Wedge techniques

The aromatic sauna infusion with essential oils in the sauna is only half the fun. The full enjoyment of a sauna infusion is provided by waving, also known as waxing. Different waving techniques are not only part of the sauna master's toolkit. Waving in the sauna is also part of the trade for private fun on a small scale.

The physical secret

The laws of physics also come into play in the sauna: evaporation creates cold, precipitation creates heat! Of course, it should be as warm as possible in the sauna, but the perceived warmth can even be increased. Here is the explanation:

  1. Steam is generated by the infusion. This falls as a precipitate onto the cool skin of the sauna guest, where heat energy is released. This heat energy has previously been used up during evaporation on the hot stones of the sauna.
  2. The sweat on the skin of the sauna guest cools - then the humidity in the room suddenly rises. The cooling effect of the sweat is interrupted.
  3. The sauna user gets the feeling that it has suddenly become hotter in the room, which is of course contrary to what the thermometer indicates.

This effect is utilised when waving. If the towel or fan is waved, the temperature equalisation layer on the skin tears. This is also known as the insulation layer and is around four to eight millimetres thick. The heat transfer to the skin is no longer reduced. As a result, the sauna guest feels even hotter.

Wedge techniques for domestic use

The best known is the so-called propeller technique. The "sail", various combinations of the propeller with waving in moulds or the use of a sauna fan for gentler waving techniques are also suitable for use in small saunas. Whichever waving technique is used, the aim is always to achieve the best distribution of steam in the steam room, even in the private sector.

Which technique is the right one?

In addition to the propeller and sail techniques, there are several other techniques that basically have no name. Each sauna master creates their own movements and techniques, which are adapted using the principle of "trial and error".

Observing the sauna guests shows whether a technique is well received or not. It is not least the show effect that is important, as there is basically no need for a sophisticated technique. It is simply a matter of tearing open the insulation layer described above and thus intensifying the sauna guest's sensation of heat. This means that there is no right or wrong here, everything is allowed that pleases the guests.

The differences are mainly to be seen in the sensation of heat, whereby the pure number of degrees naturally depends on the type of sauna. The Russian sauna is particularly hot, with temperatures of up to 120 °C being reached. It remains to be seen whether anyone wants to increase the sensation of heat.

Incidentally, even hitting the birch branches produces the described heat effect, although this variant should be seen as moderate. The birch branches are part of the Finnish sauna and are of course not used for waving.

Practice makes perfect

Aesthetics are just as much a part of waving in the sauna as a practised technique. The propeller technique is easy to practise. To do this, a sauna waving towel is moved in a circular motion under the sauna ceiling in the steam room directly after the infusion. In this way, the hot steam that rises is also layered in the lower areas and fills the entire room. With the propeller, caution must be exercised towards the sauna guests. The smaller the sweating room, the more caution is required with the propeller.

A gentler form of the waving technique in the sauna is the sail. Here, the waving cloth is held like a taut sail and then moved sideways in an alternating motion. This gently distributes the steam from the infusion throughout the room. This waving technique is particularly popular for the infusion odour experience.

The use of a sauna fan is similarly favourable here. The large fan distributes the steam in the cabin with gentle fanning movements and only slightly redistributes the air.

Combinations

Combinations of fanning techniques can have a particularly aesthetic effect if they are realised in a certain choreography. For example, the propeller movements above the head can also be performed in front of or around the body in sufficiently large rooms. Shapes such as figure eights or circles in motion also ensure a good redistribution of the air and are fun to watch.

There are virtually no limits to the variety. Simply trying things out and practising are the best ways to support the infusion experience with suitable waving techniques.

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