What brought you to the sauna for the first time?

Sauna was part of my education. I studied 'Wellbeing- and vitality management'. Here we studied the wellbeing of the people and how to improve it. Of course, sauna is a part of it.

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 in my bachelor's degree. He saw I had talent, and they were short on people for the Belgium championship. That's how I started aufguss competition from the first moment I got in touch with ceremonies. I've been doing this since 2017, but really casually. It could happen that I'm not in the sauna for 3 months. It's been a year now that it's 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. Since I'm the experience manager, I love the variety in my job—doing ceremonies, educating my team, being creative about new ceremonies...

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 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.

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 things I did.

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?

That is something that changes every few months. For now, I'm really into the combination of vetiver, coffee, cinnamon, sweet orange, and one drop of juniper tar.

Which ceremony do you enjoy performing the most, and why?

Of course, it's nice to perform a great build show aufguss, but I really enjoy the music-themed aufgusses. Beautiful music, nice waving, slowly building the heat... That way I can just dance and enjoy it.

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 a lot of beautiful shows, but I'm still waiting for a deep nature forest sauna experience, where I really can 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 5th 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'll get is worth more than anything else.