An Aufguss is, to put it simply, a spa treatment that takes place in a sauna. It is facilitated by an Aufgussmeister or a Sauna Master, who uses rhythmic towel movements to move water soaked with aromatic oils over the hot stones of the sauna. While some are accompanied by music, others let the sounds of people waving towels take center stage. There are no two Aufguss alike.
There are numerous varieties of Aufguss, and they can be learned in special European schools. The first three are the most well-known: "classic," "show," and "standard." The emphasis of a "traditional" Aufguss is on health and relaxation.
Saunas are widely used throughout the world. a common service available in all hotels, gyms, and spas. Eastern, Central, and Northern Europe and the rest of the world have different experiences when it comes to the "how-to" of saunas. While sauna use is viewed as a very social and creative activity in countries like Finland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, and Hungary, to mention a few, the sauna experience is frequently less creative and more of a means to an end outside of Europe. The Aufguss is a significant component of sweat culture's attraction throughout Europe. An Aufguss ritual is a cultural event that is held at schools, as well as in contests and events.
The term "aufguss" is said to have come from the necessity of opening the sauna doors around every hour or so to let fresh air in. Water is poured, followed by the distribution of steam, to swiftly restore the temperature and humidity. From there, it is said to have developed into the modern entertainment ritual we know today.
Nowadays, Aufguss is mostly practiced in Europe. According to experts, traditional Aufguss, also known as Loyly, is more emphasized in northern European nations, particularly Finland, in a ceremonial and almost religious sense. You can read more about it here.
HISTORY OF AUFGUSS
In terms of Aufguss, it is sometimes assumed that it originated from the necessity to change the air inside a sauna. People tend to perspire a lot in enclosed places, so the environment needs to be re-oxygenated. A window or door would be opened roughly every hour. The forerunner of today's Aufguss, water would be put onto the hot stone of the sauna and a revolving towel would be used to spread the vapour in order to efficiently restore the temperature and humidity.
The use of a sauna has various advantages. The body begins storing heat, expanding pores, expelling pollutants, and purifying itself as soon as hyperthermia sets in. A condition of concentration, introspection, and calmness is attained as perspiration beads on the brows and trickles down. The body responds by boosting the immune system when there is a mild fever.
BENEFITS OF AUFGUSS
Aromatherapy is introduced during an Aufguss using pure essential oils. The body and mind are both affected by these volatile and aromatic plant compounds. Pine, sandalwood, cypress, and vetiver are all calming scents. Lavender, chamomile, and jasmine for feelings. Eucalyptus, mint, lemon, orange, and bergamot for energizing.
Cold follows extremely hot temperature. After spending time in a sauna, you must cool off. Adrenaline is released as a result of the thermal shock of walking through a freezing waterfall. And the rest that follows causes endorphins to be released. The temperature cycle and the Aufguss rite go hand in hand. You can see the ritual in this video.
Read more about the Benefits of Sauna here.
Written by Martin