Sauna & Steam Bath Massage: most popular techniques for pairs or couples!

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 greateful
Tweet