WHAT IS THE AUFGUSS?

‘Steam blow’ is the name given to the infusion in Finland. It is necessary to clear up a misunderstanding: infusion does not increase sweating, as many believe. The streams of water, which flow down the body after the infusion, consist of condensation that evaporates rapidly. The essential oils that are used in the infusion can promote relaxation and well-being. During the Aufguss, cold water or ice crystals, enriched with essential oils, are poured over the hot stones of the stove, thus giving rise to steam that the Aufguss master then diffuses into the room using a special tool or a towel.

The art of the Aufguss has also undergone a sort of modern-day revolution. Combined with music, costumes and, often, a specific theme, the various techniques now offer an endless assortment of throws ranging from the classical to the meditative to the mystical, turning this event into the highlight of the sauna ritual.

The ritual consists of pouring water (or ice) mixed with aromatic or balsamic essences onto the stones of the stove, so as to produce a strong jet of very hot steam impregnated with any essences used. An attendant increases the thermal stimulus with movements of the towel directed at people. The Aufguss in the German tradition is performed at regular intervals, it also has a spiritual component (the sauna breath) that is part of Finnish culture.

How to: according to our programme, you turn up five minutes before the start. You take your place in the sauna, placing all parts of your body on the towel including your feet.

The Aufguss Meister (sauna master) greets you and closes the door introducing the ceremony, approaches the stove with a wooden bucket full of water or crushed or cubed ice, scoops up some of it with the ladle, adds the aroma and pours it all over the boiling stones.

The most commonly used essences are lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, pine, eucalyptus, mint and oriental spices: a different one is used for each pouring, the ice balls or and ladles of water depend on the intensity the Meister gives to the ritual.

The air becomes humid and a light vapour rises. The Meister begins to create turbulence with the towel by swirling it in front of and above the stove. Then he directs the flow of hot air towards the people: there are some classic moves such as the Herumwirbeln (helicopter), the Herunterschlagen (flick from top to bottom) and the Damenspende (flick from bottom to top), but obviously the intensity and duration are always different.

The ritual normally involves three cycles of water pouring and ventilation, during which one remains silent and should not enter or leave. If necessary, one encourages and thanks the Master with applause or a ‘bravo’. If you cannot stand the heat you can move down. At the end of the third round, one should stay in the sauna for a moment longer. The total duration of the treatment is about 7 to 12 minutes and during the Aufguss the sauna temperature does not increase, the perceived increase is given by the steam.

On leaving the Aufguss you should take a cold shower for hygiene (start bathing from the bottom to avoid excessive stress on the body), cool off in the ice-cold pool (always immersing your feet first and slowly reaching your head), rinse off with the bucket (never on your head), and walk outside, being careful of thermal shocks and sudden movements.