The Ceremonies that take place at Sauna are many and varied, but one of the most spectacular is definitely theAufguss, an ancient ritual that relaxes mind and body.
Aufguss or, as it is translated in Italian, gettata di vapore, is an ancient Finnish custom that combines the relax of sauna with evocative spiritual rituals.
It is a sensory experience, led by a Master of Ceremonies, also called an Aufgussmeister.
The ritual involves pouring water and/or ice, with the addition of pure essential oils, onto a brazier placed inside the sauna.
The water in contact with heat creates a fragrant cloud of water vapor that theAufgussmeister distributes throughout the room, carrying the warm air to the guests by waving a towel.
What does this particular Ceremony in Sauna consist of ?
L'Aufguss is a Wellness Ceremony proper to sauna. By pouring water mixed with essential oils onto hot stones, a special microclimate is created that is managed entirely by the Master of Ceremonies.
After waiting for the temperature at sauna to rise, the master announces the beginning of the ritual. He pours water or ice on the glowing stones to which he adds a fragrant essence.
This leads to the raising of the humidity level and consequently the perceived temperature will be higher.
As a reaction, the body initiates a process that allows more cleansing from toxins than is possible during normal sitting at sauna: sweating increases, peripheral blood vessels dilate, and blood pressure drops.
The Aufgussmeister with his skill creates moist, fragrant air displacements with the help of a towel. The real focus of the Ceremony is in fact a complex set of gestures and movements that brings benefit on a physical and psychic level.
TheAufguss includes three stages:
- the first jet of steam is characterized by smooth movements, so the air pushed toward the guests is felt lightly;
- the second burst of steam is more intense and the movements become gradually more energetic. One can distinctly feel the increase in heat and an increase in heart rate ensues;
- the third steam jet uses more water and/or ice, which then generates an intense wave of perceived heat. The Master's movements become even more energetic in a crescendo of intensity.
The three steam jets can use essential oils from different plants, carefully selected by the Master of Ceremonies to create a unique olfactory journey with various themes: energizing, relaxing, balsamic, exotic, and many more.
Etiquette at sauna requires that one remain silent during the ceremony. It is inadvisable to enter once the ceremony has begun in order to avoid heat loss and sudden changes in temperature.
On the other hand, it is possible to leave at any time: in fact, it is always recommended to listen to the signals transmitted by one's body to avoid possible illness.
It lasts between 7 and 12 minutes, and at the end of the cycle, after the doors of sauna are opened it is suggested to wait a moment before exiting to slowly reestablish pressure.
Once the ritual is over, it is essential to take a cold shower, remembering to bathe from the limbs toward the heart and only at the end the head.
After the shower a full immersion in the Cooling Tubs gives an immediate feeling of refreshment and vitality.
After sauna a period of rest is recommended, and replenishment of lost fluids through the intake of water, herbal teas or infusions.
Techniques used by the Aufgussmeister
The Aufgussmeister uses techniques to distribute the steam generated inside the sauna. TheAufgussmeister may use one or two towels at the same time, depending on the technique chosen for the ritual.
There are three categories of techniques, Classic, Modern and Freestyle and each is divided into several variations.
TheAufguss is a true discipline with precise techniques and rules and also involves competitions at the national and international level.
Let's look together at the basic techniques of the Classical style:
HELICOPTER
The cloth is folded and held with one hand. The Master of Ceremonies circles the brazier by rotating the cloth over his head. The technique aims to distribute the fragrant steam evenly throughout sauna.
FLAG
Generates right-left and left-right horizontal movements of the towel.
PALA
This movement is the one that moves the largest amount of air, spreading heat with top-to-bottom movements.
PETTINE
It is used during the most intense Ceremonies to give a moment of refreshment to the guests before the next cast. The Master of Ceremonies, with movements from the bottom to the top, lets the cooler air that is close to the floor of sauna rise toward the guests.
TheAufguss is accompanied by soundtracks, but these alone are not enough to make an engaging Aufguss. It all depends on the skill of the master of ceremonies, who must know how to create the right olfactory mix and engage the audience with his spectacular choreography performed with towels.
The body language expressed by an Aufgussmeister or Aufgussmeisterin in the sauna assumes primary importance. As we have seen theAufguss is a ritual, a Ceremony, every aspect depends on the professionalism and communicativeness of the Aufgussmeister of Sauna, his way of moving and speaking, his empathy, his gestures and his gaze.
What are the benefits ofAufguss?
As body temperature rises, there is dilation of blood vessels and a drop in blood pressure. It also increases heart rate and body sweating, which can lead to significant fluid loss.
Thanks to the soothing and emollient effect of the warm air, sauna activates the lymphatic system, strengthens the immune system and prevents infection. In addition, the skin regains elasticity and the scalp is purified.
From a Aufguss we leave relaxed and rejuvenated. It is a unique experience that can amaze and excite us; the Master can create a true work of art of well-being for us.
