Sweat naturally clears the body of some toxins we all know this.

It also helps cool us down when we are too hot. But some Native American traditions incorporate sweating as a spiritual practice of reconnecting with the Earth.

Bermudian herbalist and natural healer Kuni Frith-Black has organised two evenings at the end of the month where people can take part in a Native American sweat lodge.

Four Native American Elders from the Shoshone, Blackfoot and Paiute nations will be on the Island conducting classes and leading sweat lodges from Friday, April 24, to Monday, April 27.

This is the tenth year that Dr. Frith-Black has hosted sweat lodge ceremonies in Bermuda.

"What it entails is one of the highest levels of spiritual connection to Mother Earth and all of the elements something that we seem to be out of touch with in our spiritual life, a connection to nature," she said.

"It is a physical detox but goes way beyond that. You are crawling into the sweat lodge which the native people call 'the womb of the mother'. You are connected to the earth because in our lodge we use match-me-if-you-can leaves so that you are not sitting directly on the ground," she said.

The lodge itself is constructed by the elders from bamboo and covered with animal skins. A fire pit is made at the centre of the lodge and hot lava rocks placed inside. Medicinal herbs and water are placed and poured over the rocks creating steam within the lodge.

"Once the steam hits the leaves you get a medicinal benefit because the leaves are used for all types of ailments in Bermuda," said Dr. Frith Black. "It's very good for clearing the lungs internally."

She said the effect is much like a sauna, but unlike the sauna experience at the spa, in a sweat lodge there's also drumming, native songs and prayers.

"It's equivalent to a western church in many ways," said Dr. Frith Black.

In previous years only one lodge was created during the special weekend event. This year three lodges will be built to facilitate people at different levels of experience. The gentle lodge will be suited to beginners the heat will be less intense (around 120 degrees) and the length of the ceremony, although completely at the discretion of the elder leading the lodge, will not run beyond two hours.

In contrast, the lodge for advanced participants will have hotter temperatures (between 140 and 160 degrees) and may last as long as four hours.

While the sweating part of the ceremony does not last all night, Dr. Frith Black said the ceremony does continue outside the lodge.

"People go and reconnect with themselves after having such a spiritual experience," she said.

Sweat lodges will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at a cost of $75 each. Free events include a teaching circle on Friday, April 24 from 7 - 9 p.m. and a closing circle and potluck supper on Monday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

For more information contact spirithouse@northrock.bm, Ruth Ann Dill on 236-2640, or Dr. Kuni Frith Black on 238-1227.