Have You Seen the Irish Sweathouse?

Reviewing Sweathouses, we have studied Russian, Native American, and Finnish Sweathouses (steam saunas). We have also studied ancient Sweathouse culture dating back to early Greece and Rome. Each Sweathouse culture is rooted in tradition, yet discusses similar benefits.

One area of difference among Sweathouses is construction materials. Can anyone guess what materials Irish Sweathouses are constructed of? If you have been to Ireland you would jump up and say, "stones." And you would be right. Ireland has so many stones it was necessary to build all those stone walls, castles, and Sweathouses so they could harvest potatoes. We'll take on the stones discussion another day.

Irish Sweathouses built on more than folklore were small beehive shaped stone structures with an open hole on top. Sod and dirt was packed between stones to enclose Irish Sweat houses. Due to the small size, only about three to four participants could take part. Once participants crawled inside the Sweathouse, they covered the small entrance.

Irish Sweathouses and their techniques, traditions, and cures are not as well documented as in other countries. However, one report by Reverend Robert Gage reveals the Irish Sweathouse process. He reports, participants first lit a fire letting it burn down and out before stepped inside to reap the sweating cures. The sweathouse was often followed by a jump in cool water. This is similar to other traditions and contrast bathing science.

As for sweating cures, Irish Sweathouse stores handed down through the generations discuss assistance for skin purification, arthritis, and various pains. Not much is documented on Sweathouse cures compared to other cultures like Finnish.

The Irish Sweathouse is not presumed to have the spiritual significance other traditions like the Native Americans have placed on this tradition. Although Irish Sweathouse reports are few, there are archeological studies confirming this tradition in Ireland.

To learn more, click on Irish Sweathouses OR Irish Sweathouse photos to view more pictures. (Sources)

The photo used in this entry is an ancient Irish house similar in look to Irish Sweathouses.

Comments

[Sean]

That's crazy! I have a sauna and I never knew that this type of thing was around for sooo long. I've heard of bath houses. This is pretty common around the world. I'm Irish and this makes me proud to be a sweat house owner. Lol!! I'm glad I don't have to wear a kilt like my Scottish neighbors. This thing does help with tight muscles and arthritis. Awesome products! Thanks all.

[Jakki Black]

I can see myself enjoying the heat of an Irish sweat house. I really can't see jumping into cold water. For some reason I have a phobia about cold water. Maybe it has something to do with falling through the ice at our pond when I was a kid.