kicked. You wanted a spiritual experience. You got it. Blame the people responsible and the intentions, don't blame an ancient ritual out of ignorance.
Where did I blame the sweat lodge? I simply said its not the medicine for me which is a fair statement - not every medicine is right for every person. Maybe try listening to what I actually said rather than making shit up so you can have your little rant.
The first 3 times I participated in a Temazcal, I felt the same way. It was my 4th Temazcal that I had a breakthrough experience with it. Then I built my own in my backyard and hold them monthly for myself and neighbors. It is a very powerful experience. A portal into a holy space.
Take half the blame if not more to yourself mate. You could have inquired what is to come. I absolutely loved this ceremony and it was very profound. One person on out group had a heart condition and she didn't do it. Leaving the ceremony with open doors you should have done right after first session.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica he's basically telling you the same thing. I said you had a bad experience and you should've left the ceremony during the first doorway. Instead of whipping out a camera and recording which the first major disrespect. And than your condescending attitude to the ceremony. Just because you don't understand. I'm surprised people haven't made you famous for being discriminate towards native Americans
As a man who has been walking a red path best he can for thirty years, an authentic INIPI or 'inikagapi' (to make new breath house/ to live again) ceremony is about FAR more than heat. If your're headed to sweat bcuz you want to see how strong ya are with fighting the intensity of the heat, good luck pal. You'll lose. The newager crowd (wingnuts who mostly exploit tribal ritual as their indigenous 12-step programs) must understand, as do most Lakota I know on the Pine Ridge rez at Wounded Knee, that their sacred rites can be shared. As long as ppl know it AINT ABOUT YOU. But they must be facilitated with care and intention and with ALL respect to the spirits. Nobody needed to teach me how to sweat or build an 'initipi.' If ur walk is shamanistic or you've been tapped by spirit to walk with medicine, then honor that and LEARN by doing NOT by being told what to do. What typically happens within this ceremonial community on and off the rez is the notion of gifting or being 'taught.' That IS one kind of spirit walk under a guru or mentor'like relationship. Others, learn and are taught by the dark forests. Alone. That's my walk. True spirit realm gave me everything. I LISTENED. Then, I was invited many years later to witness the Sundance at Wounded Knee and it changed me helping carry in the sacred cottonwood tree then to see such agonizing devotion to mother earth and all the spirits for four days. far as INIPI songs , they're to be sung in Lakota and lodge is poured with only honor of ALL directions and to spirit animals, earth, fire, stone, water, air, soil, creepies, trees, finned and winged ones etc etc on n on as we HOLD SPACE for the sick and weak in need of shared prayers. I wish everyone luck in finding authenticity in a world much too filled with charlatans. Here's my advice so take heed: if someone tells you he/she knows how to show you the way and then begins to tell you how they were gifted, allowed, shown and whatever, those indigenous ceremonial truths, run. It's just like the classic phrase - 'if you see the Buddha on the side of the road, shoot him.' Truth? Nobody knows anything, not even the Native American. They know 'a way,' THEIR way and for me the Lakota are sacred ppl. But I learned MY way, which is how it must be. Go out and learn YOURS. Mitakuye oyasin. A'ho
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. I also have epilepsy and have been on my own journey the last few years and always approach my experiences with care and caution especially for myself. I do take sodium valproate to control my seizures and so far I have not had a seizure post experience. A seizure will always leave me emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted for a week. I'm glad I have found this video as a word of caution.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have only used sodium valproate (eppilum) but in the beginning found my body and brain adapting to it took awhile. Have been blessed with no seizures in the last 5 years
If you don't mind me asking, how has your Epilepsy and its medication been in conjunction with Ayahuasca? Have you ever needed to stop medication and had any seizures after a ceremony? Any experiences or knowledge would be appreciated 🙏
@@thomasbrice8884 For the situation discussed in this video I had stopped taking my epilepsy medication. Since then I have continued taking my medication while on retreat and have had no issues
@@thomasbrice8884 I've taken it for bipolar, couldn't even think at all for almost a year, also barely ever felt anything at all on Ayahuasca for that time. As soon as I changed to Lamotrigine, first of all I could think again, slowly started being able to hold conversations and express myself again and it was like waking up from a coma where I just wasn't bed-bound; and then suddenly I started to honestly feel the effects of Ayahuasca for basically the first time (before that it was like getting slightly dizzy like after half a beer or a couple drags of weed) BUT, can't quite recall the timeline(2021 to early 2022 is almost like a blur, I felt like I was trapped inside myself and a straightjacket with mouth guard, whilst on the outside I was compliant and docile, so I guess that's a "positive" result for some..), but I took an antipsychotic with the valproate for a while and I remember having felt it a bit, but it took a couple doses and a spoonful of concentrated Ayahuasca "honey" to basically feel like I took an LSA microdose, so almost imperceptible, really. I've taken Lamotrigine a couple hours before Ayahuasca and yet had the most beautiful and significant experience of my life with Ayahuasca. Antipsychotic drugs you'll have to stop them like, 3 days before, but I can't comment on how antiepileptic drugs act on others, specially for their actually main intented use, and I'll refrain from especulating much more. What I can say, is that I've had a horrible experience with valproate(it continued after I stopped the antipsychotic, the Ayahuasca helped brute force my brain back online little by little, but I had to change meds b4 going back to normal, and it took a few months after I stopped for that) and Lamotrigine has been a blessing and doesn't interfere with Ayahuasca at all in my experience, but to be fair, before antiepileptic drugs I took Ayahuasca only once and it was basically a microdose, I just threw up and that day no one felt anything significant. So I don't exactly know how Ayahuasca works for people that aren't on any antiepileptic drugs What I do know is that I can get to ego deaths and every single experience has been extremely positive and it's changed me a lot for the better. Also, I want to say that my most intense experiences were on the cooking ceremonies, the vapor has a lot of beta-carbolines and it's intense, to say the least.. extremely worth it, specially for the ritualistic environment of it, like, people gathered to make the brew.. It's just magical, truly transcendental. But you should really be talking to a doctor about that, medical advice from strangers is never a good idea. But in the churched I used to go, the "reverend" was a psychiatrist and he was consistent about lowering the dosage of antiepileptic drugs and taking out antipsychotics altogether, but that's coming from my interpretation of what I know about it, I could be completely misremembering or misinterpreting it. Anyway, I wish you great trips! Just be aware that **maybe** you'll have to take higher doses(I was the one that drank the most Ayahuasca at that church, but I always aimed for ego death) and have some kind of emergency medical assistance ready in case of a seizure, bc Ayahuasca CAN and does kill, almost always it's people on antidepressants, antipsychotics, or antiepileptic drugs.
I recently had the honor to participate in a temazcal in the outskirts of CDMX...wow! A fellow traveler I met in CDMX happened upon it from another traveler. There were no signs or posters, you had to be invited. He asked if I could also come and the guide said yes! The guide picked us up and we drove for about 2 hours to get there. We met some of the other locals that would be attending, along with the "medicine man" that would be leading the ceremony. We changed into our shorts and received the smoke cleansing before entering the temazcal... Ometeo! I was a little nervous, as I really didn't know anything about this ceremony or what I was getting myself into, but once inside and the curtain closed, making it pitch black inside, then there was a chant, or prayer (i don't speak Spanish or Nauhatl so I don't know what was being said) and the drums and the bellowing conch shells. Then the aroma from the herb-infused water creating the steam being poured onto the red-hot volcanic rocks...It was very intense, not just physically because of the hot steam, but the whole ceremony. I felt honored and humbled to be allowed to participate in their sacred ceremony that their ancestors have been doing for hundreds or thousands of years! I stayed inside until the 4th opening, at which point I had to get out to calm down, although calm down isn't the best way to describe it. As i crawled out I was offered a drink of some kind, I think it was some kind of non-alcoholic mezcal, or something. It was refreshing! Anyway, it had begun to rain sometime during the 3rd session and going out into the rain after the super-intense 3rd round was refreshing and made it seem even more magical. One of the locals said the rain was a blessing, and it felt like it! As I laid in the mud outside, the light rain dancing as it bounced off of my steaming body. I closed my eyes and just breathed...ah! I wasn't sure if I could go back in for the 4th session but after drinking the juice and some water I cooled down and felt that I couldn't miss it. I was here, this was it, I might never have this opportunity...blessing...honor, again. I had to go back in! There were less people in this last session, which made it a little less claustrophobic, because now there was room to stretch out my legs at least. The drums and chants and songs started up again, and the herbal steam filled the air once more. This last session was less intense, physically, than the third, which I think is intentional. So that it starts to bring you back to reality! After the 4th opening, several of us laid in the mud inside the temazcal to relax and come back to reality. But then from the silence came a light drumming, accompanied by a woman's voice. She softly sang a beautiful song in a language I don't understand and it was truly comforting. When she was finished, we all continued to quietly lie there. And then a light drumming started again, this time accompanied by another woman singing a different song. Just as beautiful and comforting as the other! After some time, I crawled out and drank some water before lying down again outside, looking up through the leaves gently swaying the in the cool breeze. I'm not really sure what I was thinking, just more awe-struck by the whole experience. Finally I got up and took a cold outdoor shower before changing back into my normal clothes. My friend and I then talked with our guide some about various things before thanking him and the other locals for inviting us to join them in this ceremony. On our way back to the Hostel, about 2 hours drive, we hardly talked. A few times just looked at each other and smiled, knowing that we were just privilege to something wonderous! The next day we said our goodbyes before I left to return to my normal life. When I got back I was overwhelmed with emotion. I cried off and on for two days! Thank you for sharing your wonderful ceremony with me! Ometeo! (before I left the next day I met a man selling handmade souvenirs in the city and when I handed him the money he did the hand circle/cardinal direction ritual and I said "Ometeo" and he smiled and nodded and told me a story. I don't really know what he said, but it was good :)
my question is: how do you overcome first part of the ceremony, when you start to feel that you dont have enough air, and it gets crazy hot. did you panic and does it get easier after 10 or 15 mins?
@@bakermantop It definitely did not get easier, it got more intense with each round (opening). I draped a handkerchief over my face and put my head between my knees, taking shallow but calm breaths, trying not to panic. It was very intense indeed. But totally worth it! :) Remember, it's not a competition with other people. It's about you, for you. Go as long as you can and take a break if needed, then go back for another round if you can. If not, that's ok too. :)
Sweat lodges are notorious for this kind of "you can't leave" culture, which I find troubling and really turns you off for even trying to seek something like this out. It really puts out a tone of disrespect and disregard for others that sort of ruins it. Best word to describe it,... "culty."
I hear your pain brother. I attempted to attend my first sweat lodge ceremony...and didn't even last 2 minutes. It was WAY too hot, claustrophobic, and on top of that the space was filled with spirits! I pleaded "Mitakuye Oyasin" and they let met exit after the door had been closed. You need major preparation - physically, mentally, spiritually - before attending a sweat. You're going in with the WRONG attitude if you're merely curious or want to sweat out toxins and receive the physical health benefits. The sweat is scary as heck for many. Fortunately for me, the tribe was SUPER KIND and compassionate and didn't bully or force. They were happy I just stayed on the grounds outside of the ceremony space instead of leaving before the entire ceremony was over. So I didn't break the psychic connection. Attempting the sweat was a very good lesson in humility for me. There may be a way for us to "build ourselves up" before ever trying again. But you can't just run into these things without major preparation.
The panic is pretty normal. You should try again and just do some deep breathing maybe close your eyes, you have to get through the initial fear of being shut in a dark hot room
To have a good sauna you need to ventilate it properly, drink lots of water and cool of. We do these inipi saunas with friends, one of then tried to do it "traditionally" washout any proper cooling off, well he didn't feel to good at the end ;D if you listen to your body and keep the balance (water, air, breaks) you will have an amazing experience in any sauna. Another thing is smokes from residues on rocks if its not cleaned properly. So enjoy safely.
I'm a big fan of Temazcal. It is not a a Peru thing it comes from Mexico. It is made of bricks. Your lower body parts stat very cool and if you get to hot you can lay down. If someone is struggeling at anytime the can go out they just call out to the person heading up the sweat. Like so many of the old ways they are being miss used and poorly administrated. Just like doing Ayahuasca several days in a row. It's a commercial application for $$$. Every time you do it or DMT, mushrooms etc. it opens up a door. A person should integrate before and after taking the medicine before taking on the next. To many BS shamans today. It takes 20 years to become one IF you are selected. But today everything is for sale. Respect the medicine IT IS SACRED!
Also at the end of each round theyre supposed to open the lodge door n let u out to cool off between each round. They are never supposed to make u stay in and if u get to hot during u can call for the door to go out and they are supposed to let u out. Look up traditional Lakota sweat lodge and the way it should be ran. Most rounds only last maybe 15 minutes. And only have 4 rounds. Never ever go to these kind of lodges.
I felt bad for you in there when you were wanting out. I wasn't aware that is what caused you to miss the ceremony that night. I had a positive experience with it. I felt like I had been through hell inside and when I came out and the cool air hit me it all changed. And the fresh watermelon was the best I've ever tasted
Glad you had a good experience with it mate! Its definitely not my intention to wail on temazcal, but I just wanted to drive home that its not for everyone, and thats particularly true for people with certain medical conditions. Still, it taught me that I need to look after myself and consider what I'm putting myself through - its a lesson that needs learning every once in a while, I just wish it wasn't so painful. Anyway how are you doing post retreat?
Well, I’m very sorry to hear about your experience. It’s always about the one who leads a ceremony. The ceremony by itself is just a tool. I had amazing Temazcal experiences, in México and in Austria. Please be more specific in your critics. If the ceremony leader is professional and knows about your conditions, it’s absolutely not understandable why they tried to convince you to continue. To me this is absolutely irresponsible from the facilitator. However, I would definitely not recommend you any psychedelic experiences if you’re having epileptic episodes...
@@AdeptusPsychonautica of course you're an expert on that level and very experienced. So for me to understand it correctly: If you say that epilepsy (in your case or generally?) can get triggered by stress, a (negative) psychedelic experiences also could have the potential to create stress, also on a physical level, right? Like strong stroboscopic light, ...?
@@danielbrunner5204 yes that is true, so I should probably clarify a bit. The actual psychedelic substance itself does not have a contraindication with epilepsy, so there is nothing inherent to the substance that might trigger a seizure. This is different to something like amphetamines which just by the nature of taking them can trigger seizures. But you are correct that the outcome of a psychedelic experience can be stressful, which might then in itself cause a seizure. In this way its no different than a stressful day at work. My epilepsy is just something I have to live with and manage, and its never been an issue with my use of psychedelics. I think the difference here in regards to the sweat lodge was that I didnt really have a handle on how it would play out (my fault), i felt pressured into staying ( both my fault and the facilitators), and also that the sweat lodge itself was a dangerous environment IF I had a seizure in it. That last part wouldnt be the case say in a mushroom ceremony because its not conducted in a small enclosed space filled with hot rocks.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thank you for your reply! That's exactly what I wanted to point out: The Temazcal by itself is not "bad" or not recommendable at all. It's - like so often - the set and setting. And in case of this specific method, it is very important to know that it's designed as a ritual, a ceremony, which requires an intention you wanna work with, and that is created to bring you physically to the edge. It's the responsibility of the facilitator to give these instructions to the participants, so that everyone can take a conscious decision on wether this is a tool to work with, or not.
IT IS 11 25 AM ON MARCH 20, 2024 AND SOMEONE IS FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIFE RIGHT NOW WHILE ANOTHER LITTLE HUMAN IS BEING BORN - PLEASE LOVE EACH OTHER - WE ARE ONE - WE ARE NOTHING - BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER - LIFE IS TOO SHORT
That really sucks! But everything is lessons. Don't beat yourself up too much. Now you know that you need to assert yourself more when something doesn't feel right. I'm glad you're okay!
Your bad. Stick to what you know & don't think sacred rights of passage(especially ayawaska) for shamans. This is not for you and are probably very lucky that the sweat lodge ejected you before the Great Spirit did. You could have lost your mind permanently.
You didnt listen properly - the sweat lodge didnt eject me. I was there until the end. Don’t be sulky just because someone didnt like your sweaty lodge. It sounds like you already lost your mind... permanently.
Knowing you have epilepsy, you should not have gone in. In our sweat lodges in northwest BC you are allowed to leave at anytime. But cannot come in once you go out. So, I don't feel very sorry about that
One thing should be clear here, the words coerced, bullied etc. are definitely the wrong way to look at it. He even says it was too strong of a word. Sweat lodges are hard, at first, and what is actually happening is called ENCOURAGEMENT. Sweat lodges are an offering that push and expand your limits. It often takes the SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT of those with you to grow in this way. In a gym your trainer is there to encourage you and motivate you to carry on. Same thing. Hopefully in the end you find that you are stronger than you thought. Yes medical conditions are something that should be considered but seizures aren't necessarily something that would automatically disqualify you. I guess that would depend on what causes your seizures and what your condition is which really you should know best. I mean if you really wanted to error on the safest side you would you be doing any of the medicines? Now you know, now they know, but in all fairness I don't think it's neglect, coercion, or bullying. Blessings on journey.
@@spiritualru2364 Just a thought you should consider bud. Don’t hate on a practice that was used for thousands of years because you have drug and health problems.
Dang, that really sucks. I'd probably assume they just had no idea how a sweat would effect people with certain medical conditions like yours. I've been to 3 Native American sweats. Similar to yours in timing, the singing/chanting and the strong I insistence of finishing. I did pass out after 1 of the sweats the second I walked out but I will also say that for me, the sweats were the most spiritual I've ever felt. I absolutely loved them but kind of in a masochistic sweet torture way. I had a lot of emotional pain and the difficulty of the sweat allowed me to purge the emotional sludge. You were able to get a lesson about personal boundaries and hopefully they got a powerful lesson about sweats and epilepsy. Glad you didn't have a seizure during the sweat and end up burning yourself on the stones. I know for me it was very tight quarters inside those things.
Yeah for sure it was cramped in there so I'm glad that nothing happened until I got out, that would have been horrific. I hope this video doesn't come across as me saying "Waaaa! Sweat lodge fucking sucks!". I am glad that people get something positive from it, but it just wasnt for me. You are absolutely right about the lessons learned - I need to be smarter about the situations I put myself in, and look after myself more.
Im sorry but as a Dinèh tribe member people need to realize sweatlodge is not for everyone and my people used to make sure to hydrate and eat alot of meat before.And your not supposed to mix genders in lodge . Your supposed to talk to the tribal doctor first. We sont mind other people participating in our ceremonies usually if your being honestly interested but if you're just experimenting to just mess with it our ancestors and predecessors and the holy ones know when ppl are genuinely of good spirits
Thankyou for sharing your experience. I found your video because I want to create a disability accessible sweat situation at our local Pow Wow. I want you to know that how your situation was handled was very poor and very reckless....that would not have happened at our gathering. Anyone can call "door" at any time and leave with nothing but encouragement and inclusion in the prayers. These people were not trained appropriately and that could have gone even more badly for the people in that sweat, and you. Sorry you were treated that way.
You should have learned beforehand what it was..it's a very sacred gathering for many people..not to be treated as an "activity". If you have any health issues it's wise to consult the elder who probably would have recommended you not partake. Facilitators were being very foolish in pushing people past their health concerns and pressure to stay put..not cool at all. If your body says no..listen to that more than anything else. I went to a sweat in -40 winter Northern Ontario and elder made sure I was doing ok..he saw that I'm fair and burn easy in the sun..so he gave me tips for breathing close to the ground and to let them know if I didn't feel ok I could step out. They were very careful as it was my first sweat.
I think all medical concern of all individuals should always be shared and considered with the facilitator of any sort of ritual ancestral medicine . Its our duty as individuals and as facilitator to considered so for every one safety. Speaking with the administration of the center you were and share your concern to uplift awareness to the facilitators about individuals health is the most you can do! And keep yourself open to new opportunity for you to experience other Themazcal ceremony handles better :)
Love your videos. What was the Ayahuasca retreat? I'm interested in doing one in the Sacred Valley at some point but Nihue Rao in Iquitos is my current go-to for South American retreats.
Thanks, glad you enjoy them! The retreat was Arkana Sacred Valley, and apart from this episode it was a really good retreat. I'll be posting a review sometime in the next couple of weeks, but I would definitely go again.
Are you a drinker? I used to get seizures since I gave up alcohol and drugs it stopped. Haven't got one 18 months and I stopped taking medication. I did a sweat lodge 1 1/2 weeks ago. Felt wrecked tired for a few days. Maybe you should quit booze. Maybe all that alcohol left your system and detox caused seizure.
Dear person... The Temescal / sweat-lodge, ayahuasca ceremony, or any other traditional indigenous ceremony is not something to "check out". It is part of an ancient and ongoing indigenous way of life and spiritual tradition. If you are not interested in living that whole life, then it is not surprising that this happened to you. The spirits do not come to a temazcal for "spiritual tourists", and when you are just spectating for a thrilling personal experience (even with an intention of expanding your spirituality but not committed to the values and principles...) then you remain susceptible to harmful energies. You are not aligned with what will happen in the ceremony, as you clearly were not from your description. You even referenced not wanting a spiritual/religious experience..? So I'm wondering why you went? And it is very confusing that you were disappointed about not being able to go to an ayahuasca ceremony, where medical concerns would be equally important to outsiders, and Ayahuasca ceremonies are completely a spiritual ceremony. If you just want to have a big experience crossing realms, I recommend LSD or dropping acid. If you are not interested in an indigenous way of living, I suggest you do not continue dropping in to serius indigenous ceremonies that are part of a whole way of life. You are a European man... Your video was so classic.♡
No sweatlodge host should force anybody to stay in there longer then they can pray not suppose too cause of medical conditions I've been to alot of sweats in my life and never been forced to stay in longer then I need to be but I usually stay for the whole ceremony sit out and help with grandfathers and the fire
“Culture of egging each other on” is NOT how it should be at all! If people want to leave, they should be able to leave and no judgement given. Very sad to hear this occurred during your experience. This is how folks died in Arizona. Competition in handling the heat of the sweat is not traditional at all.
You can go down on ground it is cooler. You can go in the back and you can sit by the door. The hottest part is in the front row and in the middle. You should have been allowed to leave after the stress/no message your body gave you! One round is enough. You can also give of yourself by helping open the door or fire keeper or simply by being there on the outside. You be you! Main thing is listen to your body when it says no or shows stress as in saying no - you do you!
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. These types of journies should always be viewed as your own personal experience. No one should be coerced into staying beyond what is comfortable and safe for them.
I went to a sweat and the elder there saw how fair I was..so they made I wasn't getting to overheated and told me to lean close to the ground where the cooler air is..they made sure I was ok..it was an oven inside and -40 northern Ontario outside..
Sweatlodge is not about sweating and removing toxins 😂 it's about pushing you to your limits and then overcoming your resistance. Once achieved your nervous system operates at a higher level and you can notice a big difference in your mental outlook and self confidence after completing a sweatlodge.
YT Man goes trying other peoples cultures, Ancestors from the culture teach him a valuable lesson. - it was not an epileptic seizure, you were about to go into a spiritual trance
I'd like to mention something. A woman I know could not even step foot into a sweat lodge after starting the ceremony. She was so upset she couldn't do it, but then later found out in previous lives she was a witch burnt at the stake or burnt alive in other lives. So her aversion to it was actually from an ancestral trauma and not from not being able to do it. These comments are so base level. There's so much more to us than we know.
Hey dude when will you start your own ayahuasca retreat center? Really who better then you, you know what works and what will help people, food for thought dude
Thats kind of you to say mate, but honestly I don’t think Im ready for that kind of responsibility. I have enough trouble dealing with myself, let alone a load of other people with their own problems!
I believe what you say, also dealing with epilepsy is no joke and I wish some people would communicate more respectfully with you. It's important to respect peoples boundaries because all people are worth the same.
My experience was certainly negative, but I don’t want that to be seen as some kind of dismissal of this practice. It wasnt for me, but I know many people who loved it.
Definitely would have let this guy out around my way but probably would have never had him in. This is not a recreational activity. It IS a RELIGIOUS ceremony. Without a spiritual awareness these ceremonies are wasted on people and can do more harm than good. Especially for people with mental issues that will bring their understanding into and out of these ceremonies.
Thanks! It was at Arkana in the Sacred Valley, but I don't want to point the finger at those guys. I know the facilitator I mentioned in the video has now left Arkana, and I have to take some ownership for not being more forceful about leaving the sweat lodge.
Thank you for the video and your sharing. I am sorry you had this experience. I believe the person guiding you had no idea about epilepsy and they were very irresponsible. It's ok not knowing about it but they should tell you "mate I have no idea whether this would harm you or not, it's your choice, I cannot safeguard you". Saunas and sweet lodges are dangerous and people can die in them. The least the could do would be to make you sit next to the door so that you could have easy exit and encourage you to leave the moment you felt unwell. Sadly "spiritual people" are often clueless about mental health or health in general and they don't have first aid or mental health first aid certificates. Not to mention liability insurance and stuff. As an educator I find the level at which they practice very dangerous
(CANT WAIT TO DO THIS AGAIN) I was in a sweat here in Canada east coast and a fan ya tell right now a real sweat is super painful , you suppose to endure the pain for you family and friends . This was a REAL sweat and this guy would be crying in pain . Even I was in pain one of the worse pains I’ve been through , beautiful experience
I’m not exactly sure where you participated in this sweat but it looks like you might be in Peru. I saw some footage of Machu Picchu and with mentioning Ayahuasca ceremonies, I deduced it’s in Peru. I didn’t realize they did sweats down there. It’s more of a Native American ritual performed by medicinal men of certain North American tribes such as the Lakota. I’ve certainly never heard of South American tribes performing sweats. It seems like sweat lodges have become so popular in recent times that everyone is performing them. Everything you described about the sweat itself seems accurate though. It’s about two hours long split into 4 cycles with short breaks in between. Lots of chanting and drumming and sweating. I had one of my most profound religious/enlightenment experiences ever in my life during a sweat. And it wasn’t even drug-induced. At first I thought they were drugging us but it turned out it was just burning sage. Sorry to hear about your experience but it doesn’t seem legit that it is performed in Peru especially by the natives from there. They should just stick to their Ayahuasca ceremonies (which is native to their country/region).
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Thank you for your answer! I love temazcals and I was lucky to have a great shaman who intrduced me to this medicine. For me it's the compareble with psychodelics, if the expirience doesn't feel right it doesn't necessarily be the substance. I think that the guy forbid you to leave could mean He was a ego-shaman. Or maybe not, maybe he was a good shaman and he knew that you needed this expirience.. :) my shaman told me this about ayahuasca: there are no Bad medicine journeys (trips), only when the mind starts fighting it gets dangerous.. As long as you can watch, even if it's your biggest fear, without involving in it, it can be dissolved and be washed (or vomitted 😂) out. I encourage you to try it again, with a shaman that you trust.. Be blessed brova, buen camino buena vida! ✌🏼💜
@@AdeptusPsychonautica ....the "psychedelic church" is in some ways similar to the organized Christian church ...so many sects and divisions its all but impossible to reconcile them to each other ...some Christian churches are very strict and controlling ...other charismatic ones look like someone spiked the punch bowl with lsd ....my father is an ordained minister so my history is in the Christian church and ive found that ritual can be stifling if we mistakenly believe it is what causes us to see god ---or God --or spirit --or Spirit ...but it is only the love that flows from an open heart that can connect us to the divine ...if its not flowing with your sweat then stop sweating, id say... lol ...thx for your work and much love
You had your full freedom to leave at the end of every round? That’s the problem. I’ve been in over 10 sweats and they always make sure to tell everyone right at the beginning.. if you do not want to be in there, then leave. Don’t strain yourself, because at the end you kept choosing to stay in at the end of every round because you felt pressured by the encouragement.
Not everyone is supposed to be in a sweat lodge and not just anyone can lead an inipi ceremony..My Nation dies not sweat at all unless they borrowed it from another..And no one who gets ill is told they must remain inside when they are not feeling right..Or should go in without letting the elder know you have a condition..This happens when people borrow spiritual ways of another people when they know nothing about what they are doing
When I got into the sweat lodge I felt uncomfortable right away but thought it was my issue when the leader an people around me pressured /bullied me to stay. About 15 minutes in I was royally freaked the hell out when the leader ask the elders who had passed on to enter. The tent had about 15 physical people but when they asked the elders who had past to enter the tent filled up with the noises of of ten more and the noises were different than the breathing I was hearing before .They became deep moans ,groans like weird. ,Looking back they were low vibrational sounds.i opened my eyes "I'm sorry I have to get out" they made me feel so bad telling me I would be breaking the circle and messing with the session.. I jumped up and ran out anyway. At the diner later I tried explaining what had happened to me but I don't think they believed me. No one else had the same experience. I have Cherokee heritage so maybe this is why .. Never again.i think if I had been for warned this could happen I would have been more prepared or said no to invite . As far as I was told it was to cleanse my body of toxins .I was young and should have researched before going like I do for everything now. I did not know they would be asking our past on elders to enter. I don't mess with the after life. I know it exist, I will find out someday when I pass . Also to add I was very fit an doing well spiritually I was not scared of facing myself . I have looked my soul dead in the face when I was 17 temporally insane an took me yrs to recover. It was 10yrs after when I got into the tent an I was not that same person spiritually. I welcome truth.
It’s a good thing you broke that circle I don’t mess with that stuff either and have a deep respect and understanding of lines that shouldn’t be crossed from similar experience, funny though how you actually could see right thru what was going on sounds a little sinister I don’t think those were “ancestors” you felt enter
You are not supposed to break the circle but if you are not used to it you can't be expected to make it through the full ceremony the first time! You should have been told what to expect and told how to leave ritually before starting. 🤦
Stay out of things you have no idea about. It's not for everyone and you had a bad experience because the person running it was wrong. I'm curious to know how much you paid. No money should have changed hands for a sweat lodge has nothing to do with money
What if I had had a positive life changing experience - should I still have stayed out of it because I had no idea about it? Sampling other cultures is not a bad thing, but as you correctly mention - not everything is for everyone, so lets not get too pissy about it just because I didn’t like it. In terms of cost then there was a fixed cost for the entire retreat which included accommodation, ayahuasca, San Pedro, and sweat lodge - so its not something I could dissect and say “sweat lodge cost X”
Pretty sure you its a physical cleansing de toxing activity as well and you would need to do saunas regularly to feel any benefit. Im sad it wasnt a good experience. Teen behaviour to be egging each other and to let yourself be intimidated. People with pace makers, hemeaphillia, and those pregnant and breat feeding shouldnt do it. There may be more conditions where it is contra indicated. Thanks for your description and yeah, the facilitator was not mature enough by the sound of it.
my friend... you decided to go in there knowing your condition... look back at the first part of the video..you are very blatant about it.. lik .. mweh.. its just dark and a little claustrofobic.. a little religious... its not for me.. and in the second video you had a experience after and you point your big fat finger openly to the one that poored the water and then you post it on the internet for everyone to see!... my friend: the rite of the sweatlodge is very very old and powerfull and it made your whole beiing move... all that happened is that you found out the hard way that although you did not accept/resisted the medicine while it was unfolding.. it moved you big time... it pushed you right into one of the darkest parts of your life which is the medical conditio/stature that shows you the way back to harmony with yourself and all that is, because it is the physical mirror of your disbalance in life... you did a great job in staying in the lodge. no one should force you to stay in, but it is normal that one asks that you stay unitil after the song, which is a actual prayer in a singing-ritm... all the best on your healing-journey. be well
Interesting point, I would definitely not go if I knew I had condition like epilepsy. On one hand it's very brave you went there and wanted to try. But doing more research beforehand would help you to take more informed decision. This a an act of purification and it's a sacred thing. One needs to approach it with open mind and respect. If you think it's not for you and it's too "religious" than maybe better not to do it at all. Same with Ayahuasca. It can do more harm than good if you do these things for wrong reasons. Best of luck anyway.
@@wendychavez5526 I would suggest you take your comments up with the rest of your community who appear to be less pissy about accepting me on my vacay, and had a lot more compassion for someone who was willing to experience a different culture but who just happened to not be compatible with it.
@@wendychavez5526 not at all, I was actually quite enjoying dismantling your pompous bullshit 😀 Its nice that you finally dropped the noble facade of “warriors” and “Our way of life” and showed your true colors as a salty twat - maybe you didn’t spend enough time in the sweat lodge? 🤔
The truth is, he had no business participating...this is not a vacation activity...I find it extremely disheartening and disrespectful that some treat this as an outdoors activity. There has to be a deep awareness, and courage to face yourself!
So if I understand correctly - my problem with having a seizure was because I didnt have enough courage?
Ruben you are right. He had no business being in a sweat lodge.
Sweat lodges are for the originals only. he can’t handle the rocks then stay out.
What you say is only partly true if we dont explore we dont know I definitely dont think he was disrespectful by having a curiosity to learn I commend him for his bravery and honesty.
@@Ojibz what does originals mean sir
I did my first Temazcal right before the world shut down. It’s disheartening to know the person holding the ceremony was forceful with making you stay during the whole thing. The Shaman who lead mine was the most passionate and caring person. I actually couldn’t make it thought the whole thing and had to leave and he even came out to check on me and make sure i was okay. Brining me water, fruits, etc. I wish this would have been your experience and yes all persons holding the ceremony SHOULD care about the medical conditions of people and take that into consideration.
Sounds like a wannabe medicine man ran the lodge and did everything wrong. U all should look up James Arthur Ray who ended up killing 3 people in a sweat lodge he charged people 10000 to go to. I am Lakota Sioux and have been to many sweats and from what im hearing everything was done wrong down to bullying them into staying in. If we get too hot during a round we say mitakey Oyasin which means all my relatives and is the door call word n they will let u out. Also it doesn't sound like they were let out between each round to cool off and the rounds were way too long. This is what happens when non natives who werent given the right thru our traditional ways to run lodge happens.
@@bettyricker9781agreed.
I am truly sorry you had a bad experience. One reason may be because we have a lot of false Natives practicing our way. We as Natives are having a lot of problems with people claiming to be Native and performing our religious Ceremonies. First of all a real sweat lodge would be twined and held together with tree divers. It looks like they used zip ties. Second, Sweats can only be performed by a medicine person and one who has been given the right to be a sweat leader by the tribe or an Elder. We always have a meeting about people conditions and we announce what the sweat will be about first before entering. Also we put those individuals next to the door so they can breathe better. It's sad that these sweats really do make other Natives look bad and makes people doubt our experiences to the world. I am truly sorry. I have petit mall seizures and yet 8 sweat quit a bit and never have a problem. Maybe because I have done them so long my body is used to them. But if they were truly Native they would have brought in some herbals to put on the rocks to help with breathing and calming. We use eucalyptus, cedar and sage to help people breathe. Sage was actually used as an inhaler by Natives. Breaking off the stem you will notice a white film inside. Breathing the end of the stem feels like a rush of cool air just like a cough drop and inhaler opening your lungs to help you breathe. Cedar and eucalyptus also helps open your lungs. So that's another sign this was not a real sweat lodge run by traditional Natives. Also a real beginner sweat does not take 2 hours. It is done with a total of 28 grandfather rocks ( lava rocks). 7 are added each round which is usually 4 rounds and each round depending on if health or beginners. Our people are always finding these lodges that are falsely doing these sweats and shutting them down. I hope after reading this you will take a second chance and visit another one. I also would like to add that there are different sweats and types. Each Tribal Nation has their own way of sweating and songs. We do these to cleanse and wash off the negativity. But there are other sweats for Ceremony and healing and prayers. We are very spiritual with the Creator and do our prayers one on one with the Creator. I hope that you reconsider going to palace where you would really enjoy a real sweat. And ty for taking a chance and trying something new no matter what it is and posting it so the world knows.
I would like to add an apology as to I should have read all of the enclosed. Yes Aztecs and Native Mexicans do have very different sweats. If you would like to try this experience again in different sweat lodge that is designed for you then please find one specifically for your needs. I hope to hear of an upcoming video of you trying one that is specifically for you.
Thanks for explaining, this concept is very foreign for me and you explained it very well.
The cultures behind these ancestral rituals , had such an advanced knowledge of the natural medicine. Even the concept of vapor rooms, or saunas, can be found in SO many countries and cultures, and one of the basic parts of the temazcal is that "basically" it's a sauna. The thing is that, it comes with a beautiful ritual, that works your physical, mental and even (in some cases) your spiritual side. It is not a SPA, not a resort, It's the uterus' of the Earth. That's the essence of the ritual. It's a ritual that happens inside a close and dark space, full of dirt, and vapor and heat that just goes up. Sometimes is difficult for us to control our mind and body, to be in such closeness with ourselves, with others, and with the elements (specially fire) And having all these elements together can be really difficult to deal with. But learning how to armonize with all of it, makes this ceremony a very healing tool.
@selenagonzales That's right !!!! Much love from CALIZTLAN ✊🏾🏹🦌🇲🇽
😂😂😂👍🏽🙏🏽
Well said!
I go every week. It makes a huge difference.
Bruh I was 7 and always went with my dad and stayed in the hole time and also sat right next to dad who always sits in the back and it's hot as hell and still do it to this day
Im glad you get something positive from it, but it wasnt for me. Obviously my epilepsy is a big factor here so my intention with making this video is just to highlight that sweat lodge could be a problem for those with medical conditions.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Yes, and I do believe you accomplished that. Thank You! There is no shame in speaking truth. I think the people running it should have used tough love and disqualified you straight up. I pray you and your wife are well now. Please don't ever let yourself be bullied. Your body will warn you when its in danger. If you had a drug in your system, you are very lucky you didn't die. Keep warning others so some good can come out of a terrible experience. Thanks for your video.👍✌❤
The word temescal derives from the word temescalli, which means "sweat house" in the Nahuatl language of the Mexica ("Aztec") people of Mexico.
I totally agree with one of the other commenters, part of the trigger for your seizure was very likely loss off critical electrolytes in tandem with exposure to extreme temperatures. A really good facilitator will take every participants medical history and current health situation into account previous to allowing them to participate in a session. The greayest failure overall that I cam see is in the facilitator's lack of understanding of your situation and well being. As a facilitator one is directly responsible for the care and wellbeing of all the members in one's group. You should always feel free to leave at any time. Further more, many sweat lodges will have medical professionals and or care givers ready outside to help in case there is a medical emergency or simply to help someone relax who is stressed out or not feeling well. This is designed to be a healing experience where one can find fellowship within a small group. There is no place (in this kind of experience) whatsoever for peer pressure or lack of empathy. I hope that you have recovered well and I am sad that you had to experience that.
Temazcal ceremonies are about strenghtening your mind and overcome your limits, very often it happens that people think they cannot stay in until the end and it's the facilitator's task to help you breathing and continue.
The shaman should always ask to the people if they have medical conditions, but it's also your responsibility to tell and ask whether to enter or not.
Temazcals are proper ceremonies that help people connecting with their inner world, being concious about their feelings and thoughts, think about the direction of their lives. You cannot participate just a moment to understand if it's funny of boring and then leave.
I think it's better that you didn't participate to the ayahuasca ceremony, you'd have felt it was too strong to enjoy as you wished. Tourists can participate to ceremonies, but with respect and open mind.
I couldn't have said it or described better. It is not a "let's try and see what happens. " It is much more than that...humbleness is what I see missing the most from the person in the video.
I think a likely contributing factor also could have been electrolyte imbalance. Hyponatremia can cause seizures even in the absence of epilepsy, so I think more consideration and information of the risks should have been applied, particularly to participants with epilepsy, hypothyroidism, kidney or heart problems or a number of other conditions. It’s a serious demand on the body and a few cups of sugar saline and “good vibes” just isn’t adequate for some people. I’m sorry this happened to you 🖤
There is a lesson here ... to follow your own guidance when it comes to you and not fall to peer pressure of anyone ... no one is your “guru”
Totally agree
Warriors way not for everyone
we can all be warriors with proper electrolyte intake
@@kurtfrancisco2072 🤣👍
I want to also add that it is always important in no matter what you do sports or fitness and even sweats to always acknowledge your health conditions. A true sweat leader will always know what medicine to use and how long to leave the door closed. People with medical conditions are always welcomed and should always be attended to how the sweat is run. This is why there is a variety of sweats to choose from. Healing or cleansing or prayer. I hope everyone after learning about sweats will participate and be open minded.
I don't understand why there's so much hate in the comments, seems like most commenters really misinterpreted what you said here. I didn't hear you say anything negative about the rituals, rather just the people who were pushing you to stay and about the medical condition you have. Unfortunate.
As with anything spiritual/religious people get very defensive over it, and so the slightest criticism gets blown out of proportion.
I don’t worry about it, but thank you for hearing what I was trying to say.
I agree so many judges and no lawyers.
I've been noticing a sort of 'spiritual narcissism' that is becoming prevalent. (or I'm becoming aware of my own 'spiritual narcissism' and then project it on the world, don't know yet.) But I have heard strict and judgemental opinions from various people, everybody adhering to a different cultural heritage. From Kundalini Yoga practitioners, Tai Chi, Sufi mystics, Orthodox Christian priest, west coast new age whatever... ext. All clamming that they (and their culture) is worthy of 'higher' knowledge.
I have done many Peyote ceremonies and two sweat lodges, I have decided that the sweat lodges are not for me. I was criticized and judged. I felt that perhaps something is wrong with me. Then it dawned on me that it makes no sense to believe in some kind of authority in 'spirituality'. If it is the exploration of the 'inner kingdom' then the only authority is the seeker himself.
Of course many people have explored their own consciousness for thousands of years and came back with very wise and valuable information to give to others and are worth hearing and taking the time to practice them.
But as valuable it is to listen to other people, it is equally important to cultivate a sense of sovereignty and discernment.
I like this quote, I don't remember where I stole it from, lol!: "Nothing is more holy than the integrity of one owns mind."
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I've been noticing a sort of 'spiritual narcissism' that is becoming prevalent. (or I'm becoming aware of my own 'spiritual narcissism' and then project it on the world, don't know yet.) But I have heard strict and judgemental opinions from various people, everybody adhering to a different cultural heritage. From Kundalini Yoga practitioners, Tai Chi, Sufi mystics, Orthodox Christian priest, west coast new age whatever... ext. All clamming that they (and their culture) is worthy of 'higher' knowledge.
I have done many Peyote ceremonies and two sweat lodges, I have decided that the sweat lodges are not for me. I was criticized and judged. I felt that perhaps something is wrong with me. Then it dawned on me that it makes no sense to believe in some kind of authority in 'spirituality'. If it is the exploration of the 'inner kingdom' then the only authority is the seeker himself.
Of course many people have explored their own consciousness for thousands of years and came back with very wise and valuable information to give to others and are worth hearing and taking the time to practice them.
But as valuable it is to listen to other people, it is equally important to cultivate a sense of sovereignty and discernment.
I like this quote, I don't remember where I stole it from, lol!: "Nothing is more holy than the integrity of one owns mind."
@@AdeptusPsychonautica I commend you on your open mind about at least trying it, the thing is this is a VERY sacred practice for many people & you just called it "boring, churchy & tedious" only to blame your seizure on the ceremony. Can you seriously not see how that can get folks into their feelings?
When I did my first one, my ego detested it the first two hours, it manifested itseld as rebelliousness, discomfort, even fear that it could be harmful... I came out at the break, swearing never to return. After ten minutes, dozens of cold buckets and awareness, my mood changed and I decided not to run away, but return. That was excellent. It was the first of five or sixe I've done and would do many more.
Well if you or anyone thinks this is a “spa” no it’s not a spa, this is a spiritual stuff it’s not even for relaxing in a sauna, the purpose is to feel spiritual. And also if anyone has some kind of sickness (epilepsy, phobias etc) you should mention it.
Nowhere did I say this is a relaxing spa so I’m not sure what your point is.
Yes this is a spiritual activity - which is exactly what I say in the video
Adeptus Psychonautica my point is that venturing in spiritual ways is not cool as it seems, you open a door for light and darkness too, that’s the reason of your experience 👍
Im under no illusion that its cool, or pleasant, or fun. There are quite a few videos on my channel where I talk about my motivations for following this spiritual path, which is to try to resolve my mother’s suicide. So I can assure you that acting cool is the last thing on my mind.
Adeptus Psychonautica sorry when I say cool I meant that it’s not as “relieving” as it seems. When you are interested in this spirituality as you are to find the spiritual path you need help. For example you can use yoga as meditation but when you try the real yoga “religious yoga” that’s way deeper so you gonna need the help os priests because you can open the door for bad spirits or feelings (sadness, anger etc.) and when you are guided you’ll find what you want. It’s the same thing with temazcal, you need a guide so you’ll be able to get in “light” and not evil spiritual ways 👍
If a sweat lodge has a culture or policy you cant leave Im not going in, the one I did was supre hot, too hot, people left on the first round, then on the third round lots of people found it too much. After cooling off and having some water / coconut water some of us re-entered and finished the first two rounds. If turned out the stones they used got more hot than usual. There was a case in the US some years ago where the leader stopped people leaving a sweat lodge, 3 people died and 18 serious injured. Be careful People.
Babies are born inside the Sacred Sweat!
It’s not for Europeans experiencing or curiosity! Are you legally walking in those sacred temples? How did you get there? How long are you stay there and how much did you paid???? We are the Original Native people and it’s a shame hearing this news from your. We don’t appreciate our own people playing with religion in our spiritual ways and we don’t like fake shamans or fake experiences.
Stay away from the temples.
The Sweat Lodge is native American and they've been doing it safely for centuries. It has a spiritual and purification purpose. It should not be taken lightly or be messed around with as it can be dangerous. Don't blame the sweat lodge for your bad experience. When you use these ancient practices misappropriately, when it's stolen and abused. You get your ass kicked. When you have the wrong attitude, you get your ass kicked. You wanted a spiritual experience. You got it. Blame the people responsible and the intentions, don't blame an ancient ritual out of ignorance.
Where did I blame the sweat lodge? I simply said its not the medicine for me which is a fair statement - not every medicine is right for every person.
Maybe try listening to what I actually said rather than making shit up so you can have your little rant.
ritualistic sweating is found in ancient tradition all over the world mongol, siberia, spain, scandinavia, roman empire etc
🤣🙏 some people run the sweat lodge fast and hot. That’s how I like it. Foreigners should be given some more pity.
The first 3 times I participated in a Temazcal, I felt the same way. It was my 4th Temazcal that I had a breakthrough experience with it. Then I built my own in my backyard and hold them monthly for myself and neighbors. It is a very powerful experience. A portal into a holy space.
Take half the blame if not more to yourself mate. You could have inquired what is to come. I absolutely loved this ceremony and it was very profound. One person on out group had a heart condition and she didn't do it. Leaving the ceremony with open doors you should have done right after first session.
I can only agree.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica he's basically telling you the same thing. I said you had a bad experience and you should've left the ceremony during the first doorway. Instead of whipping out a camera and recording which the first major disrespect. And than your condescending attitude to the ceremony. Just because you don't understand. I'm surprised people haven't made you famous for being discriminate towards native Americans
@@lilchoppercasanova5941 hey, maybe you could be the one to expose my bigotry! 😀
As a man who has been walking a red path best he can for thirty years, an authentic INIPI or 'inikagapi' (to make new breath house/ to live again) ceremony is about FAR more than heat. If your're headed to sweat bcuz you want to see how strong ya are with fighting the intensity of the heat, good luck pal. You'll lose. The newager crowd (wingnuts who mostly exploit tribal ritual as their indigenous 12-step programs) must understand, as do most Lakota I know on the Pine Ridge rez at Wounded Knee, that their sacred rites can be shared. As long as ppl know it AINT ABOUT YOU. But they must be facilitated with care and intention and with ALL respect to the spirits. Nobody needed to teach me how to sweat or build an 'initipi.' If ur walk is shamanistic or you've been tapped by spirit to walk with medicine, then honor that and LEARN by doing NOT by being told what to do. What typically happens within this ceremonial community on and off the rez is the notion of gifting or being 'taught.' That IS one kind of spirit walk under a guru or mentor'like relationship. Others, learn and are taught by the dark forests. Alone. That's my walk. True spirit realm gave me everything. I LISTENED. Then, I was invited many years later to witness the Sundance at Wounded Knee and it changed me helping carry in the sacred cottonwood tree then to see such agonizing devotion to mother earth and all the spirits for four days. far as INIPI songs , they're to be sung in Lakota and lodge is poured with only honor of ALL directions and to spirit animals, earth, fire, stone, water, air, soil, creepies, trees, finned and winged ones etc etc on n on as we HOLD SPACE for the sick and weak in need of shared prayers. I wish everyone luck in finding authenticity in a world much too filled with charlatans. Here's my advice so take heed: if someone tells you he/she knows how to show you the way and then begins to tell you how they were gifted, allowed, shown and whatever, those indigenous ceremonial truths, run. It's just like the classic phrase - 'if you see the Buddha on the side of the road, shoot him.' Truth? Nobody knows anything, not even the Native American. They know 'a way,' THEIR way and for me the Lakota are sacred ppl. But I learned MY way, which is how it must be. Go out and learn YOURS. Mitakuye oyasin. A'ho
Thank you so much for sharing! I can relate a lot and i agree with your thoughts. I hope you ended up enjoying the rest of the retreat
Overall it was a good retreat, but it certainly had its challenges 🙏
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. I also have epilepsy and have been on my own journey the last few years and always approach my experiences with care and caution especially for myself. I do take sodium valproate to control my seizures and so far I have not had a seizure post experience. A seizure will always leave me emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted for a week. I'm glad I have found this video as a word of caution.
Glad to hear your seizures are under control Thomas. I switched my medication to Keppera about 18 months ago and so far it seems to be working well.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have only used sodium valproate (eppilum) but in the beginning found my body and brain adapting to it took awhile. Have been blessed with no seizures in the last 5 years
If you don't mind me asking, how has your Epilepsy and its medication been in conjunction with Ayahuasca? Have you ever needed to stop medication and had any seizures after a ceremony? Any experiences or knowledge would be appreciated 🙏
@@thomasbrice8884 For the situation discussed in this video I had stopped taking my epilepsy medication. Since then I have continued taking my medication while on retreat and have had no issues
@@thomasbrice8884 I've taken it for bipolar, couldn't even think at all for almost a year, also barely ever felt anything at all on Ayahuasca for that time.
As soon as I changed to Lamotrigine, first of all I could think again, slowly started being able to hold conversations and express myself again and it was like waking up from a coma where I just wasn't bed-bound; and then suddenly I started to honestly feel the effects of Ayahuasca for basically the first time (before that it was like getting slightly dizzy like after half a beer or a couple drags of weed)
BUT, can't quite recall the timeline(2021 to early 2022 is almost like a blur, I felt like I was trapped inside myself and a straightjacket with mouth guard, whilst on the outside I was compliant and docile, so I guess that's a "positive" result for some..), but I took an antipsychotic with the valproate for a while and I remember having felt it a bit, but it took a couple doses and a spoonful of concentrated Ayahuasca "honey" to basically feel like I took an LSA microdose, so almost imperceptible, really.
I've taken Lamotrigine a couple hours before Ayahuasca and yet had the most beautiful and significant experience of my life with Ayahuasca.
Antipsychotic drugs you'll have to stop them like, 3 days before, but I can't comment on how antiepileptic drugs act on others, specially for their actually main intented use, and I'll refrain from especulating much more.
What I can say, is that I've had a horrible experience with valproate(it continued after I stopped the antipsychotic, the Ayahuasca helped brute force my brain back online little by little, but I had to change meds b4 going back to normal, and it took a few months after I stopped for that) and Lamotrigine has been a blessing and doesn't interfere with Ayahuasca at all in my experience, but to be fair, before antiepileptic drugs I took Ayahuasca only once and it was basically a microdose, I just threw up and that day no one felt anything significant.
So I don't exactly know how Ayahuasca works for people that aren't on any antiepileptic drugs
What I do know is that I can get to ego deaths and every single experience has been extremely positive and it's changed me a lot for the better.
Also, I want to say that my most intense experiences were on the cooking ceremonies, the vapor has a lot of beta-carbolines and it's intense, to say the least.. extremely worth it, specially for the ritualistic environment of it, like, people gathered to make the brew..
It's just magical, truly transcendental.
But you should really be talking to a doctor about that, medical advice from strangers is never a good idea.
But in the churched I used to go, the "reverend" was a psychiatrist and he was consistent about lowering the dosage of antiepileptic drugs and taking out antipsychotics altogether, but that's coming from my interpretation of what I know about it, I could be completely misremembering or misinterpreting it.
Anyway, I wish you great trips! Just be aware that **maybe** you'll have to take higher doses(I was the one that drank the most Ayahuasca at that church, but I always aimed for ego death) and have some kind of emergency medical assistance ready in case of a seizure, bc Ayahuasca CAN and does kill, almost always it's people on antidepressants, antipsychotics, or antiepileptic drugs.
I recently had the honor to participate in a temazcal in the outskirts of CDMX...wow!
A fellow traveler I met in CDMX happened upon it from another traveler. There were no signs or posters, you had to be invited. He asked if I could also come and the guide said yes! The guide picked us up and we drove for about 2 hours to get there. We met some of the other locals that would be attending, along with the "medicine man" that would be leading the ceremony. We changed into our shorts and received the smoke cleansing before entering the temazcal...
Ometeo!
I was a little nervous, as I really didn't know anything about this ceremony or what I was getting myself into, but once inside and the curtain closed, making it pitch black inside, then there was a chant, or prayer (i don't speak Spanish or Nauhatl so I don't know what was being said) and the drums and the bellowing conch shells. Then the aroma from the herb-infused water creating the steam being poured onto the red-hot volcanic rocks...It was very intense, not just physically because of the hot steam, but the whole ceremony. I felt honored and humbled to be allowed to participate in their sacred ceremony that their ancestors have been doing for hundreds or thousands of years!
I stayed inside until the 4th opening, at which point I had to get out to calm down, although calm down isn't the best way to describe it. As i crawled out I was offered a drink of some kind, I think it was some kind of non-alcoholic mezcal, or something. It was refreshing! Anyway, it had begun to rain sometime during the 3rd session and going out into the rain after the super-intense 3rd round was refreshing and made it seem even more magical. One of the locals said the rain was a blessing, and it felt like it!
As I laid in the mud outside, the light rain dancing as it bounced off of my steaming body. I closed my eyes and just breathed...ah! I wasn't sure if I could go back in for the 4th session but after drinking the juice and some water I cooled down and felt that I couldn't miss it. I was here, this was it, I might never have this opportunity...blessing...honor, again. I had to go back in!
There were less people in this last session, which made it a little less claustrophobic, because now there was room to stretch out my legs at least. The drums and chants and songs started up again, and the herbal steam filled the air once more. This last session was less intense, physically, than the third, which I think is intentional. So that it starts to bring you back to reality!
After the 4th opening, several of us laid in the mud inside the temazcal to relax and come back to reality. But then from the silence came a light drumming, accompanied by a woman's voice. She softly sang a beautiful song in a language I don't understand and it was truly comforting. When she was finished, we all continued to quietly lie there. And then a light drumming started again, this time accompanied by another woman singing a different song. Just as beautiful and comforting as the other!
After some time, I crawled out and drank some water before lying down again outside, looking up through the leaves gently swaying the in the cool breeze. I'm not really sure what I was thinking, just more awe-struck by the whole experience. Finally I got up and took a cold outdoor shower before changing back into my normal clothes.
My friend and I then talked with our guide some about various things before thanking him and the other locals for inviting us to join them in this ceremony. On our way back to the Hostel, about 2 hours drive, we hardly talked. A few times just looked at each other and smiled, knowing that we were just privilege to something wonderous!
The next day we said our goodbyes before I left to return to my normal life. When I got back I was overwhelmed with emotion. I cried off and on for two days!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful ceremony with me!
Ometeo!
(before I left the next day I met a man selling handmade souvenirs in the city and when I handed him the money he did the hand circle/cardinal direction ritual and I said "Ometeo" and he smiled and nodded and told me a story. I don't really know what he said, but it was good :)
my question is: how do you overcome first part of the ceremony, when you start to feel that you dont have enough air, and it gets crazy hot. did you panic and does it get easier after 10 or 15 mins?
@@bakermantop It definitely did not get easier, it got more intense with each round (opening). I draped a handkerchief over my face and put my head between my knees, taking shallow but calm breaths, trying not to panic. It was very intense indeed. But totally worth it! :)
Remember, it's not a competition with other people. It's about you, for you. Go as long as you can and take a break if needed, then go back for another round if you can. If not, that's ok too. :)
@@katiepaine thank you very much!
Sweat lodges are notorious for this kind of "you can't leave" culture, which I find troubling and really turns you off for even trying to seek something like this out. It really puts out a tone of disrespect and disregard for others that sort of ruins it. Best word to describe it,... "culty."
You should just leave.
I hear your pain brother. I attempted to attend my first sweat lodge ceremony...and didn't even last 2 minutes. It was WAY too hot, claustrophobic, and on top of that the space was filled with spirits! I pleaded "Mitakuye Oyasin" and they let met exit after the door had been closed. You need major preparation - physically, mentally, spiritually - before attending a sweat. You're going in with the WRONG attitude if you're merely curious or want to sweat out toxins and receive the physical health benefits. The sweat is scary as heck for many.
Fortunately for me, the tribe was SUPER KIND and compassionate and didn't bully or force. They were happy I just stayed on the grounds outside of the ceremony space instead of leaving before the entire ceremony was over. So I didn't break the psychic connection.
Attempting the sweat was a very good lesson in humility for me. There may be a way for us to "build ourselves up" before ever trying again. But you can't just run into these things without major preparation.
The panic is pretty normal. You should try again and just do some deep breathing maybe close your eyes, you have to get through the initial fear of being shut in a dark hot room
To have a good sauna you need to ventilate it properly, drink lots of water and cool of. We do these inipi saunas with friends, one of then tried to do it "traditionally" washout any proper cooling off, well he didn't feel to good at the end ;D if you listen to your body and keep the balance (water, air, breaks) you will have an amazing experience in any sauna. Another thing is smokes from residues on rocks if its not cleaned properly. So enjoy safely.
I'm a big fan of Temazcal. It is not a a Peru thing it comes from Mexico. It is made of bricks. Your lower body parts stat very cool and if you get to hot you can lay down. If someone is struggeling at anytime the can go out they just call out to the person heading up the sweat. Like so many of the old ways they are being miss used and poorly administrated. Just like doing Ayahuasca several days in a row. It's a commercial application for $$$. Every time you do it or DMT, mushrooms etc. it opens up a door. A person should integrate before and after taking the medicine before taking on the next. To many BS shamans today. It takes 20 years to become one IF you are selected. But today everything is for sale. Respect the medicine IT IS SACRED!
Also at the end of each round theyre supposed to open the lodge door n let u out to cool off between each round. They are never supposed to make u stay in and if u get to hot during u can call for the door to go out and they are supposed to let u out. Look up traditional Lakota sweat lodge and the way it should be ran. Most rounds only last maybe 15 minutes. And only have 4 rounds. Never ever go to these kind of lodges.
A question my friend.. at the end did you want to be different or just feel different?
I felt bad for you in there when you were wanting out. I wasn't aware that is what caused you to miss the ceremony that night.
I had a positive experience with it. I felt like I had been through hell inside and when I came out and the cool air hit me it all changed. And the fresh watermelon was the best I've ever tasted
Glad you had a good experience with it mate! Its definitely not my intention to wail on temazcal, but I just wanted to drive home that its not for everyone, and thats particularly true for people with certain medical conditions.
Still, it taught me that I need to look after myself and consider what I'm putting myself through - its a lesson that needs learning every once in a while, I just wish it wasn't so painful.
Anyway how are you doing post retreat?
Well, I’m very sorry to hear about your experience. It’s always about the one who leads a ceremony. The ceremony by itself is just a tool. I had amazing Temazcal experiences, in México and in Austria. Please be more specific in your critics. If the ceremony leader is professional and knows about your conditions, it’s absolutely not understandable why they tried to convince you to continue. To me this is absolutely irresponsible from the facilitator. However, I would definitely not recommend you any psychedelic experiences if you’re having epileptic episodes...
Thanks for your kind words, but there are no contraindications between psychedelics and epilepsy
@@AdeptusPsychonautica of course you're an expert on that level and very experienced. So for me to understand it correctly: If you say that epilepsy (in your case or generally?) can get triggered by stress, a (negative) psychedelic experiences also could have the potential to create stress, also on a physical level, right? Like strong stroboscopic light, ...?
@@danielbrunner5204 yes that is true, so I should probably clarify a bit. The actual psychedelic substance itself does not have a contraindication with epilepsy, so there is nothing inherent to the substance that might trigger a seizure. This is different to something like amphetamines which just by the nature of taking them can trigger seizures.
But you are correct that the outcome of a psychedelic experience can be stressful, which might then in itself cause a seizure. In this way its no different than a stressful day at work.
My epilepsy is just something I have to live with and manage, and its never been an issue with my use of psychedelics. I think the difference here in regards to the sweat lodge was that I didnt really have a handle on how it would play out (my fault), i felt pressured into staying ( both my fault and the facilitators), and also that the sweat lodge itself was a dangerous environment IF I had a seizure in it. That last part wouldnt be the case say in a mushroom ceremony because its not conducted in a small enclosed space filled with hot rocks.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica thank you for your reply! That's exactly what I wanted to point out: The Temazcal by itself is not "bad" or not recommendable at all. It's - like so often - the set and setting. And in case of this specific method, it is very important to know that it's designed as a ritual, a ceremony, which requires an intention you wanna work with, and that is created to bring you physically to the edge. It's the responsibility of the facilitator to give these instructions to the participants, so that everyone can take a conscious decision on wether this is a tool to work with, or not.
Boys. Take it down idc if it the first time number one rule is to never post it on Facebook TH-cam this is not a game 💯
wut?
IT IS 11 25 AM ON MARCH 20, 2024 AND SOMEONE IS FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIFE RIGHT NOW WHILE ANOTHER LITTLE HUMAN IS BEING BORN - PLEASE LOVE EACH OTHER - WE ARE ONE - WE ARE NOTHING - BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER - LIFE IS TOO SHORT
That really sucks! But everything is lessons. Don't beat yourself up too much. Now you know that you need to assert yourself more when something doesn't feel right. I'm glad you're okay!
Your bad. Stick to what you know & don't think sacred rights of passage(especially ayawaska) for shamans. This is not for you and are probably very lucky that the sweat lodge ejected you before the Great Spirit did. You could have lost your mind permanently.
You didnt listen properly - the sweat lodge didnt eject me. I was there until the end.
Don’t be sulky just because someone didnt like your sweaty lodge. It sounds like you already lost your mind... permanently.
Knowing you have epilepsy, you should not have gone in. In our sweat lodges in northwest BC you are allowed to leave at anytime. But cannot come in once you go out. So, I don't feel very sorry about that
You live and learn
Basically if your scared to die, dont do this ceremony.This is a spirit wake. Not an earthly luxury. Just leave if your not able.
A tad overdramatic...
I appreciate your honesty!!
One thing should be clear here, the words coerced, bullied etc. are definitely the wrong way to look at it. He even says it was too strong of a word. Sweat lodges are hard, at first, and what is actually happening is called ENCOURAGEMENT. Sweat lodges are an offering that push and expand your limits. It often takes the SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT of those with you to grow in this way. In a gym your trainer is there to encourage you and motivate you to carry on. Same thing. Hopefully in the end you find that you are stronger than you thought. Yes medical conditions are something that should be considered but seizures aren't necessarily something that would automatically disqualify you. I guess that would depend on what causes your seizures and what your condition is which really you should know best. I mean if you really wanted to error on the safest side you would you be doing any of the medicines? Now you know, now they know, but in all fairness I don't think it's neglect, coercion, or bullying. Blessings on journey.
Maybe you shouldn’t be doing drugs if you have epilepsy. Sounds like your problem
I probably shouldn't leave the house either... just in case
@@AdeptusPsychonautica if your dumb life will be much harder for you
@@renwhite1809 I can only imagine life is very difficult for you then 😀
@@renwhite1809 is this your way of projecting. Because your making yourself look bad.
@@spiritualru2364 Just a thought you should consider bud. Don’t hate on a practice that was used for thousands of years because you have drug and health problems.
Dang, that really sucks. I'd probably assume they just had no idea how a sweat would effect people with certain medical conditions like yours. I've been to 3 Native American sweats. Similar to yours in timing, the singing/chanting and the strong I insistence of finishing. I did pass out after 1 of the sweats the second I walked out but I will also say that for me, the sweats were the most spiritual I've ever felt. I absolutely loved them but kind of in a masochistic sweet torture way. I had a lot of emotional pain and the difficulty of the sweat allowed me to purge the emotional sludge. You were able to get a lesson about personal boundaries and hopefully they got a powerful lesson about sweats and epilepsy. Glad you didn't have a seizure during the sweat and end up burning yourself on the stones. I know for me it was very tight quarters inside those things.
Yeah for sure it was cramped in there so I'm glad that nothing happened until I got out, that would have been horrific.
I hope this video doesn't come across as me saying "Waaaa! Sweat lodge fucking sucks!". I am glad that people get something positive from it, but it just wasnt for me.
You are absolutely right about the lessons learned - I need to be smarter about the situations I put myself in, and look after myself more.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica definitely don't Sundance
Im sorry but as a Dinèh tribe member people need to realize sweatlodge is not for everyone and my people used to make sure to hydrate and eat alot of meat before.And your not supposed to mix genders in lodge . Your supposed to talk to the tribal doctor first. We sont mind other people participating in our ceremonies usually if your being honestly interested but if you're just experimenting to just mess with it our ancestors and predecessors and the holy ones know when ppl are genuinely of good spirits
Eiláa.
Ok but after you went did the tezmacal experince did you like it ? Did something change after so many years ?
No and no.
It's better you missed the Ayahuasca ceremony is sweat lodge was too much.
Thankyou for sharing your experience. I found your video because I want to create a disability accessible sweat situation at our local Pow Wow. I want you to know that how your situation was handled was very poor and very reckless....that would not have happened at our gathering. Anyone can call "door" at any time and leave with nothing but encouragement and inclusion in the prayers. These people were not trained appropriately and that could have gone even more badly for the people in that sweat, and you. Sorry you were treated that way.
Thank you, I appreciate the support
You should have learned beforehand what it was..it's a very sacred gathering for many people..not to be treated as an "activity". If you have any health issues it's wise to consult the elder who probably would have recommended you not partake.
Facilitators were being very foolish in pushing people past their health concerns and pressure to stay put..not cool at all. If your body says no..listen to that more than anything else.
I went to a sweat in -40 winter Northern Ontario and elder made sure I was doing ok..he saw that I'm fair and burn easy in the sun..so he gave me tips for breathing close to the ground and to let them know if I didn't feel ok I could step out. They were very careful as it was my first sweat.
Im amaze me how that this dude is reporting right on the spot. Lol
Thank you for your honesty in warning others
You are most welcome mate
I think all medical concern of all individuals should always be shared and considered with the facilitator of any sort of ritual ancestral medicine . Its our duty as individuals and as facilitator to considered so for every one safety. Speaking with the administration of the center you were and share your concern to uplift awareness to the facilitators about individuals health is the most you can do! And keep yourself open to new opportunity for you to experience other Themazcal ceremony handles better :)
Love your videos. What was the Ayahuasca retreat? I'm interested in doing one in the Sacred Valley at some point but Nihue Rao in Iquitos is my current go-to for South American retreats.
Thanks, glad you enjoy them!
The retreat was Arkana Sacred Valley, and apart from this episode it was a really good retreat. I'll be posting a review sometime in the next couple of weeks, but I would definitely go again.
Are you a drinker?
I used to get seizures since I gave up alcohol and drugs it stopped. Haven't got one 18 months and I stopped taking medication. I did a sweat lodge 1 1/2 weeks ago. Felt wrecked tired for a few days. Maybe you should quit booze. Maybe all that alcohol left your system and detox caused seizure.
I drink on occasion but I would say that my alcohol consumption is pretty light by modern standards, maybe once a month.
Dear person... The Temescal / sweat-lodge, ayahuasca ceremony, or any other traditional indigenous ceremony is not something to "check out". It is part of an ancient and ongoing indigenous way of life and spiritual tradition. If you are not interested in living that whole life, then it is not surprising that this happened to you. The spirits do not come to a temazcal for "spiritual tourists", and when you are just spectating for a thrilling personal experience (even with an intention of expanding your spirituality but not committed to the values and principles...) then you remain susceptible to harmful energies. You are not aligned with what will happen in the ceremony, as you clearly were not from your description. You even referenced not wanting a spiritual/religious experience..? So I'm wondering why you went? And it is very confusing that you were disappointed about not being able to go to an ayahuasca ceremony, where medical concerns would be equally important to outsiders, and Ayahuasca ceremonies are completely a spiritual ceremony. If you just want to have a big experience crossing realms, I recommend LSD or dropping acid. If you are not interested in an indigenous way of living, I suggest you do not continue dropping in to serius indigenous ceremonies that are part of a whole way of life. You are a European man... Your video was so classic.♡
Dude, get over yourself
No sweatlodge host should force anybody to stay in there longer then they can pray not suppose too cause of medical conditions I've been to alot of sweats in my life and never been forced to stay in longer then I need to be but I usually stay for the whole ceremony sit out and help with grandfathers and the fire
“Culture of egging each other on” is NOT how it should be at all! If people want to leave, they should be able to leave and no judgement given. Very sad to hear this occurred during your experience. This is how folks died in Arizona. Competition in handling the heat of the sweat is not traditional at all.
You should have never gone in to it with that energy. It is a cleansing experience.
You went in with a bad intension or you went in not believing it’ll help or without a good purpose
Good job we have mind readers like you to diagnose the non-believers
Definitely should have left wasn’t good of them to encourage you to stay! I hope you make a full recovery
Im fine now thanks, this was from back in 2019
You can go down on ground it is cooler. You can go in the back and you can sit by the door. The hottest part is in the front row and in the middle. You should have been allowed to leave after the stress/no message your body gave you! One round is enough. You can also give of yourself by helping open the door or fire keeper or simply by being there on the outside.
You be you! Main thing is listen to your body when it says no or shows stress as in saying no - you do you!
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. These types of journies should always be viewed as your own personal experience. No one should be coerced into staying beyond what is comfortable and safe for them.
I went to a sweat and the elder there saw how fair I was..so they made I wasn't getting to overheated and told me to lean close to the ground where the cooler air is..they made sure I was ok..it was an oven inside and -40 northern Ontario outside..
My experience was awesome. I will never forget that ❤
Sweatlodge is not about sweating and removing toxins 😂 it's about pushing you to your limits and then overcoming your resistance. Once achieved your nervous system operates at a higher level and you can notice a big difference in your mental outlook and self confidence after completing a sweatlodge.
Sweatlodge is definitely about sweating... its kinda in the name
@@AdeptusPsychonautica If it's about sweating then why are you disappointed about the sweat lodge? you sweated 😂
@@robthevampireslayer3211 if only I had made a video which explained the basis of my opinion… if only
@@AdeptusPsychonautica you are just a typical new age air head.
A sweat lodge is something you have to want to do, not an extracurricular activity on a guided trip.
Thanks priestess sweaty, I'll let the masses know
YT Man goes trying other peoples cultures, Ancestors from the culture teach him a valuable lesson. - it was not an epileptic seizure, you were about to go into a spiritual trance
The dumb shit people say 🤣
@@AdeptusPsychonautica the dumb shit people do.
@@Famouzlastwrds indeed...🙄
I'd like to mention something. A woman I know could not even step foot into a sweat lodge after starting the ceremony. She was so upset she couldn't do it, but then later found out in previous lives she was a witch burnt at the stake or burnt alive in other lives. So her aversion to it was actually from an ancestral trauma and not from not being able to do it. These comments are so base level. There's so much more to us than we know.
Idk but it feels disrespectful on how he said it was boring
I was bored, what else do you want me to say about my experience?
Hey dude when will you start your own ayahuasca retreat center? Really who better then you, you know what works and what will help people, food for thought dude
Thats kind of you to say mate, but honestly I don’t think Im ready for that kind of responsibility. I have enough trouble dealing with myself, let alone a load of other people with their own problems!
I believe what you say, also dealing with epilepsy is no joke and I wish some people would communicate more respectfully with you. It's important to respect peoples boundaries because all people are worth the same.
We are not clones, 🤷🏼♂️ is not for everyone
Yup
Sounds like your views are purely negative...sounds strange with the tranquil music
My experience was certainly negative, but I don’t want that to be seen as some kind of dismissal of this practice. It wasnt for me, but I know many people who loved it.
Definitely would have let this guy out around my way but probably would have never had him in. This is not a recreational activity. It IS a RELIGIOUS ceremony. Without a spiritual awareness these ceremonies are wasted on people and can do more harm than good. Especially for people with mental issues that will bring their understanding into and out of these ceremonies.
Wow! Glad y’all are okay! Which retreat center did this happen at?
Thanks! It was at Arkana in the Sacred Valley, but I don't want to point the finger at those guys. I know the facilitator I mentioned in the video has now left Arkana, and I have to take some ownership for not being more forceful about leaving the sweat lodge.
Thank you for the video and your sharing. I am sorry you had this experience. I believe the person guiding you had no idea about epilepsy and they were very irresponsible. It's ok not knowing about it but they should tell you "mate I have no idea whether this would harm you or not, it's your choice, I cannot safeguard you". Saunas and sweet lodges are dangerous and people can die in them.
The least the could do would be to make you sit next to the door so that you could have easy exit and encourage you to leave the moment you felt unwell.
Sadly "spiritual people" are often clueless about mental health or health in general and they don't have first aid or mental health first aid certificates. Not to mention liability insurance and stuff. As an educator I find the level at which they practice very dangerous
You were not ready and you had absolutely NO business in there.
Well thats hindsight for you
@@AdeptusPsychonautica sure is.
I had my first sweat lodge at Arkana Sacred Valley there as well, in 2018. I thought it was wonderful, a really great experience.
Was it run by an Indigenous person or ? That would make a difference
It was done in the Mexican tradition and was run by a Mexican lady.
(CANT WAIT TO DO THIS AGAIN) I was in a sweat here in Canada east coast and a fan ya tell right now a real sweat is super painful , you suppose to endure the pain for you family and friends . This was a REAL sweat and this guy would be crying in pain . Even I was in pain one of the worse pains I’ve been through , beautiful experience
I’m not exactly sure where you participated in this sweat but it looks like you might be in Peru. I saw some footage of Machu Picchu and with mentioning Ayahuasca ceremonies, I deduced it’s in Peru.
I didn’t realize they did sweats down there. It’s more of a Native American ritual performed by medicinal men of certain North American tribes such as the Lakota. I’ve certainly never heard of South American tribes performing sweats. It seems like sweat lodges have become so popular in recent times that everyone is performing them.
Everything you described about the sweat itself seems accurate though. It’s about two hours long split into 4 cycles with short breaks in between. Lots of chanting and drumming and sweating. I had one of my most profound religious/enlightenment experiences ever in my life during a sweat. And it wasn’t even drug-induced. At first I thought they were drugging us but it turned out it was just burning sage.
Sorry to hear about your experience but it doesn’t seem legit that it is performed in Peru especially by the natives from there. They should just stick to their Ayahuasca ceremonies (which is native to their country/region).
Chose the right Set and Setting, don't blame it on the medicine..
Its not blame to say I didn’t like something Francis, dial back your sensitivity.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica Thank you for your answer! I love temazcals and I was lucky to have a great shaman who intrduced me to this medicine. For me it's the compareble with psychodelics, if the expirience doesn't feel right it doesn't necessarily be the substance. I think that the guy forbid you to leave could mean He was a ego-shaman. Or maybe not, maybe he was a good shaman and he knew that you needed this expirience.. :) my shaman told me this about ayahuasca: there are no Bad medicine journeys (trips), only when the mind starts fighting it gets dangerous.. As long as you can watch, even if it's your biggest fear, without involving in it, it can be dissolved and be washed (or vomitted 😂) out. I encourage you to try it again, with a shaman that you trust.. Be blessed brova, buen camino buena vida! ✌🏼💜
@@AdeptusPsychonautica ....the "psychedelic church" is in some ways similar to the organized Christian church ...so many sects and divisions its all but impossible to reconcile them to each other ...some Christian churches are very strict and controlling ...other charismatic ones look like someone spiked the punch bowl with lsd ....my father is an ordained minister so my history is in the Christian church and ive found that ritual can be stifling if we mistakenly believe it is what causes us to see god ---or God --or spirit --or Spirit ...but it is only the love that flows from an open heart that can connect us to the divine ...if its not flowing with your sweat then stop sweating, id say... lol ...thx for your work and much love
Sorry you had a bad time in it when I go to a sweat lodge we do 3 rounds and one round is like 5-10 minutes not 2 hours
Just to be clear it was 2 hours in total, with each round being 20 - 30 minutes
@@AdeptusPsychonautica oh
You had your full freedom to leave at the end of every round? That’s the problem. I’ve been in over 10 sweats and they always make sure to tell everyone right at the beginning.. if you do not want to be in there, then leave. Don’t strain yourself, because at the end you kept choosing to stay in at the end of every round because you felt pressured by the encouragement.
one of the best experiences of my life, n would do it again tomorrow if i had the chance
Glad you had a good experience, kinda highlights that different people connect with different kinds of medicines.
What did u think of it
Man, go to an amusement park instead. That's the place for you.
Sure, and perhaps you could send me in advance what opinion I should have about that amusement park, you know - in case I trigger you again.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica 😂😂😂
Not everyone is supposed to be in a sweat lodge and not just anyone can lead an inipi ceremony..My Nation dies not sweat at all unless they borrowed it from another..And no one who gets ill is told they must remain inside when they are not feeling right..Or should go in without letting the elder know you have a condition..This happens when people borrow spiritual ways of another people when they know nothing about what they are doing
When I got into the sweat lodge I felt uncomfortable right away but thought it was my issue when the leader an people around me pressured /bullied me to stay. About 15 minutes in I was royally freaked the hell out when the leader ask the elders who had passed on to enter. The tent had about 15 physical people but when they asked the elders who had past to enter the tent filled up with the noises of of ten more and the noises were different than the breathing I was hearing before .They became deep moans ,groans like weird. ,Looking back they were low vibrational sounds.i opened my eyes "I'm sorry I have to get out" they made me feel so bad telling me I would be breaking the circle and messing with the session.. I jumped up and ran out anyway. At the diner later I tried explaining what had happened to me but I don't think they believed me. No one else had the same experience. I have Cherokee heritage so maybe this is why .. Never again.i think if I had been for warned this could happen I would have been more prepared or said no to invite . As far as I was told it was to cleanse my body of toxins .I was young and should have researched before going like I do for everything now. I did not know they would be asking our past on elders to enter. I don't mess with the after life. I know it exist, I will find out someday when I pass . Also to add I was very fit an doing well spiritually I was not scared of facing myself . I have looked my soul dead in the face when I was 17 temporally insane an took me yrs to recover. It was 10yrs after when I got into the tent an I was not that same person spiritually. I welcome truth.
It’s a good thing you broke that circle I don’t mess with that stuff either and have a deep respect and understanding of lines that shouldn’t be crossed from similar experience, funny though how you actually could see right thru what was going on sounds a little sinister I don’t think those were “ancestors” you felt enter
You are not supposed to break the circle but if you are not used to it you can't be expected to make it through the full ceremony the first time! You should have been told what to expect and told how to leave ritually before starting. 🤦
Stay out of things you have no idea about. It's not for everyone and you had a bad experience because the person running it was wrong. I'm curious to know how much you paid. No money should have changed hands for a sweat lodge has nothing to do with money
What if I had had a positive life changing experience - should I still have stayed out of it because I had no idea about it?
Sampling other cultures is not a bad thing, but as you correctly mention - not everything is for everyone, so lets not get too pissy about it just because I didn’t like it.
In terms of cost then there was a fixed cost for the entire retreat which included accommodation, ayahuasca, San Pedro, and sweat lodge - so its not something I could dissect and say “sweat lodge cost X”
It’s amazing. Not for the “basic” folk.
Negative negative....!
Idiot he has a medical condition
Just keep going to church and stay with your program “
That’s a good choice mate “
Sweat lodges are good for asthema.
thanks for your honesty 👍
Ranting about the sweat lodge because of medical issues and intensity _ bummed to miss the strong plant ceramony, ironic.
How so ironic ?
Pretty sure you its a physical cleansing de toxing activity as well and you would need to do saunas regularly to feel any benefit. Im sad it wasnt a good experience. Teen behaviour to be egging each other and to let yourself be intimidated. People with pace makers, hemeaphillia, and those pregnant and breat feeding shouldnt do it. There may be more conditions where it is contra indicated. Thanks for your description and yeah, the facilitator was not mature enough by the sound of it.
my friend... you decided to go in there knowing your condition... look back at the first part of the video..you are very blatant about it.. lik .. mweh.. its just dark and a little claustrofobic.. a little religious... its not for me.. and in the second video you had a experience after and you point your big fat finger openly to the one that poored the water and then you post it on the internet for everyone to see!... my friend: the rite of the sweatlodge is very very old and powerfull and it made your whole beiing move... all that happened is that you found out the hard way that although you did not accept/resisted the medicine while it was unfolding.. it moved you big time... it pushed you right into one of the darkest parts of your life which is the medical conditio/stature that shows you the way back to harmony with yourself and all that is, because it is the physical mirror of your disbalance in life... you did a great job in staying in the lodge. no one should force you to stay in, but it is normal that one asks that you stay unitil after the song, which is a actual prayer in a singing-ritm... all the best on your healing-journey. be well
2 hrs is too long. 15-30 mns 4 times a week is all u need to lower ur chance of heart failure by 63%
Interesting point, I would definitely not go if I knew I had condition like epilepsy. On one hand it's very brave you went there and wanted to try. But doing more research beforehand would help you to take more informed decision. This a an act of purification and it's a sacred thing. One needs to approach it with open mind and respect. If you think it's not for you and it's too "religious" than maybe better not to do it at all. Same with Ayahuasca. It can do more harm than good if you do these things for wrong reasons. Best of luck anyway.
A sweat lodge is how our warriors used to prepare for war..... only the best warriors went to battle....
ooooooooh burn!
How did that work out for them by the way?
I would suggest that if you do not care to understand our culture, maybe you should not vacay in our communities. Our way of life is not easy.
@@wendychavez5526 I would suggest you take your comments up with the rest of your community who appear to be less pissy about accepting me on my vacay, and had a lot more compassion for someone who was willing to experience a different culture but who just happened to not be compatible with it.
@@AdeptusPsychonautica OMG did someones feelings get hurt? Maybe you should go talk tell your mommy. have a good night little weak boy...
@@wendychavez5526 not at all, I was actually quite enjoying dismantling your pompous bullshit 😀
Its nice that you finally dropped the noble facade of “warriors” and “Our way of life” and showed your true colors as a salty twat - maybe you didn’t spend enough time in the sweat lodge? 🤔