A Sauna Master Explains the Aufguss Sauna Ritual

This week we have the pleasure of hosting Martijn Vanhoorelbeke, visitng Sauna Master, at Bathhouse as he leads a series of workshops to train our team in the art of Aufguss. Martijn is a four-time Belgian Champion in Aufguss and two-time World Championship finalist. Today, he works as an international educator and Juror for Aufguss competitions. Read more about Aufguss below, as told by Martijn.

What is Aufguss?

Aufguss is a sauna ritual lasting about 15 minutes. It’s a multisensory experience inside the sauna. The Aufguss master works with water to circulate heat throughout the sauna with a towel. The core elements of an Aufguss are heat, essential oils and music.

What is the goal of an Aufguss?

To take you on a trip. It’s about having an experience that extracts the benefits of a sauna session and heightens them: elevated levels of endorphins and serotonin. Additionally, different essential oils can be utilized for different outcomes. For instance, peppermint can be used as a revitalizing oil, lavender for calm, and eucalyptus to clear the airways.

There’s an art to the Aufguss. Tell us more about that.

There are six main elements that bring an Aufguss together:

• Heat: Gradually bring up the heat. It’s crucial that near the end of the session you bring the temperature up to the highest point, which makes adrenaline peak and releases endorphins.

• Essential oils: The oils give the fragrance experience but also the benefits of the essential oils.

• Towel work: This is an art. You train in technique for this. The waving, if performed gracefully, is very beautiful to watch.

• Lighting/ambiance: You can use either the natural light or darkness. You can work colored lights, for example.

• Music: Waving [the towel] to the music completes the experience.

• Style: Last but not least is the Aufguss master themselves. How you guide the guests through the experience and bring all of the elements together.

Ready to join an Aufguss?

We host Aufguss sessions multiple times a day! View our Aufguss schedule here.