We recently introduced the Aufguss Ritual as part of our daily Finnish sauna offerings at Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Café. The word Aufguss comes from German and is often translated as “infusion,” referring to the practice of pouring water over hot sauna stones to create a burst of steam. Over time, this practical sauna method evolved into a guided ritual, with rhythmic towel movements used to circulate heat throughout the room and intensify the experience. Rooted in European sauna culture and inspired by the long-standing tradition of thermal bathing, Aufguss brings together heat, scent, breath, and presence in a way that feels both ancient and deeply relevant today. The result is a more immersive sauna experience, one that encourages deeper warmth, focused breathing, and a stronger sense of connection to the body.
(Submitted by Jodi Pendry)
Sauna itself is far from a trend. It has been part of Finnish life for centuries, valued not only for warmth but for restoration, reflection, and connection. Today, modern research is beginning to validate what tradition has long understood: regular heat exposure supports cardiovascular function, circulation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Cold exposure, when approached mindfully, helps awaken the body, support recovery, and sharpen the sense of contrast that makes thermal therapy so powerful.
The real benefit of hot and cold therapy may be more than physical. It invites people to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with their bodies in a world that constantly asks them to speed up.
(Submitted by Jodi Pendry)
That is why we perform the Aufguss Ritual daily at Terra Nova. It is not simply a feature of the spa; it is part of a larger philosophy of care. We see Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Café as a hub of well-being, where thermal experiences, spa rituals, and moments of quiet come together to support a more balanced way of living.
In many ways, the science is only catching up to what sauna traditions have known all along: sometimes the most powerful healing begins with contrast, stillness, and breath.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
