Vihta or
vasta is traditional
Finnish artefact in
sauna. It's made of several
birch branches by binding them from bottom side. Main usage is for "
spanking" each other to one's back when it improves
circulation and at the same time works as washer. Other function is to give pleasant scent to whole
Sauna.
For foreigners whole thing might look stupid and feel unconfortable, but trust me, it feels great!