"VIHTA"

One of the traditional sauna rituals in summer time is the "vihta" or called "vasta" as well.

The "vihta" is a whisk made of a bunch of birch twigs. It is used to pamper the skin gently or friskily swatting the body from head to toes. it is very healthy, it helps the dirt to come out of the open pores and stimulates the circulation. The birch leaves gives a nice perfume in the hot sauna. In the water which is thrown on the top of the stones one can use few drops of essential oil, like eucalyptus or mint. In Finland one can also by different sauna oils and many other accessories for the sauna.