What is Saunagus?

Saunagus is derived from the German word Aufguss meaning 'infusion' or 'pour on'. In essence it refers to the act of pouring water over the heated rocks of the sauna. Aufguss is the most common term - but teh Danes refer to it as Saunaguss and as Denmark was where my sauna passion really came alive, this is the name I use.

This is nothing special and is a standard part of any sauna practice dating back to its inception (the first recorded mention of sweat bathing is in 568 BC). However, during the 1950s/60s in Germany Aufguss began to emerge as a ritualised routine conducted by a gusmeister (the individual in charge of administering the ritual)

At its heart it should consist of the following elements:

- A clearing out of the stale air of the sauna
- An introduction to the ritual by the gusmeister
- Pouring of water onto the coals
- Fanning or wafting the air with towels or fans
- An invitation to leave the sauna to bathe or shower in (ideally) cold water
- A short rest and cool down before being invited to re-enter the sauna
- The ritual repeats (3 times is common as you can usually fit three sessions into an hour)

It sounds simple, but continual refinement of themes and techniques have allowed gusmeisters to create totally unique experiences for their guests. The use of essential oils and music can create vast environmental differences from a cold-relieving, extra-warm, menthol sauna, to a relaxing, pine-scented forest sauna complete with birdsong.

Below is an example of a thematic saunagus experience from the 2011 Aufguss World Championship (yes there is a world championship). By the way, please don’t expect the same sort of athlectiuc spinning at our sessions - these folks are world champions. We have a way to go yet, but we are hoping to join the UK Aufguss team.

Towel spinning and Drama

Towel spinning and dramatic music may be common elements, but I've also experienced Disco Saunagus, Quiet Meditation Saunagus, Poetry Reading Saunagus and a crazy festive Christmas Saunagus which involved pouring beer and then schnapps on the coals and nearly set the oven on fire (don't pour alcohol on your sauna - its not a great idea).

Saunagus isn't for everyone, some of my sauna friends much prefer taking their time and enjoying their sauna at a leisurely pace without all the towel-waving and music. However, I believe saunagus has an extremely important place in spreading good practice and introducing newcomers to sauna. These are some of my reasons:

Firstly, saunagus gives you a chance to speak to a gusmeister and ask questions about sauna. This is important in the UK as no one has taught us good practice and how we should get the best out of our sauna. This can be seen at any UK public swimming pool sauna where people drench the benches in chlorinated swimming water from their trunks before sitting in a mild heat until they feel slightly drier.

Secondly suanagus allows you to experience a shared ritual with likeminded people but with no pressure to talk or chat unless you feel social. If you are a visitor to a country where sauna is practiced, this is one of the less discussed benefits. We are all social animals but sometimes its nice just to enjoy quiet company without the need to talk about the weather. Sauagus can take this to another level. I've experineced some mind-blowing saunagus that resulted in screams of pleasure and pain from those facing a blast in the face of scalp-burning heat. Afterward, one didn't need words to share in the glow and smiles from the fellow survivors of this intense experience.

Thirdly, saunagus brings a cultural element to the experience. I've been introduced to some great music and some utterly awful music. I've enjoyed an occasionally sing-song with guests and I have listened to wonderful pieces of poetry and prose, or engaged in viking war crys. One of my favourite sessions was when the gusmeister did some amazing temperature work gradually raising the temperature slowy and steadily while I looked out through a panoramic window on a moonlit sea. All of this while Harrison Ford and Julia Roberts spoke about the ocean and nature:

Again, what I like is not what you may like, but this is the joy of suanagus, you can keep on exploring and find an experience that works for you.

Finally saunagus is not just great fun, you feel fantastic. In our busy schedules its a great way to ensure you get a proper sauna experience all within one hour of time. There are possibly more pleasurable experiences you can have within an hour but few of these are actually good for your body and mind or are easy to repeat.

If you haven't tried saunagus/aufguss yet, please check out the listings to find places that offer this or feel free to contact me for more information.