The initial impression your blog post makes is crucial, In Finnish and Estonian tradition, the birch whisk is used to gently beat or massage the skin. This is called vihtlemine (Estonian) or vihtominen (Finnish).
Benefits include:
Stimulating circulation
Opening skin pores
Inhaling natural aromatic oils from the leaves
Creating a meditative, grounding rhythm
Some spas offer guided “whisking ceremonies” that can be adapted for modern wellness retreats.
4. Herbal Steam and Aromatherapy
Pouring water infused with herbs or essential oils over the hot stones is a sensory highlight of the sauna ritual. Traditional herbs include:
Mint – cooling and refreshing
Juniper – cleansing and anti-inflammatory
Chamomile – calming
Eucalyptus – opening the airways
In Finnish and Estonian tradition, the birch whisk is used to gently beat or massage the skin. This is called vihtlemine (Estonian) or vihtominen (Finnish).
Benefits include:
Stimulating circulation
Opening skin pores
Inhaling natural aromatic oils from the leaves
Creating a meditative, grounding rhythm
Some spas offer guided “whisking ceremonies” that can be adapted for modern wellness retreats.
4. Herbal Steam and Aromatherapy
Pouring water infused with herbs or essential oils over the hot stones is a sensory highlight of the sauna ritual. Traditional herbs include:
Mint – cooling and refreshing
Juniper – cleansing and anti-inflammatory
Chamomile – calming
Eucalyptus – opening the airways
A 2020 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that aromatherapy in a heated environment can enhance mood and reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone).
