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Nathan Pruvoost 🇧đŸ‡Ș

The Art of Sauna:
A Journey with Master Nathan Pruvoost

Author: Mark Baďuta, Nathan Pruvoost

What brought you to the sauna for the first time?
Sauna was part of my education. I studied “Wellbeing and Vitality Management,” where we explored how to improve people’s wellbeing — and of course, sauna is a key part of that.
Nathan Pruvoost portrait
 
Why did you decide to get involved in sauna ceremonies, and how long have you been in this profession?
Martijn Van Horelbeke was my tutor during my bachelor’s. He noticed my talent, and they were short on people for the Belgian championship — that’s how I started aufguss competitions from the very first moment I got in touch with ceremonies. I’ve been doing this since 2017, but quite casually at first — sometimes I wouldn’t be in a sauna for three months. It’s been a year now since it became my profession.
Nathan Pruvoost competing in an aufguss competition in Belgium.
Where do you currently work, and what do you enjoy most about your job?
I work at Waer Waters, the most beautiful wellness in Belgium. As the Experience Manager, I love the variety — performing ceremonies, educating my team, and being creative with new concepts.
Waer Waters wellness center in Belgium
The beautiful Waer Waters wellness center in Belgium.
Do you visit the sauna in your free time, or is it just a work-related activity now?
For me, it’s always been quite “professional.” If I go to the sauna, it’s to perform ceremonies. I hardly ever sit in a sauna just to relax — I need the stimuli of aromas, waving, and music.
Nathan Pruvoost performing a sauna ceremony
Nathan Pruvoost in action, performing a sauna ceremony.
What benefits does the sauna bring you? Is it just about health, or is there something more?
For me, it’s the one place where I can let go of everything. If I’m giving a ceremony, I’m not thinking about any kind of trouble.
“It’s a way of releasing my feelings, opening up to the people in the sauna, and trusting them with your vulnerability.”
What are you most proud of in your career? Do you have a moment you’ll remember forever?
Of course, our 6th place at the world championship is one of the most memorable moments I’ve had.
Nathan Pruvoost celebrating at the world championship
Nathan Pruvoost celebrating his 6th place at the world championship.
What is your favorite essential oil or fragrance combination that you like to use during ceremonies?
It changes every few months. Right now, I’m really into vetiver, coffee, cinnamon, sweet orange, and one drop of juniper tar.
Which ceremony do you enjoy performing the most, and why?
A great build show aufguss is wonderful, but I truly enjoy music-themed aufgusses: beautiful music, elegant waving, slowly building the heat
 That way I can just dance and enjoy it.
Music-themed sauna ceremony led by Nathan Pruvoost
Nathan Pruvoost leading a music-themed ceremony.
Do you have any unforgettable or quirky memories from the sauna that you’d like to share?
I’ve seen many beautiful shows, but I’m still waiting for a deep, nature-forest sauna experience where I can truly connect with nature in its purest form.
Do you plan to participate in any competitions or events in the near future? Which ones are your favorites?
Yes, this September I’m participating in the World Championships for the fifth time already. That’s the competition I like the most.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the readers about what personally inspires you about sauna rituals?
For me, it’s a way of releasing my feelings, opening up to the people in the sauna, and trusting them with your vulnerability. The gratitude you receive is worth more than anything else.