AUFGUSS, A STEAM RITUAL: LEARN ALL ABOUT IT IN OUR TUTORIAL

INTRODUCTION 

WHAT IS AN AUFGUSS?

Aufguss, which literally means to "pour" in German, is more than just a sauna experience: it is a traditional wellbeing ritual of Nordic origin which has gained traction worldwide over the past few years. During an Aufguss, a sauna master (known as an ‘Aufgussmeister’) pours scented water or a blend of essential oils over hot stones, creating an intense cloud of fragrant steam which fills the cabin. With carefully studied movements, the sauna master uses a towel or fan to direct the heat towards the guests, increasing perspiration and lulling them into a deep state of physical and mental relaxation.

While this ancient ritual is highly beneficial for the body - improving blood circulation, cleansing the skin and stimulating the immune system - it also instils a profound sense of relaxation and leaves you feeling mentally revived. Every Aufguss sauna session is different, thanks to the curated choice of the essential oils and the sauna master’s skill at circulating the heat throughout the sauna, making it a multi-sensory experience that offers both relaxation and the therapeutic benefits of steam.

Discover how this fascinating practice can transform your wellbeing routine and how to maximise its invigorating effects.

THE BENEFITS OF AN AUFGUSS

An Aufguss sauna isn't just a sensory experience, it can have a variety of beneficial effects on our physical and mental health. The steam, essential oils and carefully calibrated heat combine to create something that is more than mere relaxation, leaving you feeling regenerated in mind and body.

One of the main benefits of an Aufguss sauna is that it cleanses the body. The intense heat stimulates profound sweating, flushing out toxins and improving the appearance of your skin; it opens up the pores and leaves it looking more radiant and hydrated.

An Aufguss also improves blood circulation. The heat, alternated with breaks to cool down, increases oxygenation of the body’s tissues and conveys a feeling of lightness. This helps release tension in your muscles and relieves minor aches and pains, making it a great way to unwind after a busy day or a training session.

As far as our mental wellbeing is concerned, an Aufguss helps reduce stress, thanks to the use of essential oils such as mint or lavender. The relaxing atmosphere and rhythmic breathing encourage deep relaxation and free the mind of worries, lulling you into a meditative state of mind that will leave you feeling invigorated.

Last but not least, the ritual can boost your immune system. Alternating heat and cold activates our body’s natural defences, helping it fight off seasonal complaints like the common cold. Session after session, the Aufguss regenerates mind and body, improving our health and wellbeing.

PREPARING FOR AN AUFGUSS

An Aufguss session is guaranteed to be an invigorating experience, but to get maximum benefit from it, it is important to be properly prepared. Read our advice, so you’ll be ready to get the most out of this steam ritual:

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
An Aufguss stimulates intense perspiration, so it is vital you are hydrated before your session. Drink plenty of water in the hours beforehand as this will help stop you becoming dehydrated. However, it is better not to drink just before going into the sauna, so you don’t feel heavy.

2 Take a shower before entering
Before entering the sauna, it is a good idea to take a shower to cool down and rid your skin of any impurities. Not only will this boost the efficacy of the treatment, it will also help your body adjust gradually to the heat. After your shower, dry yourself off carefully: if your skin is dry, you will sweat more quickly and more intensely.

3. Choose the right clothing
You normally go into an Aufguss sauna naked or with a towel, depending on local traditions and the rules of the centre. It is good practice to wear a bathrobe when entering the sauna area and bring a towel with you to sit on and dry yourself with. Avoid clothes in synthetic fibres, as they can prevent the skin from breathing. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AUFGUSS FOR YOU

The Aufguss ritual can vary, adapting to individual needs and preferences. There are different kinds of Aufguss, each with different fragrances, techniques and purposes. Being familiar with the various options means you can choose the experience that best suits your mood and your wellbeing needs.

1. Classic Aufguss: 
This is the most traditional version of the Aufguss and is ideal if you want to experience it in its purest form. During a classic Aufguss session, the sauna master pours water infused with essential oils onto the hot stones and circulates the hot steam throughout the cabin using a towel or fan.
2. Themed Aufguss: 
 This version takes the classic Aufguss a stage further, introducing specific themes concentrating on cultural influences or sensory journeys. To creatively stimulate the senses, the theme could be fragrances from the Orient or the forest, or perhaps culinary traditions, featuring oils that evoke aromas of spices and citrus fruits.
3. Meditative Aufguss: 
 The Meditative Aufguss is ideal for anyone wanting a relaxing and spiritual experience. Focussing on the mind and body, it creates an atmosphere of inner calm. The slow movements of the towel and the subtle aromas, like chamomile and sandalwood, promote mental relaxation and meditation.
4.  Aufguss show: 
 An Aufguss show is a theatrical version of the ritual, featuring music, lights and artistic performances, and is often put on for special occasions. As well as the usual physical benefits, guests can enjoy an immersive sensory experience whose every detail is designed to amaze and pamper.
5. Aufguss steam bath: 
 This version takes place at temperatures that are lower than those of a Finnish sauna (50°C at the level of your head and 20°C at your feet) but with higher humidity (90-95%), so is ideal for anyone suffering from high blood pressure or vascular conditions.  The warm cloud of scented steam is wafted towards guests using a towel, improving circulation and opening the skin’s pores. Treatments such as scrubs and peelings enriched with essential oils are even more effective in the humid atmosphere: the active ingredients are absorbed more easily, heightening the wellbeing effect on the body.
6. Cold Aufguss: 
If you’re really daring, you could try a cold Aufguss, a less common version of the traditional Aufguss, that combines intense heat with moments of intense cold. Alternating heat and cold stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the immune system. Mint or eucalyptus essences are often used here, as they convey a feeling of instant freshness.

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THE AUFGUSS RITUAL, STEP BY STEP

STEP 1: PREPARING THE SAUNA

To ensure an enjoyable Aufguss, the sauna must be prepared properly. The sauna master heats the stones to the ideal temperature - between 70°C and 100°C - and carefully selects the essential oils depending on the effect he wishes to achieve, relaxation or stimulation for instance.

STEP 2: GETTING STARTED

When the sauna is ready, the sauna master pours water infused with essential oils over the hot stones, creating scented steam. Using a towel or fan, the master circulates the steam, so the heat spreads throughout the sauna. The guests, enveloped in the warm, aromatic atmosphere, begin to feel the benefits of the ritual and immerse themselves completely in the sensory experience.

STEP 3: THE STEAM CYCLE

During the steam cycle, the Aufguss master carefully controls the intensity of the heat. After pouring water over the stones, he circulates the steam with large, circular movements, directing the hot air towards the guests and gradually heightening their perception of the heat. Alternating steam and pauses allows the body to get used to the heat, prompting sweating, cleansing and circulation. The cycle lasts 10 - 15 minutes and lulls your body into a state of relaxation and regeneration.

STEP 4: COOLING DOWN

After the steam cycle, it is vital to cool down properly to restore balance to your body. It is a good idea to take a cold bath or shower to lower your body temperature and stimulate circulation, closing your skin pores and strengthening your immune system. After that, it is important to relax in the relaxation area, replenishing lost liquids with water or herbal teas, so you recover completely from the heat and steam.

CHOOSING THE ESSENTIAL OILS

The choice of the essential oils is crucial, as it customises and enhances your Aufguss sauna experience. Every oil has specific properties which can have a beneficial effect on both mind and body.

If you are after a relaxing experience, essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or sandalwood are ideal: they help calm the nervous system, reduce stress and promote deep mental relaxation.

If, on the other hand, you want to be energised by your Aufguss, you should choose fragrances like peppermint, lemon or eucalyptus, which stimulate the senses, improve concentration and leave you feeling revitalised.

For a purifying action, tea tree, rosemary or pine oils are perfect, with well-known antibacterial and detox properties that help clear your airways and cleanse the skin.

You should therefore choose your oil according to your needs and the sensations you wish to obtain. This will make your Aufguss sauna a truly unique and personalised wellbeing experience.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A PERFECT AUFGUSS

TYPICAL MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID

For a truly enjoyable and beneficial Aufguss, it is useful to know some of the most common mistakes people make that could spoil your experience. Here are some mistakes you should avoid and how to correct them:

—      Not enough liquids: One of the most common mistakes is to enter the sauna without having drunk enough water. Heavy perspiration can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of liquids before your session.

—      Not taking a shower before your Aufguss: Entering a sauna without taking a shower beforehand can reduce its efficacy. It helps cleanse the skin and prepare your body for the heat.

—      Staying in too long: A classic sauna mistake is to try and withstand the heat for too long. When you feel the heat is getting too much for you, it is important to listen to your body and exit the sauna to cool down. Staying longer than you can physically manage can cause vertigo or fatigue.

—      Sudden movements or too much noise: An Aufguss sauna is meant to be a relaxing experience that helps focus the mind. Sudden movements, speaking or noise can disturb the other guests and spoil the meditative atmosphere.

—      Not cooling down properly after your Aufguss: After an Aufguss session, it is important to gradually lower your body temperature with a cold bath or shower. Not only does this help recovery, it also maximises the benefits of the heat.

—      Not choosing the right essential oils: Another mistake is to use essential oils that do not produce the effect you want. It’s a good idea to check which fragrances are going to be used in the sauna and their benefits, so you get the most out of your session.

HOW TO PERSONALISE YOUR AUFGUSS EXPERIENCE

An Aufguss can be enhanced and personalised to meet your preferences and needs, becoming a moment of deep relaxation and wellbeing. Here are some tips to ensure this:

—      Choose the right essential oils: Essential oils are vital to create the right atmosphere. Lavender and chamomile help you relax, while peppermint and eucalyptus are refreshing and can improve breathing. For an energy-infused experience, go for citrus oils like orange and lemon.

—      Create the right atmosphere: The right atmosphere can make or break the Aufguss experience. Using soft lights or scented candles can create a more intimate and relaxing ambiance. Music adds an extra special touch, especially if you choose the sounds of nature or meditative music, elevating the sensory experience.

—      Adjust the heat and intensity: Heat is central to the Aufguss experience but it can be adjusted to your needs and preferences. If the session is too hot for you, you can ask the sauna master to reduce the intensity of the steam or you could stay in the sauna for just part of the session.

—      Add scrubs or skin treatments: Some Aufguss saunas include scrubs or body masks as part of the experience. Salt or sugar scrubs enriched with nourishing oils cleanse and hydrate the skin during the ritual.

—      Personalise the length of your session: Not everyone wants to stay in the sauna for the same amount of time. If you want to slow the pace down, you can make the pauses between steam cycles longer, even drinking or eating something healthy and light to replenish your energy levels.

—      Try different types of Aufguss: There are different kinds of Aufguss sessions, such as the meditative Aufguss or the dynamic version. Trying different techniques and styles will help you find the one that best meets your needs. —      Get friends and family involved: An Aufguss can be even more enjoyable if experienced with others. Inviting friends or family to join you is a great opportunity to connect and share with them.

AUFGUSS AND TRADITION: WHERE TO FIND IT

THE TOP SPAS AND WELLNESS CENTRES

For an Aufguss experience you won’t forget in a hurry, always choose a spa or wellness centre with top-of-the-range facilities and expert sauna masters. In Europe, some of the top destinations include the Terme di Merano in Italy, well-known for its immersive Aufguss rituals, and the Therme Erding in Germany which has one of the largest saunas in the world. In Austria, Aqua Dome is famous for its saunas with spectacular views over the Alps. Each of these centres delivers genuine and unique Aufguss experiences, often matched with specific essential oils.

H3: AUFGUSS EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Attending an Aufguss event or festival is a great opportunity to learn more about this practice and the different versions we can find around the world. In Italy, the Italian Sauna and Aufguss Association (AISA) organises competitions and events all year round, where the top masters show off their Aufguss techniques, aromatherapy and choreographies. National and international competitions are held in prestigious Italian spas and always draw a large crowd. For the latest news on events, check out the official AISA competition calendar or visit the Association’s website. 

H2: THE LAST WORDAn Aufguss sauna is not only a great way to relax, it is a sensory experience offering both physical and mental benefits. Thanks to its purifying and regenerating effects, it has become a must-have at spas, giving guests a chance to relax and reconnect. Whether you experience an Aufguss in a spa or the privacy of someone’s home, we recommend it and its benefits to everyone.