Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The famous birch branches are always available for slapping. Finns claim this en-
hances circulation and say the chlorophyll released with the slapping opens your si-
nuses while emitting a refreshing birch aroma. (Follow the lead of the locals around
you—tourists merrily flagellating themselves can be really annoying.) Let yourself
work up a sweat, then, just before bursting, go outside to the shower for a Niagara of
liquid ice. Suddenly your shower stall becomes a Cape Canaveral launch pad, as your
body scatters to every corner of the universe. A moment later you're back together
and can re-enter the steam room and repeat as necessary. Only rarely will you feel so
good. The Finnish Sauna Society's informative website details the history of saunas
and sweat baths (
www.sauna.fi
)
.
