Saunagus is a tradition that combines the well-known sauna tradition with essential oils and specific techniques to create a deeply relaxing and health-promoting experience. If you are considering adding saunagus to your wellness routine, or simply want to understand its benefits, this blog post is for you. We will dive into what saunagus is, why it is good for the body, and what you should be aware of before and during your gus.
What is the difference between a sauna and a sauna steam room?
For many, a traditional sauna is already a familiar part of their wellness routine, but what distinguishes saunagus from a regular sauna?
A traditional sauna typically involves sitting in a hot, dry atmosphere for a period of time during which one can sweat and relax. The temperature in a sauna can vary, but is often between 70-100 degrees. The primary purpose of the sauna is to promote relaxation, improve blood circulation, and contribute to the body's elimination of waste products through sweating.
Saunagus, on the other hand, takes the sauna experience a step further. During a saunagus session, participants are led by a steam master who pours water and essential oils onto the hot stones in the sauna. The hot steam that is released fills the sauna with fragrant vapors, and the steam master uses various techniques to distribute the steam and create an intense sensory experience. Saunagus focuses not only on heat, but also on the benefits of aromatherapy and the creation of a mindfulness experience.
How did the saunagus tradition originate?
The saunagus tradition has its roots in ancient Nordic and Finnish cultures, where the sauna has played a central role in daily life for centuries. The sauna was used not only for personal hygiene, but also as a place for socializing, healing, and spiritual cleansing. Although the sauna itself has existed for thousands of years, saunagus is a more modern variation that combines traditional sauna principles with elements of aromatherapy and ritualized gus.
The term “gus” comes from the Old Norse word “gus,” which means “steam.” The tradition of pouring water on hot stones to create steam has existed in saunas for as long as the sauna itself, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that the gus master began using essential oils to enhance the experience. This development became particularly popular in Germany, where wellness culture and the use of aromatherapy began to take off.
Over the past few decades, saunagus has gained popularity in the rest of Europe and the world, where the wellness trend has gained momentum. Saunagus has become a staple in many spa and wellness centers, offering it as a way to combine the physical and mental benefits of the sauna with the therapeutic effects of essential oils and ritualized steam. Today, saunagus is not just a tradition, but a popular wellness experience that brings people together to enjoy the health benefits in an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.
How does the sauna steamer itself work?
A sauna steam session is a carefully orchestrated experience that combines heat, steam, and scent to create a deeply relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere. Here's how the sauna steam itself typically unfolds:
- Preparation : Before the sauna bath begins, the sauna is heated to the right temperature, usually between 70-100 degrees Celsius. The bath master prepares a series of bowls of water infused with essential oils with different scents and properties. Each oil is carefully selected to achieve specific effects, such as relaxation, invigoration, or the like.
- Introduction : The sauna master welcomes the participants and gives a brief introduction to the session, explaining which oils will be used and what benefits to expect. The sauna master may also introduce the theme of the session, as some saunas are designed with specific themes to enhance the mental and emotional experience.
- Applying water to the stones : Once the participants are seated in the sauna, the steam master begins pouring water with essential oils onto the hot sauna stones. This creates an intense steam that quickly fills the room with warmth and fragrance. The steam master ensures that the water is dosed correctly to maintain a comfortable balance between heat and humidity.
- Steam distribution : To ensure that the steam and aroma are evenly distributed throughout the sauna, the steam master uses various techniques, such as waving a towel, a fan, or even his hands to circulate the air. These movements create a wave of warm air that moves around the sauna and intensifies the experience. The steam master often varies the intensity of the steam to create a dynamic and engaging session.
- Rhythmic breaks : During a typical sauna steam session, there will be several "steam rounds," where the heat and steam gradually increase. Between these rounds, participants can take short breaks to cool down, often by leaving the sauna or using cold water. This alternation between heat and cold is an important part of sauna steam, as it promotes blood circulation and improves the body's ability to regulate temperatures.
- Closing : The sauna session ends with a final intense steam session, followed by a longer break for participants to cool down and relax. The sauna master often rounds off the session with some closing words, perhaps a piece of music or a short meditation, to ensure that participants leave the sauna with a sense of calm and well-being.
Throughout the process, the master steamer is attentive to the participants and adjusts the intensity and duration of the session as needed. This personal and artisanal approach makes each sauna steamer session unique and provides participants with a deeply personal and refreshing experience.
Is it healthy to go to sauna?
Yes, sauna bathing is not only a pleasant experience, but can also be a health-promoting activity. When you participate in a sauna bathing session, your body is exposed to alternating heating and cooling phases, which have several health benefits:
- Improved blood circulation : The heat causes your blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your muscles. This can help relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
- Elimination of waste products from the body : During sauna bathing, the body sweats profusely, which helps to eliminate toxins and waste products through sweat. This can help improve skin health and enhance the body's natural detoxification processes.
- Stress reduction : The essential oils used in saunas have different properties, from relaxing lavender to invigorating peppermint. The combination of warmth, scent and silence creates a deep relaxation that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Strengthening the immune system : Regular exposure to heat and cold can strengthen the immune system by training the body to better handle changing temperatures. This can increase your resistance to colds and other illnesses.
How many calories do you burn in a sauna?
A frequently asked question is how many calories do you burn during a sauna session. Although sauna is primarily designed for relaxation and well-being, it can also have a positive effect on calorie burning. When the body is exposed to high heat, the heart rate increases, which can result in increased calorie burning.
While the number can vary depending on various factors such as temperature, duration of the session, and the individual's physical condition, it is estimated that one can burn between 300-500 calories during a typical 30-minute sauna session, although primarily liquids.
What should you be aware of when using saunas?
Although sauna bathing is a health-boosting experience, there are some things you should be aware of:
- Hydration : Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after a sauna session. Since you sweat a lot, it's important to replace the fluids you lose to avoid dehydration.
- Listen to your body : If you feel dizzy, overheated or uncomfortable during a sauna session, you may want to consider sitting down a step or on the floor first. The heat is usually at its highest at the top of the sauna, so it is a good idea to go down one or more levels. If you still feel uncomfortable, consider leaving the sauna and taking a break from your session. It is important to respect your body's signals and not push yourself too hard.
- Contraindications : People with certain health conditions, such as heart disease, low blood pressure, or pregnant women, should consult their doctor before participating in sauna therapy.
Prepare yourself for a unique experience
Saunagus is a unique experience that combines heat, aromatherapy and relaxation to create a holistic wellness session. With its many health benefits, from improved blood circulation to stress reduction, saunagus can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. However, always remember to listen to your body and ensure proper hydration to get the best experience. If you haven't tried saunagus yet, maybe it's time to take the plunge and experience what this ancient tradition can do for your body and mind.
