Discover what really happens during an Aufguss session, straight from the horse’s mouth: Aufguss master Bram. From essential oils to Tibetan singing bowls, here’s a sneak peek behind the scenes!
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At first sight, it may look simple: someone throws a bit of water infused with fragrant essential oil(s) on the sauna stove and then flaps a towel or fan. But anyone who has ever taken part in an Aufguss session knows that there is much more to it than that. We talked to Bram, Aufguss master at Thermae Boetfort and Thermae Grimbergen, about his passion for Aufguss, the magic of fragrance and heat, and what this unique sauna ritual involves.
What attracted Bram to this unusual profession? ‘The freedom and enjoyment of giving sessions,’ he says enthusiastically. ‘And especially, the lovely contact with our sauna guests after the sessions.’ That personal connection seems to be a major driver for many Aufguss masters.
‘Obviously, you get inhouse training,’ Bram explains. ‘Not only do you learn about flapping techniques, but also how to build a session.’ On top of this training, he immersed himself in online tutorials in his own time. ‘I found extra inspiration on YouTube,’ he laughs. ‘And in my spare time, I also like to visit other wellness centres, where, of course, I secretly observe how they go about their sessions.’
Bram works both morning and evening shifts. In the morning, he prepares the public baths, takes bath linen to reception and gives scrubbing sessions and a first Aufguss session. During the day and in the evening, the Aufguss master walks around the public baths to make sure everything runs smoothly, gives aromatherapy sessions, as well as relaxation sessions with Tibetan singing bowls. ‘At the end of the day, we notify guests that the public baths are about to close.’
‘Aufguss is a ritual during which we pour water or ice that is infused with essential oils on the hot stones,’ Brams says. ‘We then spread the heat and aroma by flapping a towel or fan. This creates a sense of deep relaxation.’ What’s more, every essential oil has its own properties and effect. ‘Eucalyptus and mint, for instance, are good for the airways.’
The choice of fragrance is not random. ‘We use the fragrance wheel as a guide. Some fragrances just don’t go well together.’ That said, there is room for creativity. ‘ We really do have the freedom to make our sessions our own. I, myself, love working to themed music, like Latin vibes, romantic music or Scandinavian sounds. That makes the session even more intense.’
‘I always use both,’ says Bram. ‘I make most movements with the towel, but the fan is useful for accents or surprising effects.’
Apart from leading Aufguss sessions, Bram also gives scrubbing sessions. ‘We hand out salt, with which our guests scrub their skin. This removes dead skin cells and makes the skin silky-smooth.’
During relaxation sessions, he uses Tibetan singing bowls: ‘The vibrations and frequencies help calm body and mind.’
Another special experience is halotherapy. ‘In our salt room, medicinal salt is dispersed. This opens up the airways, while far infrared subtly heats the space and helps relax muscles.’
‘Aufguss in the Castle sauna!’ Bram says without hesitation. ‘It’s spacious, has a gorgeous view of the castle and is big enough to put on a real show.’
Bram’s advice to beginners is to drink enough water, to not stay too long in the sauna and to cool down properly. ‘First Aufguss session? Sit on the bottom benches and listen carefully to your body. Don’t worry if you want to leave the sauna before the session is over, as long as you do so quietly.’
Where does he get his inspiration? ‘Music! Whenever a new tune is released that really touches me, I sometimes build a whole session around it.’ Themes like love or heartbreak are my favourite. In his spare time, Bram also loves to relax. ‘I meditate at home or go to the sauna myself too.’
Want to know more about our wellness programme? Click here for all the details. Or why not visit us and experience the expertise of our Aufguss masters for yourself? Every day, a wide range of sessions are organised, which our sauna guests can take part in for free!
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Yes, wellness is just as relaxing in the summer as in any other season. Visit Thermae Boetfort and enjoy saunas, refreshing Aufguss sessions, summer treatments or even a unique mini-break!
