Traditional Vihta treatment

This traditional sauna treatment restores elements of the sauna experience that truly belong there but have been forgotten over time.

The key element is the vihta, also called vasta (whisk) a bundle of fresh tree branches. In this deeply relaxing treatment, the entire body is gently whisked using bundles made from 4-6 different types of wood.

The traditional sauna practitioner also creates a unique atmosphere with sauna songs and ancient chants, which are part of Finland's thousands-year-old sauna tradition. The treatment includes a full body wash.

In addition to birch, also oak, linden, maple, aspen, juniper, willow, and alder are used in the whisks. Even apple tree and confers are suitable. The material is chosen according to the needs and the situation. 

Similar whisks are used simultaneously in both hands. Whisks are also placed under the head and on top of it, as well as, on feet, the pelvis area and elsewhere on the body as necessary.

Finally, the whole body is washed with a whisk which is soaked and whipped in a small amount of warm water with a bar of soap. The body is then washed clean by gliding and pressing the whisk over it and exercising whisk massage. 

In this holistic treatment one’s soul rests in the warmth of the sauna, all ailments are washed away, and one feels like new born.

This is a highly recommendable complementary treatment before bone setting or cupping. 

The duration of the treatment with a moment for resting afterwards is from an hour to an hour and a half. The whisking itself takes about 20-25 minutes and the washing about 10 minutes.

The price includes the use of a towel, sauna robe, and slippers, along with light snacks and tea, juice, or water.

Treatment can be booked in three different places: In Valkeakoski (Valtakatu 19a) in the center of Jämsä (from May 2026 ) or in the smoke sauna village in summertime.