These temperature changes are daunting at first, but it feels very good to jump into a freezing lake after being in temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
When I was in Sweden, I experienced a very special tradition called Aufguss, which originated in Germany. In German, Aufguss means infusion. In this tradition, men and women sit together in a sauna. Near the stove stands the Aufgussmeister (Aufguss-master). He or she takes essential oils mixed with water and pours this mixture on the stove (normally, pure water is poured on the stove). This causes essential oil-infused steam to fill the sauna. If this weren't lovely enough, the Aufgussmeister then takes a towel and expertly whips it through the air. This moves the steam throughout the sauna, causing waves of scented heat to hit the sauna-goers. It was truly a fantastic experience! The Aufgussmeister used three essential oils: eucalyptus, tar and honey.
Due to its location in the very northern region of the northern hemisphere, Scandinavia gets extremely cold, especially during the winter. Because of this, people have found ways to stay warm. It is said that extreme changes between hot and cold can be good for the body by stimulating the circulatory system.
The sauna does not just serve a health benefit, but it serves an important social role. In Scandinavia, people go to saunas with friends and family. An important part of the sauna experience is that all sauna-goers are completely nude or have a towel wrapped around them. No clothing is allowed in the sauna (this includes bathing suits). This is to keep the sauna pure and germ-free.
