A sweat lodge is a small, enclosed structure used for ceremonial steam baths, primarily in various Indigenous cultures of North America. It is typically made from natural materials like wood and covered with blankets or tarps. The purpose of the sweat lodge is to promote physical and spiritual purification through sweating, which is believed to cleanse the body and mind. During a sweat lodge ceremony, heated stones are placed in a pit inside the lodge, and water infused with herbs is poured over them to create steam. Participants often engage in prayer, meditation, and sharing of personal stories, fostering a sense of community and connection to their culture, such as the traditions of the Lakota or Ojibwe peoples.