Editing Birching (section)

==Non-punitive uses==
In Scandinavia, the Baltics, Russia and Finland there is a tradition called <em>sauna whisking</em>, in which one strikes their own body with [[Banny venik|soaked birch twigs]] in the [[Finnish sauna|sauna]] or [[banya (sauna)|banya]], as a form of massage and to increase blood circulation and open the pores. The twigs are chosen carefully and do not have their leaves removed, and are often softened by keeping them in hot water prior to use. Being struck by the twigs induces a pleasant stinging sensation and very little actual pain.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bath.academy/en/articles/whisking |title=Whisking |website=International Bath Academy  |access-date=December 14, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.saunamanufacture.com/sauna-guide/sauna-whisk |title=Sauna whisk |website= |access-date=December 14, 2024}}</ref>