Sauna Whisking Ritual with Five Birches
A guided sauna ritual inspired by Lithuanian pirtis and Scottish herbalism.
Sunday 22 November | 18:30–20:30 | £35pp
Experience a Guided Sauna Whisking Ritual with Phyllis Martin from Five Birches.
Bundles of leafy tree branches and herbs are used in many sauna cultures to increase circulation, improve skin and support respiratory health. During this multi-sensory sauna practice, Phyllis uses locally foraged tree and herb whisks to guide and move aromatic steam, then massage, tap, brush and beat the body.
The ritual is inspired by Lithuanian pirtis and Scottish herbalism, with benefits including increased circulation, exfoliation and cleansing of the skin, as well as opening the lungs.
“An absolutely magical experience.”
– First-time whisking ritual attendee
What happens during the ritual?
The experience includes four rounds of sauna whisking, each lasting around 10–15 minutes, with breaks to cool off in between.
Whisks may include birch, oak, limeflower, mint, sage and meadowsweet. Depending on the season, salt scrubs, honey masks, herbal tea and small snacks may also be included.
A curated playlist of instrumental music will play in the sauna.
Frequently Asked Questions
No – sit back and enjoy!
Five Birches also runs workshops on making and using your own whisks during the summer.
Not at all.
Whether you’ve never tried sauna whisking before or are a whisking enthusiast, you’re very welcome.
Yes. You can book individually and will be part of a small group receiving the ritual in the sauna together.
Yes. You will be touched with the whisks and by the sauna guide for adjustments.
You’ll be asked for feedback on pressure and can leave the sauna at any time.
Just what you would normally bring for a sauna session:
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Swimwear
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Two towels
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Sliders or flip-flops
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Water bottle, if you have one
Steam moves the aromatic oils from the plants throughout the sauna space.
If you have allergic reactions to trees or herbs, sauna whisking is not recommended. If you have specific questions, please contact us before booking.
The ritual is inspired by Lithuanian pirtis, drawing on training with the International Bath Academy and The Sauna Corner and using locally foraged trees and herbs.
Pirtis is a Lithuanian practice that places particular emphasis on the properties of leaves and follows a four-stage sauna journey.
About Phyllis from Five Birches
Phyllis Martin is a Glasgow-based massage therapist, Lithuanian pirtis enthusiast and the founder of Five Birches, a Scottish sauna whisking project.
Her practice draws on training with the International Bath Academy and The Sauna Corner, bringing together locally foraged trees and herbs with aromatics, breathwork, visualisation and sound to create cleansing, relaxing and multi-sensory sauna experiences.
