Using sauna whisks—also known as veniks (in Russian) or vihtas (in Finnish)—can greatly enhance the sauna experience, especially in traditional steam or wood-fired saunas. Here are the key advantages:
✅ Health Benefits
Improved Circulation
Lightly whipping the body with a Sauna Whisks stimulates blood flow, which can help improve overall circulation and cardiovascular health.
Muscle Relaxation
The gentle massage from the whisk helps relieve muscle tension and soreness—great after a workout or a long day.
Detoxification Support
Combined with the heat of the sauna, whisking helps open pores and stimulate sweat, promoting the release of toxins from the body.
🌿 Skin and Respiratory Benefits
Exfoliation & Skin Cleansing
The leaves act like a gentle scrub, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin smoother and healthier.
Aromatherapy Effects
Whisks made from birch, oak, eucalyptus, or other leaves release essential oils into the steam, providing natural aromatherapy that can clear sinuses and boost mood.
🧘♂️ Mental & Emotional Wellness
Stress Relief
The rhythmic motion and scent can be incredibly calming and meditative, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
Traditional Ritual and Mindfulness
Using whisks can turn a basic sauna into a mindful ritual, adding intention and tradition to the experience—often used in Russian banyas and Finnish saunas.
🔥 Enhanced Sauna Experience
Improved Heat Distribution
Whisks can help circulate the steam (löyly), making the sauna heat feel more evenly distributed and immersive.
Bonding and Social Interaction
In group settings, whisking each other is a common practice, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Types of Popular Whisks
Birch: Energizing, good for skin and joints
Oak: Stronger scent, ideal for oily skin
Eucalyptus: Great for lungs and sinuses
Juniper or Nettle: Intense and invigorating
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to use a Sauna Whisks (venik/vihta) properly—for both solo use and when whisking someone else:
🌿 How to Use a Sauna Whisk (Properly and Safely)
🔧 Step 1: Preparation
Soak the Whisk:
If it’s a dried whisk, soak it in warm water for 10–20 minutes before use. You can use a bucket or basin in the sauna or changing room.
Fresh Whisk Tip:
If using fresh leaves, a quick rinse in warm water is enough.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the soaking water to splash over the sauna stones for a fragrant steam (löyly).
🧖♂️ Step 2: Warm Up in the Sauna
Spend 5–10 minutes relaxing and letting your body warm up. This helps open pores and gets blood circulating.
Once you’re fully relaxed and sweating, you’re ready for the whisk.
🪶 Step 3: Start Whisking (Self-Use or Partnered)
✋ For Self-Whisking:
Hold the handle and gently tap or stroke yourself starting from your legs and moving upward.
Use light, sweeping or patting motions—don’t slap hard!
Alternate arms and legs, and gently go over your back, chest, and shoulders.
You can also place the whisk against your skin and gently press or roll it to extract oils.
🤲 For Partner Whisking:
Have the person lie on their stomach on a towel or bench.
Use gentle rhythmic strokes starting from the feet up toward the shoulders.
You can:
Fan the body using the whisk to move warm air.
Pat or press lightly with the leaves for heat absorption.
Massage gently with circular motions.
Repeat on the other side after they turn over.
💡 Tip: Communicate—make sure it’s not too hot or intense for the person being whisked.
❄️ Step 4: Cool Down
After whisking, step out of the sauna and cool down:
Cold shower
Ice plunge
Fresh air
This helps regulate body temperature and enhances the circulation boost.
🔁 Step 5: Repeat (Optional)
You can go back in for a second or third round. Many people alternate sauna + whisk + cold rinse cycles for a full spa effect.
🧴 Extra Tips
Use a towel or sauna mat to keep the bench clean and avoid slipping.
Don’t overdo it—listen to your body. Sauna whisking should feel invigorating, not painful.
Store whisks by hanging them to dry after use, or freeze them if you want to preserve fresh ones.