The bathhouse is a good place for quality rest and healing of the body. It helps relieve fatigue and stress, cleanse the skin, relax muscles, improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins.
Even two centuries ago, the art of healing in a Russian bath was absorbed by Russian people, as they say, with mother’s milk, because it was part of everyday life. Many people saw visiting the steam room as a kind of ritual filled with sacred meaning.
Nowadays people come to the bathhouse to spend time supposedly with health benefits, without knowing the basic rules of visiting the steam room and bathhouse etiquette. For example, few people know how to heat a sauna, steam a broom, take a steam bath, and what to do in a steam room.
The steam room has a powerful therapeutic effect on the cardiac and respiratory systems, the musculoskeletal system, and provides an energy boost for the whole day.
Let's look at how to properly take a steam bath with maximum benefits for physical and mental health.
The benefits of steaming in a sauna for the body
For people in good health, a Russian bathhouse with a broom is recommended without fail. It helps strengthen blood vessels, joints and ligaments, improve immunity and relieve fatigue.
By following the rules and recommendations for visiting a steam room, people are less likely to suffer from colds and viral diseases, recover faster from injuries and tolerate stressful situations more easily.
A broom is the main attribute for carrying out procedures. It has a healing aroma, effectively affects the skin, improves blood circulation and cleanses pores of impurities.
The health benefits of bath procedures are as follows:
- Maintaining optimal temperature conditions up to 75 degrees with humidity from 40 to 60%. This promotes rapid relaxation and general detoxification of the body, strengthening bone tissue, improving blood circulation and lymph flow.
- Regular beneficial effects of steam can replace full-fledged fitness classes. So, 60 minutes of staying in a Russian bath is equal to 2 hours of exercise on exercise bikes.
- The bath helps stabilize blood pressure, improve the movement of blood and lymph, and normalize the functioning of the excretory system. In addition, the steam room allows you to get rid of constant headaches, improve the functioning of the respiratory system, strengthen joints and relieve pain syndromes in muscle tissue.
Where to go to steam and wash: types of baths
- Russian bath. As major experts in this field say, the Russian bath is considered the most beneficial for the body due to the average temperature and high humidity in the steam room. A typical Russian bathhouse is built entirely of wood and consists of two rooms: a steam room with a stove and a dressing room. Various infusions brewed from medicinal herbs are poured onto the hot stones. To enhance the healing effect of the Russian bath, brooms made from certain types of wood and various forms of massage are used.
- The Roman bath is the place most suitable for pleasure and communication. No wonder it consists of three main rooms, where each has its own purpose and temperature. In our understanding, you won’t be able to take a steam bath in such a bathhouse.
- According to the Turks themselves, you can take a proper steam bath in a Turkish bath called “hamam”. A standard Turkish bath has several rooms, the temperature in which increases by an average of 5 °C in each room. This sauna is distinguished by its low temperature, starting from 35 °C.
- The Irish bathhouse is a kind of hybrid of Russian and Roman bathhouses. From the Russian bath she got steam and humidity, and from the Roman bath she got the fact that steam enters the steam room from cracks in the floor. It is not difficult to steam in such a bath, since the main difference between the Irish bath and its prototypes is the very low temperature, about 55 °C.
- A Japanese bathhouse cannot even be called a bathhouse, or it can be, but with great stretch. In a typical Japanese bath there are no steam rooms, dressing rooms or pools with cool water, but there is a barrel of salt water (almost boiling water), in which the Japanese warm themselves and massage themselves with brushes. There is also a group version of this procedure, where several people warm up at once. Warm up - please, but it is simply impossible to steam in such a bathhouse.
- Sauna - more precisely, a Finnish bath. Thanks to the love of many for extreme temperatures, it has taken root in our country. Most sauna adherents say that you can only steam properly in it, bringing a broom into the procedure and watering the stove with herbal infusions. Although the main difference between a sauna and a Russian bath is the lack of humidity in the steam room. A traditional sauna consists of three rooms: a steam room, a room with a pool and a relaxation room.
Preparing for a visit to the bathhouse
Bath procedures are an art that requires careful preparation. To go to the steam room you should prepare:
- Terry towel or sheet.
- A hat or other headdress.
- Flip-flops or flip-flops with an anti-slip base.
- Changeable underwear.
- A woolen mitten or mitten.
- Personal hygiene products – soap, washcloth, shampoo, gel, pumice stone.
- Comb and brush for massage.
You should also choose bath brooms - for example, from birch or oak branches.
It is recommended to steam them 24 hours before visiting the bath in cold water, then wrap them in a damp cloth. This will preserve the unique aroma and elasticity of the ligaments. After entering the steam room, the brooms are thoroughly steamed on a heater. This will make them softer and more flavorful.
Equally important is preparing the body for the procedures. The last meal should be 60 minutes before visiting the bathhouse. You cannot be in the steam room on an empty stomach, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or after surgery on internal organs.
Bath debut
Photo: Moscow 24/Anton Velikzhanin
The girl’s debut as a steamer took place three weeks after arriving in Sanduny. Although it was about four years ago, she remembered such an important day for the rest of her life.
“Then I came to the steam room alone and opened the categories myself. It was very scary, because people were supposed to arrive any minute, and, most likely, they were regular customers. The main thing is to do everything right,” Arina now recalls with a smile.
Then four girls came, one ordered soaring. I tried to do everything as well as possible, smiled at the guests, watched their every reaction to my movements with a broom. Arina Monakhova
Then, according to Arina, the guest was satisfied; she was a regular visitor to Sanduny.
“After that I exhaled, became inspired and continued working. Afterwards it wasn’t so exciting,” admits the steamer.
Effects of steam on the body
The high air temperature in the sauna and steam bath increases sweating and opening of pores, ensuring the active removal of accumulated toxins and increasing immunity.
The main thing that a Russian steam room has that a Finnish sauna lacks is light and clean steam, which has a beneficial effect on the organs of the respiratory system. Steam penetrates deeply into tissues, nourishes and cleanses cells.
To prevent possible overheating of the body, increased sweating is accompanied by accelerated blood circulation and redness of the skin. Blood actively saturates cells with oxygen and nutrients, improving the condition of the epidermis and internal organs. At the same time, excess fluid is removed from the body through the sweat glands, which experience extreme stress.
For this reason, it is important to maintain a drinking regime during bath procedures. The main rule is to drink large amounts of healthy liquid in small sips.
Contrast baths are no less useful than thermal procedures, as they provide rapid closing of pores. Simultaneous heating of the body and short-term cooling promotes effective cleansing of the superficial and deep layers of the epidermis.
Types of brooms
This is one of the main attributes of the Russian steam room. Experienced bath attendants know that each type of this product has a different effect on the human body. Therefore, you need to know which brooms can be used for steaming in a bathhouse. There are several types:
1. Birch. This is one of the most common types of brooms, which is in particular demand among admirers of the Russian steam room. Birch leaves contain special tannins, essential oils and vitamins, which achieve the anti-inflammatory, disinfecting and bactericidal properties of the broom. Its use is best suited for experienced smokers and people suffering from lung pathologies. Among other things, birch broom improves skin condition and has a rejuvenating and cleansing effect.
2. Oak. It is the second most popular attribute of the steam room. Its use is indicated for people with oily skin prone to inflammation. This broom is often recommended for hypertensive patients, since the substances contained in oak leaves normalize blood pressure. At the same time, during an exacerbation, visiting the bathhouse is prohibited. Contained tannins relieve excessive sweating.
3. Bamboo. This is an innovation that came to us from Asia. A broom consists of sticks tied together without leaves. It is important to know how to take a steam bath with a bamboo broom so as not to damage the skin. Shows relaxing and healing effects. It is useful for joint diseases, salt deposits, helps reduce weight, improve the appearance of the skin, and disperse blood.
4. Linden. Thanks to the substances contained in the leaves of this tree, the plant has anti-inflammatory and anti-cold properties. It also relieves insomnia and improves sleep quality. Using a linden broom helps relieve headaches, migraines, and improves the appearance of the skin.
5. Bird cherry. A distinctive property that this broom has is its ability to heal microcracks and small wounds on the skin. Bird cherry branches smell very pleasant, thanks to which, in addition to all the beneficial properties from the procedure, a person undergoes a kind of aromatherapy session. This attribute is in great demand among girls and women because it is very soft. Anyone who takes a steam bath in a Russian bath with a bird cherry broom has a pleasant aroma of the skin.
6. Juniper. After using this broom, the psycho-emotional background is normalized and the nervous system is strengthened.
7. Walnut. This broom is recommended for use by people suffering from diabetes, varicose veins or ulcerative pathologies.
8. Fir. Helps remove excess fluid from the body, thereby reducing swelling of the upper and lower extremities and face. The product also has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, relieves radiculitis, and improves sleep. Steaming in a sauna with a fir broom is especially good for overweight people.
9. Alder. The leaves of the alder tree contain adhesive substances, which is why during the procedure they stick to the skin, thus drawing out impurities and toxins from it. Broom has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.
10. Nettle. Helps in the complex treatment of arthritis and radiculitis, normalizes high blood pressure, stabilizes emotional imbalance.
11. Eucalyptus. Promotes faster relief from colds and reduces allergy attacks.
The person himself chooses which broom is best for steaming in the bathhouse. You can ask the bath attendant for advice. If you have any illness, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of using the procedure.
Step-by-step process of steaming in a sauna
In order for steaming in a bathhouse to give a noticeable effect, proper preparation for the first session is required. An important step is a relaxing shower to prepare the body for subsequent thermal procedures.
First you need to rinse your body (your head remains dry) with warm water, gradually increasing the temperature to 50 degrees.
Important! When taking a shower, it is not recommended to rub your body with a washcloth or massage brush, or use gel or soap, which can lead to skin irritation.
Before visiting the steam room, just dip the hat in cool water, wring it out and put it on your head. This will provide reliable protection against overheating throughout the entire session.
First visit to the steam room
At this stage, the body is gradually prepared for thermal stress. Warming up the body at a low temperature leads to dilation of blood vessels, opening of pores and increased sweating.
It is recommended to start steaming in the sauna on the lower tier of the shelf in a sitting or lying position. Breathing is smooth and deep without tension, accompanied by gradual redness of the skin and rapid heartbeat.
Then you can move to the shelves higher, relax and breathe with your diaphragm.
The duration of the first approach should not exceed 8–10 minutes.
1.5 minutes before leaving the steam room, you need to sit down to prepare your cardiovascular system for a standing position. After the first visit, it is recommended to take a cool shower, drink warm tea or herbal decoction.
Second and subsequent visits
Next, you can actively use brooms after pre-heating on hot bath stones. The second visit is best done with a partner who will help you perform an effective warming massage with a broom.
One steamer in the bath takes a lying position, the second performs patting and rubbing with a broom from the feet to the neck and shoulder girdle, and then in the opposite direction. After spot warming up, light blows follow, which should not cause discomfort or pain. The massage ends with a warm compress: the ligament is heated with steam and applied alternately to individual parts of the body for 3–5 seconds.
After completing the procedure, you need to slowly rise and stay for 2-3 minutes to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, after which you can slowly leave the steam room.
Each steamer decides for himself how long to steam in the steam room, but the recommended duration of the session should be from 8 to 20 minutes, the number of visits - from 3 to 6. Before each visit, you need to take a break for a quarter of an hour.
What to do during breaks
Rest between visits to the steam room is no less important than bath procedures. Experienced steamers use it for contrast and cosmetic procedures.
After leaving the steam room, you can swim in a font or pool, wipe yourself with snow or douse yourself with cold water from a tub.
Beginners should be careful with contrasting procedures for hardening; the best option for them is a cool shower and dry rubbing.
After completing water procedures, it is recommended to replenish the water balance in the body with a cup of tea, herbal decoction, berry juice or still water.
Relaxation is the best time for cosmetic procedures. After the steam room, it is recommended to use cleansers based on salt, honey and coffee grounds.
No less popular are anti-cellulite wraps with creams and lotions to increase blood circulation in tissues and break down fat deposits. A good effect is achieved through the use of anti-aging masks prepared with your own hands from natural ingredients.
The duration of rest should be equal to the time spent in the steam room.
Completion
The number of visits is determined by the health and physical well-being of the steamer. If you experience unpleasant and painful sensations - dizziness, nausea, lethargy and drowsiness - you must immediately leave the steam room. In this case, the bath procedures are considered completed.
After the final session, it is recommended to cool down by sitting for a few minutes in a cool waiting room or relaxation room to normalize body temperature and heart rate. For seasoned bathhouse attendants, completion of the procedures is accompanied by a warm shower, rubbing, and a cup of tea or juice.
Compliance with safety regulations
In order to take a steam bath without harm to your own health, you must follow the important rules of steaming:
- It is better to visit the bathhouse in a good mood and well-being. You cannot overeat or be hungry, drink alcohol or take drugs.
- The first entry into the steam room requires preliminary preparation of the body for thermal procedures.
- Your stay in the steam room should not be long - from 2 to 6 visits, 10 minutes each. Overheating the body can lead to heatstroke.
- You can only be in the steam room with dry hair. It is better to protect your head with a bath cap or towel.
- Drinking plenty of water in the bathhouse is a necessity. The best choice is green tea, herbal infusion, natural juices, mineral water and fruit drinks.
- You cannot wear jewelry, accessories, or decorative cosmetics on your face in the steam room.
- After completing the bath procedures, proper cooling of the body is ensured - a warm shower, dry rubbing or dousing. If the steamer feels unwell, you should limit yourself to a short rest and a change of clothes.
Breaks and completion of the procedure
The rules for how to steam with a broom in a bathhouse require several steps. It is recommended to take a short break between each subsequent entry into the steam room. In this case, its duration should exceed the time spent in a hot room. Simply put, you should not steam longer than rest. While in the steam room, the body loses a significant amount of fluid. On the one hand, this helps reduce swelling, on the other hand, it can cause dehydration. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to drink warm tea, water, juices or herbal infusions between sessions.
Before the final approach, it is recommended to thoroughly rub the body with a hard washcloth. This will help open the pores, clean them and achieve greater benefits from the procedure. Girls and women, if desired, can apply a mask to the face and do peeling. After your final entry into the steam room, you can wash your hair, rinse off the mask, and take a shower using cosmetics.
Features of bath procedures for women
Healthy women are recommended to take a bath, but it is important to take into account some restrictions:
- Pregnancy.
- Menstruation.
- Lactation.
Wellness procedures help to establish the cycle and eliminate inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary venous system. This is a wonderful prevention of specific female diseases, as well as diseases of the heart, lungs, musculoskeletal system and varicose veins.
In addition, each woman can choose the types of steaming that suit her, taking into account her own health and the ultimate goals of bathing leisure.
Indications and contraindications for baths
Regular visits to a Russian bathhouse allow you to combat:
- Osteochondrosis and osteoporosis.
- Headache and migraine.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
- Hypertension and hypotension.
- ARVI.
- Skin diseases.
- Diseases of the heart, respiratory and nervous systems.
There are diseases that are at risk when health procedures are prohibited:
- Oncology.
- Epilepsy.
- Heart and kidney failure.
- Acute respiratory diseases.
- Internal bleeding.
Pregnant women, elderly people and small children under 3 years of age are also prohibited from visiting the steam room.
To get a powerful rejuvenating and therapeutic effect, you need to know how to properly steam in a bathhouse. To do this, it is recommended to follow the basic rules of bath procedures and take into account the physical condition of the body.
Massage during the procedure
Uninformed people are often interested in the question of why use a broom in a bathhouse. The answer is simple - this tool performs massage.
At the first stage, lightly patting the broom over the body, starting from the neck and moving down to the feet. This should be done slowly, without sudden movements, preparing the skin for subsequent manipulations, avoiding injury to the epidermis.
Then the broom is raised high above the head, since the steam concentration is higher at the top (thus, the leaves warm up better). After this, the device is briefly applied to the chest, back, stomach, face and legs. Then light patting movements are again passed over the entire body. Movements should not cause discomfort or pain.
For several minutes, a broom is used to stroke the body from top to bottom, in one direction. Then stroking alternates with patting. At the same time, the movements become more intense. The broom is again raised above the head, heated and applied alternately to different parts of the body.
Here it is important to pay attention to how to properly steam in a bathhouse with a juniper broom, as well as with bamboo products. This must be done carefully, and there is no need to apply excessive force. Otherwise, it may cause injury to the skin surface.
