I defer to Finns on pronounciation, but offer the following as confirmation of my choice:

http://alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/~cook/sauna.htm

http://www.retreatlife.com/mar_apr/saunas.html

http://www.finlandiasauna.com/sauna-history.html

http://www.aitimusic.com/bios/history/finnish.htm

I could go on with cut and paste but won't. The proponderence of sites I found have roughly the same suggestion, and it is the one I offered. That having been said, I am fine with whatever works for you, whomever you are, and it is obvious that your mileage may vary.

What is important is that I care deeply about Finns and their language and intend to show nothing but the greatest respect.

Edited by author 03-11-2003 04:45 AM
Hi again,

Maybe this is getting a bit out of proportion, but we are actually talking about the same thing. Your first link below makes my point, too:

'Sauna is pronounced "sow-na." The first syllable rhymes with the word "now."'

The cause of confusion obviously stems from the use of 'sow' as an example for pronunciation, since it has two different ways of pronouncing in English (see my previous post below). But maybe saying that the first syllable rhymes with 'now' and not for example with 'snow' or 'grow', makes it clearer. Also some of your links below seem to point to the websites of non-native Finnish speakers and contain some inaccuracies when it comes to transcribing pronunciation (which will always be the case without phonetic transcribtion).

Anyway, most English speakers pronounce the word SAW-na and it's still OK. So, it really isn't that important. Sorry if my postings seem like nit-picking; it has not been my intention. I promise not to post on this topic anymore :-)

What comes to the 'whomever you are', I can say that I'm a Finn working in publishing. You can see my weblog at: http://jmtee.blogspot.com

P.S. I actually liked the Avantouinti article a lot even if it hasn't sounded like that.

Hadn't intended you to take personally the comment "whomever you are." I am sure you are more qualified than me to address the issue.

That was intended to point out that everyone has a different take on it, with pronounciation and regional dialects obvious factors. And this applies to whomever is thinking about it as correct or incorrect.

And, yes, I agree that my ears compare the beginning sound with NOW and less with SAW.

<smile>

Well, aside from the row about the pronunciation (I didn't have a problem with understanding the intent) I just wanted to say that your article brought back wonderful memories of a similar habit I have when I go to Geneva. While I'm sure there are differences in experiences (and I'm sure some would pick on the autheticity thing), sitting in a hot sauna and then jumping into a frozen lake is absolutely wonderful. No, actually Lake Geneva (or Lac Leman for the persnickity) was not frozen, though the rails and steps down were covered in ice. Similarly to you, Jim, after I got into the water and over the initial shock, it was wonderful and I swim around a little before getting out, body still steaming in the cool air, before returning to the sauna to repeat the whole thing again. Thanks for the post!

Hey Jim. :) Glad you're enjoying your stay here in Finland. Though I'm a Finn, I've got to confess I haven't tried swimming in icewater yet... Only experienced 6 degrees C. Doesn't it feel kind of like you're reborn after the whole ordeal is over with?

Check out some testimonies to the benefits of a sauna at

http://www.miracleheatsaunas.com/saunastest.htm

Edited by author 08-27-2004 10:31 PM
Hello Jim,

    I sauna and can relate to the heat but have never done the ritual of Avanto. Please visit my Sauna forum and reiterate your adventure.

http://www.saunaheaven.com

Thanks,

John

Sauna & Steam Bath massage: popular techniques
(to be applied in pairs)
I have found that Sauna or steam bath massage with vihta
(bunch of leafy Birch twigs or Oak twigs) is most popular among Finnish or Russian bathers when applied in pairs or couples. Here is some info for those who wish to
get acquainted with this intriguing healthy experience.

It is more convenient to apply sauna massage to each other. One person takes bunches of twigs and apply massage (described below), the other person lays down on rug (or towel) on the wooden bench with back on top for massage. Hands should lie along the body.

Waggling. You slightly waggle or flutter the bunch of leafy tree twigs just above the body, gently touching the skin with the tips of leaves. One bunch of twigs goes along one side of the body (right) and the other bunch of twigs waggle along the other side of the body (left side). This technigue creates an air flow that warms up the body preparing it for more vigourous massage. Do waggling from toes to neck and back. Repeat it for 2-3 times.

Stroking. You gently press the bunch of Birch twigs, Oak twigs or Eucalyptus twigs against the body in one long wavy move and draw the bunch of twigs from toes to neck and back. The bunch’s handle should always go first in the direction of the move. Repeat it for 2-3 times.

Compressing. You raise the bunch of tree twigs up where the temperature is higher, shake it for a second to gather the heat. Then you firmly press the bunch of twigs against the waist, shoulders, feet or knees for 1-3 seconds. While pressing, you may cover the bunch of leafy twigs with a palm of second hand to make the contact between the body skin and tree leaves tighter. This is particularly helpful against muscle and joint pains. Apply this sauna massage technique to where the muscle or joint pain is felt. Repeat compressing for 4-5 times per each place (waist, shoulders, back, knees, etc).

Stretching. You place two bunches of leafy twigs on the waist. While pressing them into the body, move the two bunches of twigs apart (to the neck and feet), stretching from the waist. Repeat stretching for 3-4 times. You may also do stretching by placing two bunches of twigs on shoulders or on knees and moving the bunches of twigs apart (to the neck and feet).

Then you can alternate stroking with lashing.

Lashing. You do light sliding hits with bunch of twigs (vihta or vasta). Gently and brisky lash the body (back, shoulders, waist, hips, legs, knees, feet) with tips of leaves. Do lashing for a minute or two. When massaging with two bunches of twigs, make a lashing hit with one bunch, and then a lashing hit with another bunch of twigs nearby. To gather warmth, sometimes raise bunch of leafy twigs up while lashing. More intense and vigorous lashing is sometimes called whipping. With whipping you raise the bunch of twigs to warm up more often.

After lashing you can start to combine lashing and compressing (called whipping).
Raise the bunch of twigs up to get some heat, hit the body for two or three times with the whole leafy twigs surface. Then press the twigs against the body for 2-3 seconds. Repeat it for each main body place (shoulders, back, waist, hips, legs, knees, feet).

Rubbing. This technique is used to finish up massage in sauna or steam bath. Take a bunch of Birch twigs, Oak twigs or Eucalyptus twigs by the handle in your left hand and press the bunch of twigs against the body with a palm of your right hand. Then rub the body making stroking or circular movements while keeping the the bunch of leafy twigs tightly pressed. When rubbing hands or legs, do the stroking massage moves only along the hand or leg (no across or circular moves).

Turn the partner upside down slowly to massage the other side of the body (brest, belly, etc). Place bunch of leafy twigs (or sponge) soaked with cool water upon the brest.
Repeat the massage techniques in a lighter, gentler and softer manner within two minutes or so. Do not apply stretching.

After rubbing do not stand up abruptly or do any abrupt quick moves. It is recommended that you slowly move to seat down on the lower bench for a minute or two. Then you can go out of sauna steam room to cool off. Then apply massage to your partner. Do not leave the bunch of twigs in hot steam room or hot air room when you cool off (place the bunch of twigs in cooler place as well).

Massage with Birch twigs helps with joint and muscle pains (especially for those engaged in sports), Oak twigs are helpful with oily skin and excessive feet sweating.
More information on that at http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=attend
Have a wonderful day and healthy experiences!
Anyone who share other experience with sauna or steam bath massage they like most?
I will be grateful

Here are some popular massage techniques I found
for self-made sauna or steam bath massage (some tips from asked experts):

It is also OK to massage yourself with bunch of leafy Birch twigs or Oak twigs when you do not have or do not want someone else to massage you. In this case you better feel how long and intensive the massage techniques should be. Similarly, you can adjust best the tempreture of massaging twigs and coming air.

Lie down on your back and bend your legs to make sure you can reach your toes for massaging.

Do stroking or sliding with bunches of leafy twigs from toes to hips for 3-4 times.
Do 5 sliding moves from hips to shoulders.
Do 4-5 sliding moves across the upper body (belly and brest) in each direction (left and right). Do 5 sliding moves from each hand to shoulder.
Then sit down. You may use headrest / back rest for convenience.
Do 5 sliding moves along your back from hips to shoulders.
Do 4-5 sliding moves across the back.
Do 5 sliding moves across the neck.

Do Lashing -- light sliding hits with bunch of twigs (vihta or vasta) in similar mode. Gently and brisky lash the body with tips of bunch leaves (lash the feet, then lash from toes to hips, from hips to shoulders). Then lash with bunch twig leaves across the upper body (belly and brest) in each direction (left and right), then lash from each hand to shoulder. When sitting down, make lashing with bunch of twigs along your back, moving up from hips to shoulders. Then do lashing across the back in each direction (left and right), and across the neck.

Do lashing for a minute or two. When massaging with two bunches of twigs, make a lashing hit with one bunch, and then a lashing hit with another bunch of twigs. To gather warmth, sometimes raise bunch of leafy twigs up while lashing. More intense and vigorous lashing is sometimes called whipping. With whipping you raise the bunch of twigs up to warm up more often.

Timing for sauna or steam bath massage

For experienced sauna or steam bathers: overall sauna massage with vihta or bunch of leafy twigs should not exceed 6-8 minutes during first sauna steam session and 3-5 minutes range during second sauna steam session (for example, apply short lashing and rubbing).

For sauna or steam bath beginners it is recommended to take sauna massage after their 2 visits to sauna or sauna room. Experts say when you get used to sauna or steam bath and can stay in sauna or steam room for 8-10 minutes, you can take 1-2 minute short sauna massage (for example, waggling, stroking or short lashing and rubbing). Then gradually increase the sauna massage time with each sauna steam experience.

The sauna or steam bath massage increases the blood circulation, applies natural fragrant oils and vitamins from birch leaves to your skin while making it rejuvenated, smooth, resilient and brilliant. When you will apply birch twigs for massage you will breathe with ease after every session. Experts say the birch leafy twigs massage helps with deep cleansing of small bronchi. Especially recommended for smokers, asthma deseased or people that live in smogy areas.

More information on birch or oak twigs for massage at
http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=attend

Some good useful tips for bathing, sauna & steam bath practices at
http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=tips

What types of sauna massage techniques you prefer? What type of leafy twigs and why?
Thanks in advance for sharing great advices & experiences

Here are some cute tips for awasome bathing experience
in sauna or steam bath or when soaking in tubs or pools:

1.Put flowers, herbs or tree leafy branches on the floor. It will add special pleasant scent and exotic pleasant entourage. When you put herbs or tree leafy branches (better to use Birch twigs, Oak twigs or Eucalyptus twigs) it will massage your feet. Such feet massage (similar to walking upon beach sand) is pleasant and good for your overall health as numeral studies prove it. For such purposes you can use several twigs from a Ziger bunch of green twigs called ‘Venik’ in Russian steam bath or ‘Vihta’ in Finnish.

Practice this bold feet massage with naked feet in residential sauna, steamroom or bathroom only. Large public bath houses are not suitable for such purpose because of personal hygiene concerns unless you decide to rent a separate saunaroom or steam room, come up as a first client (in morning), have requested special cleaning services (to clean the floor beforehand) or put your personal wood floor rug. In case of large saunaroom (or steamroom) you may wish to put several wood rugs to ensure the entire floor satisfy your personal hygiene concern.

2.Before bathing you can put honey and salt on your skin and massage it slightly. It will increase the cleansing and sweating (calories burning) effect from your sauna or steam bath experience. Natural honey has been famous for ages for its health-improving properties and skin-improving effects. Using honey during sauna or steam bath experience multiplies its positive effects, because skin pores open and skin becomes more receptive.

3.For better health-improving results after hot steam try to cool yourself by plunging in cool or even cold water in plunge tubs. Change in tempreture strengtherns the immune system of the body and prevents from catching cold. Have you known that such sauna experience contributed to the Victory of the Russian Army against famous Napoleon?

Napoleon’s soldiers started to catch cold while Russian soldiers were fine in cold winter. Yes, these were their long-living habits to sauna bath and then plunge in cold water. It contributed winners to succeed while the French were unfamiliar with such sauna or bathing practice.

When you are an experienced bather and like extreme or exotic experiences, massage yourself with snow after a ‘hot steam’ session. It will be an intriguing unforgetable experience! You will not catch cold when you sauna bath correctly. Try to strengthen your immune system and health gradually. Start with small change in tempretures by plunging in slightly-cooler-than-warm water after ‘hot steam’ sauna session. Gradually increase the coldness of plunge water over several months.

For beginners, ladies who care about better skin or just to receive nice experience it is a good idea to massage your skin (especially face, neck and hands) with ice pieces. Face, neck and hands are more tempreture-change resistant. Later you can try to massage with ice pieces other parts of body after a ‘hot steam’ sauna session. It is good for health and provide unforgettable feelings! For better results you may wish to prepare ice pieces from natural juice, tea or green tea (no sweeteners, please), milk or water with honey. Just pour juice, tea, milk or distilled water with several drops of honey into ice container and freeze it for several hours.

4.When bathing in plunge or bath tubs after washing you may wish to take special skin-improving baths. You may wish to:
-put salt into water of your bath or plunge tub (please see producer instructions for detail),
-put herbs into water of your bath or plunge tub,
-put 1 glass of milk (250 ml) into water of your bath or plunge tub.

The latter is especially popular among women and young women as special beauty secret recipe! It was practiced by well-known Cleopatra Queen. She was famous for her beauty and power over men.
Instead of herbs (which are good for health, but time-consuming) you may wish to add to plunge water or bath water ready-to-use fragrance essential oils or fragrance essences (flavors). They are made from herbs or tree leaves and contain health-improving properties accompanied with pleasant scents. For example, Ziger fragrance essence made from leaves of Spearmint, Silver fir, Eucalyptus or Pine.

5.You may wish to add beer, ‘kvass’, honey, herbs, essential oils or fragrance essences (flavors) to the water that you pour upon the heater stones. It is called ‘loyly’ water in Finnish sauna. Such ‘addings’ or flavors will provide the saunaroom or steamroom with pleasant scents and health-improving steam coming from the heater. Honey, herbs or essences made from herbs (for example, Ziger Spearmint) are especially good for health benefits.

When you sauna bath or steam bath you can experience various cooling options:
- plunging in cooler or cold water in a plunge tub,
- pouring cooler or cold water that was stored in a wood bucket or vat with a wood scoop or water pouring device,
- going into a room or outdoor with cooler air and massage the body with snow or ice pieces,
- taking cool shower.

Plunging or pouring cool water with a sauna scoop or special device makes it possible to prepare special water with flavors and essences (honey, herbs, fragrance essences, essential oils & aromas). Such water provide your body and skin with extra benefits. With a shower, it's a bit faster, but you do not have this special water choice.

It is also a good idea to put some roses petals in the bathing water when you wish
to see some pleasant unforgettable environment around. They will add the pleasant aroma as well and will be great for socializing.

The information provided is based on a review of literature, including several professional sources and studies. It is not a substute for treatment advice (it is neither given nor implied).

Source and more useful tips at http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=tips
more information on plunge tubs: http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=pool

What cute bathing, sauna bathing or steam bathing tips and spices you can share?
What success stories you can share of positive health improving plunging in cool or cold water?
Thank you for your attention and sharing in advance

The study show that there are different types of leafy twigs or vihta
for Sauna and Steam Bath Healthy Massage. What Works Best and why?
Here is what I found:

Sauna massage with leafy twigs stimulates blood circulation, detoxication and breathing. It strengthenes the immune system of the body. Tree leaves of twigs absorb sweat and pollutants coming out from the skin and apply natural fragrance essential oils.

For the best results bathers use bunch of Birch tree twigs, Oak tree twigs or, more rarely, Eucalyptus tree twigs. They are prepared and dried in a special mode from fresh leafy twigs with all the healthy natural substances preserved. Such massage leafy twigs can be stored and used the year-around. Synthetic brushes, sponges or synthetic vihtas are not good substitues as they do not possess the natural healthy substances the preserved tree leaves do.

The most popular types among Russians are made of Birch tree twigs and Oak tree twigs. The popular Finnish vihta (also called as vasta) is made of leafy Birch tree twigs.

Bunch of leafy Birch twigs
is good for its advanced sweat absorbing. It is more flexible. It provides a pleasant scent and health improving substances from birch leaves: essential oils, tanning substances, vitamins C and A. Bunch of Birch twigs helps with muscle and joint pains. Sauna massage with it accelerates wound and lesion healing. It provides with strong anti-inflamatory effect. Bunch of Birch twigs is especially recommended for smokers and asthma deseased or people living in smogy areas. The massage with Birch twigs helps with removal of phlegm and ventilation of lungs because of the Birch special property to widen small bronchi. After soaking Birch twigs in warm water you can use this water to rinse your hair. It will strengthen your hair and destroy dandruff. The bunch of Birch twigs is durable: you can use it upto 2 times.

Bunch of leafy Oak tree twigs
is popular among those who prefer aggressive or vigourous massage techniques and hot tempretures. When it is used for whisking or special sauna massage it seems that tempreture is hotter. Bunch of oak twigs is good for strongly built men, experienced sauna bathers and those experienced in hot steam tempretures. Usually men and experienced bathers choose this type. Bunch of oak twigs is also recommended for people with oily skin. It makes the skin smooth and resilient. Oak leaves are rich in tanning substances, their scent creates a sedative effect, strong anti-inflammatory effect and stress relief. Oak leaves extract helps with oily skin and excessive sweating of feet. Bunch of Oak tree twigs is also popular for its long-lasting properties. You can use it for 2 or 3 times.

Bunch of leafy Eucalyptus tree twigs is popular for its pleasant scent and eucalyptus essential oil. Usually ladies who prefer special pleasant aromas and care about skin choose this type. The eucalyptus oil from the Eucalyptus leaves is good for skin. You can use it only once, and this bunch of twigs provides you with moderate massage techniques.

It is also a good idea to take a bunch of Birch tree twigs and add several twigs from bunch of Eucalyptus tree twigs. Such combined bunch will provide you with advantages of Birch bunch and Eucalyptus scent and oil.

There are sometimes other types of leafy twigs used for sauna or steam bath massage, but they are not that rich in healthy subtances and essential oils as the named above most popular types.

Leafy twigs for massage are also called by Russians as a steam bath ‘Venik’ or Finnish ‘Vihta’. It is a bunch of fragrant, leafy twigs made of Birch tree twigs or Oak tree twigs. It is often called as a broom, bundle of leafy tree twigs, switch of branches, besom or whisk. It is used for whisking or leave beating the body during hot sauna session and for various sauna massage techniques. Such massage is applicable in various types of sauna and bath: hot sauna, dry sauna, steam sauna (or Russian steam bath). In US it is often called platza massage.

Source and more information: http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=attend

Edited by author 08-03-2006 07:52 AM
Health Benefits of Sauna & Steam Bath Massage

According to several professional literature and study review
Sauna & Steam Bath Massage with leafy Birch twigs brings Benefits for Health:
-deep cleansing effect resulted in healthier, radiant and more youngful skin,
-improved thermoregulation and metaboliñ processes in the body,
-strengthened immune system and reduction of health threatening viruses and bacteria,
-excessive weight reduction,
-improved cardiorespiratory capacity of the body,
-deep sleep and stress relief,
-detoxication (toxins reduction),
-pain relief,
-deep relaxation and feeling of well-being

Experience in sauna provides benefits to those who want to be in a good shape, adore sports and fitness. According to several studies ‘during a sauna use, the calories burned can be up to 300 calories, the same as a 2 to 3 mile jog or an hour of modest training with weights’ (Susan Smith Jones, Ph.D. Heavenly Heat Sauna). It means that you can sweat off easily 500 gr or one pound during 30-minute sauna experience.

In addition to the named health benefits of sauna bathers, use of oaken tubs (spas) or pools add more extra benefits to your body and mind.

Extra Unique Health Benefits provided when bathing in
Oaken tubs (spas or pools):
-cellular regeneration and rejuvenation (healthier, radiant & younger skin and body),
-activated antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect,
-improved wound healing activity effect

Sauna or Steam Bath Massage with leafy birch twigs accelerates the named above traditional health benefits of sauna or steam bath. The Birch leaves obsorb pollutants, dirt and sweat coming from the skin and apply natural essential oils,
vitamin A and C and other healthy substances to your skin during massage.
Source and some cute useful tips: http://www.ziger.ru/page.php?lng=en&page=tips

When you experience sauna massage with birch or oak twigs and cold plunge
in tub, What massage techniques you prefer that worked best for you?

The history behind the sauna is quite remarkable. I've found some very interesting stories on the net as well as what I know from my own experience. Here is an interesting quote:

"Sauna cabins are documented as early as 12th century. Once the separate sauna houses became popular, they were primarily smoke saunas. There would not be a chimney leading the smoke out, rather only a hole in the roof. The smoke was an integral part of the heating process. Before a Sauna session was to begin the smoke would be ventilated out of the Sauna. The smoke not only brought a very aromatic and pleasant scent but also the soot kept the sauna sterile from bacteria."

The rest of this document can be found at http://www.saunastore.com under info>sauna history. Like I said, there are others but this has a good short run through of the full history.

Quite remarkable history really!

Enjoy the Sauna!

Inhave been reading a lot about sausnas and their functions- and I also visit local saunas mostly those in Hotels. Yet I find it rather str4ange as to how tempretures vary from one sauna to another.

Could you please let me know as to what should be the ideal tempreture for a good sauna and the maximum amount of time one can stay in a sauna.

Thanks for your expert advice.

best regards


denis muscat