Russian bath

In a classic Russian bath, the main element, as well as the source of heat, is a stove-heater. It also has a built-in boiler for heating water. The temperature and humidity in the Russian bath is controlled by pouring hot water over heated stones, which is in a special tub. Depending on the indications and preferences, various aromatic oils, herbal decoctions, as well as beer, kvass or diluted honey are sometimes added to the water. In this case, evaporating from the stones, water with additives fills the air with useful healing vapors.

The procedure for visiting the Russian bath consists of several stages. First you should take a steam bath on the shelves that are next to the heater. Then comes the first wash with cool water. It is followed by several alternating visits to the steam room and washing. During the second visit (and all subsequent visits) in the Russian bath, it is customary to massage with brooms. The most popular is a birch broom, but oak, coniferous, and currant are also used.

The final stage in the Russian bath is the procedure for washing with soap and a contrast shower.

The effect of the Russian bath on the body

When visiting a Russian bath, body temperature can rise by 1-2 degrees, and metabolism can speed up by 1.5-2 times (depending on the length of stay in the steam room).

During the procedure, the circulation of blood and other fluids in the body is accelerated, and breathing becomes more economical, which leads to a gentle work of the heart and vascular system. Regular visits to the Russian bath train the heart and respiratory organs, helping them to remain “young” for many years.

Also, one should not forget that when you stay in the steam room, the pores of the skin are actively opened, and slags come out with sweat. And when applying contrast douches, skin metabolism is activated. Regular visits to the Russian bath will slow down the aging process of the skin and the whole organism.

The Russian bath will be useful for those for whom the «dry vapors» of saunas are not suitable due to weak sweating. Indeed, due to the high humidity of the air, skin burns can be avoided even in the case of a small release of moisture from the body itself.

The Russian bath has a positive effect on bones and joints, as it warms them up qualitatively and deeply. Also, under the influence of heat, the muscles relax. Therefore, it is often advised to visit the bathhouse after complex physical exertion.

After visiting the Russian bath, nervous tension disappears, the quality of sleep improves, and headaches decrease. The effect on the nervous system is explained by the fact that after visiting the bath, emotional activity slows down, as blood flow to the brain decreases.

Indications

There are both direct and relative indications for visiting the Russian bath. Direct indications include:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Lumbar sciatica
• Polyarthritis
• Chronic pneumonia (remission)
• Diseases of the upper respiratory tract

It should be remembered that all these indications are relevant only for conditions that are not characterized by acute inflammatory processes.

Relative indications include:

• Diabetes
• Ischemic disease
• Hypertension
• neuroses
• Glomerulonephritis

Before visiting the sauna, you should consult with your doctor and clarify whether the sauna is a treatment for your specific disease.

Contraindications

Like any procedure, the Russian bath has its contraindications. The main contraindications include:

• Oncological diseases
• Active inflammatory processes of internal organs
• Angina
• myocardial infarction
• mitral stenosis
• Renovascular hypertension
• Bronchial asthma with frequent attacks
• Infectious diseases in the acute period

Let the warmth bring you health!

Author: Natalia Kay

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