Harrogate’s Rudding Park Spa will be the first UK spa to offer the sauna-meisters trained in the art of aufguss.
A sauna-based treatment derived from ancient, native American rituals, the art of aufguss involves a sauna-meister conducting a theatrical performance which includes infusions, dance and song. It was first introduced to Europe by the Germans and has become increasingly popular among European spas. Rudding Park is the first UK spa to introduce the ritual to the British market.
The team at Rudding Park Spa has been trained in the art of aufguss by Lay Pang Ong. By pouring essential oils on to the hot coals in the sauna, the newly-trained meisters create a stimulating environment, circulating the aromatic air using a towel-waving technique.
A hot topic at the 2017 Global Wellness Summit, The Art of Aufguss and the European approach towards sauna culture was listed as their number one spa trend for 2017. The ritual lasts around 10 minutes.
Pang says: ‘The contact between the master and audience is of the utmost importance. The meister of aufguss is not there merely to show off what he can do technically, but to provide the audience with a relaxing, stimulating and refreshing experience both physically and mentally. Benefits of the practice include entering a meditative state of mind to improve cardiovascular strength, boost the immune system and alleviate stress and pain
The highly-anticipated £9.5m Rudding Park Spa opened in May. Facilities at the 45,000sq ft property include a garden sauna cabin, a Hydrotherapy Infinity Pool, an outdoor spa bath among the landscaped gardens, a luxury steam room, treatments by ila, Elemental Herbology, Carita and Jennifer Young.
.gif)
