St. Petersburg resident Anna Artemyeva writes a blog about bath culture, in which she talks about interesting places throughout Russia and shares her personal experience. She visited bathhouses on an island in Karelia and on the ice of Lake Baikal, and in St. Petersburg she loves the Yamsky social class most of all.
Anna told “Paper” how the bathhouse teaches you to accept your body, how the idea of it is changing in the modern world, and why she likes conversations with women in the steam room.
Anna Artemyeva
Creator of Nudeblog
How to behave in a bathhouse
- At the time of visiting water procedures, at least 2 hours must have passed since the last meal. It is also not recommended to drink large amounts of liquid the day before. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol-containing drinks.
- Before visiting this establishment, you need to relieve fatigue and rest if you did any exhausting physical work the day before. After mental stress, you can begin the procedures immediately.
- Leave all the fuss outside. In a favorable atmosphere you can relieve nervous tension.
- Before your first visit, take a shower, after which dry your entire body with a terry towel.
- The broom also needs preliminary preparation. Steam it in a container of hot water. Then, in the room itself, rinse the accessory with warm water.
- Place your towel on a wide shelf as it will get very hot while steaming. You need to lie down so that your feet on the stand are higher than your head.
A common mistake many steamers make is to be patient until the last minute. Your body itself knows what is best for it, and if it sends signals that the heat is causing unnecessary discomfort, you should not ignore them. A large load on blood vessels can have a negative effect on the human body. Experts do not recommend climbing too high and staying in the steam room for a long time when you first enter. Your body needs time to adapt to the set temperature. Knowing how to properly hover with a broom in a bathhouse, you can improve the effectiveness of water procedures and will not harm your health.
Bring a damp, cool towel with you. Press it against your head at the first sign of dizziness. After finishing the steam bath, it is not recommended to swim in the pool or rub yourself with snow. You can cool your body only in between runs. Below is a detailed video instruction on how to steam properly.
Steam bather wanted
Photo: Moscow 24/Anton Velikzhanin
Four years ago, Arina and her family moved to Moscow from Karelia. I wasn’t looking for a job - at that time I had a lot of other worries, my husband was working. But chance intervened. One day, on the way to the station, a girl literally received her lucky ticket on the fly - she took the latest issue with dozens of job advertisements from the hands of a man distributing newspapers. Among them there was one that immediately caught my eye: an employee was needed at the Sandunovskie Baths.
Sanduny are legendary city baths with more than two hundred years of history. There are three men's and two women's departments in Moscow. The halls here are divided into categories: the level of comfort, the size of the room and, accordingly, the price of admission depend on it. There are numbered baths: there are eight of them, each created in its own special style. In the men's categories, the interiors of the 19th century have been preserved: a fireplace room in the Empire style, Gothic and Turkish rooms, as well as an antique swimming pool.
“I went to pick up my child from a sanatorium in the Moscow region. In order to somehow pass the time on the way, I decided to take a newspaper and read. Suddenly I came across an advertisement, highlighted in red: “Women’s steamers needed,” recalls Arina.
When I returned home with the child, I told my husband and relatives. They laughed at me, saying, what a bath attendant, this is all frivolous. Yes, and they were against it, because the fever has a bad effect on health. Arina Monakhova
Arina recalls that she decided to “wait it out” for a while and if the idea of becoming a hairdresser did not leave her, then she would at least just go and find out what kind of work it was.
Types of bath brooms
This accessory is intended not only for active massage, but also for creating a unique aromatherapy that arises from the leaves of the plant used. During bath procedures, beneficial inhalation also occurs, which helps in the treatment of many diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Let's talk in more detail about which broom is best for steaming in a bathhouse and what effect it has on the body.
Birch branches
In Russia, this option can be found almost everywhere. It is considered one of the best for use in a steam room. This is due to the fact that birch branches have a gentle effect on the skin and cleanse internal organs, increasing blood circulation. The branches of the described plant are very flexible and are capable of maintaining elasticity for a long time after drying. During the procedure, the adhered leaves absorb sweat and toxins, thus cleansing the skin. After whipping, the pores are cleaned, which allows the skin to breathe and better absorb various beneficial substances.
Oak branches
Oak leaves are especially useful for caring for oily skin. Thanks to the essential oils, tannins, quercetin, quercitrin and pentosans included in the composition, an oak broom cleanses the skin and makes it more elastic. The steaming procedure using this accessory will have an anti-inflammatory effect and speed up the skin regeneration process.
Eucalyptus branches
Used in the bath for the treatment of colds, as well as for their prevention. The shoots have a strong, specific smell that not everyone can withstand. For this reason, most often several eucalyptus branches are added to an oak or birch “bouquet”.
Juniper branches
They contain a huge amount of essential oils, vitamins and beneficial amino acids that have a bactericidal effect. The bush does not have sharp needles, but the legs themselves are prickly. This option is quite tough and is more suitable for experienced bath attendants. Before using it, you need to learn how to steam with a juniper broom. The steamer should lower it onto the skin not tangentially, but directly. Some people first wrap their prickly paws in a light cloth and lie on them. Juniper is useful for liver and kidney diseases. This plant can also eliminate the symptoms of some skin diseases.
Alder branches
The leaves have an adhesive property; they stick to steamed skin and draw out toxins from it. Using this option prevents joint diseases.
Fir branches
They have a general strengthening, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect. It is the fir, unlike its other prickly counterparts, that is more suitable for soaring. Its soft needles have a gentle effect on the skin. The use of the plant is indicated for respiratory diseases.
The aroma has a positive effect on the nervous system, has a calming and relaxing effect. When steamed, essential oils penetrate the skin and have a softening and rejuvenating effect. Before use, it is important to learn how to properly steam with a fir broom. You need to start stroking from the neck area and ending with your toes. Next, the sides are processed: first on one side, and then on the other. The use of fir is contraindicated for skin diseases.
Artemisia branches
Because of its bitter aroma, it is most often used as an additional component of a birch or oak “bouquet”. Wormwood is indicated for diseases of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. During the massage, herbs have a relaxing and calming effect.
Bamboo
It is not traditional for a Russian bath; it is brought to us ready-made from Asia.
The plant contains silicic acid, which improves the condition of skin and hair. Vaping bamboo is also used to relieve symptoms of depression. Below is a useful video on how to steam with a bamboo broom.
Linden branches
They have a positive effect on the kidneys and promote the healing of small wounds. Massage with linden branches can eliminate headaches and normalize sleep.
Thus, all plant products can be divided into three categories:
- deciduous;
- conifers;
- prefabricated
Having learned about the beneficial properties of a “bouquet” of various plants, it’s time to talk about how to use this accessory in a steam room.
Salon for two: 5 beauty treatments for couples
Your day is scheduled minute by minute: you study, work, but you dream of spending more time with your loved ones. And also start doing fitness, yoga, go to a massage and a cosmetologist. It’s a pity that you can’t combine business with pleasure! Although, who said it’s impossible?
On the agenda of the month is Valentine's Day: so spend it with your beloved for the benefit of body and soul. Build paired yoga asanas, sip together under the strong hands of a massage therapist, or soak in a hot tub with a glass of champagne. Many beauty salons and spas have already realized what benefits the new trend promises them, and have begun to jointly create all the necessary conditions for a collective pastime.
And great: lovers now have several more options to pleasantly celebrate Valentine's Day. WomanJournal.ru has chosen the 5 most popular couple procedures!
Manicure
If your lover is even a little esthete, then he probably knows that a manicure for a man can be no less important than for a woman. Therefore, inviting him to a couple’s manicure session will not be particularly difficult. Otherwise, tell him that making a double visit to a manicurist is not only pleasant, but also financially beneficial: salons often give a discount for two.
The main thing is to take into account all the nuances. Firstly, get ready to call several salons: not everyone will be suitable for your purposes. Secondly, check your watches - you must arrive for your session on time.
The ideal option is a nail bar with a counter in a large shopping center. No queuing or registration: a seat has become available - please take a seat. The masters in such mini-salons are quite highly qualified, and the products and varnishes are from absolutely familiar companies.
Estimated cost for 1 person – 500 rubles.
Yoga
Traditionally, yoga is associated with silent hermitage. As a last resort, with a bunch of like-minded people, each on his own mat. But a couple of yogis on one mat is already something new.
Of course, yoga with a partner is more fun than a serious activity, but, as practice shows, entertainment is pleasant and useful, both in the physical and psychological sense. It’s better to go to a fitness room rather than to a yoga center for couples yoga. It's okay if this is your first activity together and no one has experience. The instructor will make sure that you do everything correctly and do not get injured.
As a rule, lessons include breathing exercises, stretching, massage elements and the asanas themselves. Psychologists say that this has benefits not only for the body, but also for relationships: they become more trusting and close. Of course, this is an opportunity to literally find reliable support in your partner.
The estimated cost of 1 lesson is 1,200 rubles.
Massage
For this procedure, you will need to call several massage rooms or salons, because the main condition for success is the presence of two couches standing next to each other and a couple of massage therapists. An exotic relaxing foot massage or Burmese back massage will appeal to sissies and sybarites. Or maybe you'd be interested in a massage master class for two?
Perhaps this process will be much more pleasant and intimate, because you will massage each other yourself! And the hands of a loved one are much more gentle than the hands of the most experienced professional. After such an educational program, you can easily continue practicing the acquired skills in your own bedroom. What follows after this, a sound sleep or a hot night, is up to you to decide.
Estimated cost – 3,500 rubles.
SPA for two
Couples spa treatments have long been positioned as a service for newlyweds, but they are just as suitable for couples in love who have not yet tied the knot.
Almost every SPA center necessarily has a special menu for two: separate a la carte procedures that can be combined with each other at your discretion, as well as ready-made programs. In the latter, by the way, there are 15-20 minute breaks between sessions so that you can still be together, covered with an even layer of a nourishing mask, drink a cup of herbal tea or be silent in private.
The aroma of incense is in the air, there are candles and rose petals around, pleasant music is playing - everything is conducive to trust and relaxation. The most popular treatments are various aromatic massages, soft peelings and hydromassage baths. During the procedure itself, you can share your impressions with each other in real time. And most importantly: you will leave the salon refreshed, rested and satisfied.
Estimated cost – 5,000 rubles.
Fitness
Burning calories together turns out to be very cool! Firstly, both you and your lover will try not to lose face and will not become lazy during classes. And if your loved one doesn’t start bragging about how many times he can bench press, you can run a race on the treadmill or do an Olympic swim in the pool - this is not only useful, but also terribly pleasant: after all, he will be next to you all this time beloved person.
In addition, many fitness clubs offer fitness classes for two. An experienced instructor will show you which classes will be equally effective for both women and men.
Estimated cost – 2,000 rubles.
How to properly take a steam bath with a broom
The steamer should apply moderate blows with the plant accessory to the body of the steaming person. The branches should lightly touch the body, building up the heat. It is necessary that the product is moisturized and fluffy. To do this, promptly lower it into a container of water.
While vaping, drink more liquid, it will all come out through sweat, taking with it all the impurities. Many people are interested in the question of what to take with them to the bathhouse. Below is a complete list of items you will need:
- several large towels;
- robe;
- swimming trunks or swimsuit;
- felt or woolen hat, rug and mittens;
- rubberized flip-flops;
- sheet;
- broom;
- cleansing cosmetics;
- drinking water bottle.
It is necessary to start striking with a plant “fan” from the feet, smoothly moving along the legs to the back. After the first drops of sweat appear, you need to turn your partner over with his stomach up and repeat the blows; the force of the blows must be controlled in accordance with the air temperature: the lower it is, the stronger the whippings should be.
While in the sauna, try to breathe through your nose, not your mouth. At the slightest sign of discomfort, leave the steam room. Upon completion of the procedure, take a contrast shower and let your skin dry in the dressing room.
Feringer products will help improve your health. In the catalog presented on our website, you will find high-quality sauna stoves, as well as various accessories, which can be purchased at affordable prices. With a wide selection there is something for everyone.
No alcohol
“One of the fundamental rules of visiting the bathhouse is not to drink alcohol either before or during,” says Alexey. – The blood vessels are already dilated from the heat, alcohol in this case only contributes to at least a hypertensive crisis. Many people like to plunge into a snowdrift after a steam room, which is also not recommended, at least for an unprepared body. If you really want to cheer up, then you need to start with a contrast shower, then with a bucket of cool water, then a snowdrift and an ice hole.
How to properly prepare branches
Steaming with brooms in a bathhouse will give the best effect if the dry branches are pre-steamed. This procedure will prevent the leaves from falling off when swung. A dry accessory can be prepared in several ways.
- Place the plant in cold water for half an hour, then shake off the moisture and place it in the water for a couple of minutes. The water will rise smoothly along the cuttings, making the twigs softer.
- The next method is suitable for those who are short on time. Take dry branches and dip them in cold water for a couple of minutes, and then transfer them to a container with warm water. In the third stage, place the broom in a container of hot water for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the branches in boiling water and cover the container with a lid. After two minutes the product will be ready for use.
These methods are suitable for deciduous plants. Herbal options just need to be dipped three times in a container of hot water. Coniferous branches must be kept in hot water for about 20 minutes, while the container must be covered with a lid.
Sauna and the human body
Did you know that a ten-minute stay in a sauna has a positive effect on motor response and coordination? Did you know that high ambient temperatures make the cardiovascular system more active, having a beneficial effect on brain function? Of course, the procedures carried out in the sauna should be restrained, dosed in temperature and time, but no one can cancel their ability to improve the respiratory activity of the skin, energy metabolism, and the functioning of the neuromuscular system (increasing muscle elasticity, reducing tension in them) , digestive system, etc.
But most importantly, the sauna’s ability to change your well-being and mood for the better. Of course, this largely depends on the method of performing bath procedures, the use of additional influences (for example, essential oils) and even interior design, but you cannot avoid the psychological relief that all sauna visitors without exception feel. In an environment specially created for you to relax, put aside unpleasant thoughts and worldly problems, talk, think or simply close your eyes and daydream, you can't help but become a little happier!
And women will especially like the fact that immediately after the sauna they will notice a clear decrease in body weight. Loss of moisture and significant energy costs will do their job, making you, dear ladies, stand on the scales and smile victoriously.
Steaming in a bathhouse with a broom correctly
During the procedure, the branches should barely touch the skin. You need to swing it extremely carefully. Make sure that the leaves are always moist by regularly dipping them in a container of water. The steamer’s body needs to be injected with as much heat as possible.
Before visiting a Russian bath, you must wash yourself without using soap. If the air temperature in the steam room is about 90 degrees Celsius and the humidity is about 10, then staying there should not exceed 10 minutes. After they have expired, you need to take a break in the waiting room, which lasts about 15 minutes. Then you can make the second and third visits.
Next, let's talk about how to use a broom in a bathhouse. It must first be steamed and held near the ceiling for several minutes. During bath procedures, it is necessary to strike the body correctly, it is important that they are not accompanied by painful sensations. The body of the person receiving the procedure heats up, and blood flow in the organs increases. When leaving the bathhouse, take all accessories with you, as they can quickly become unusable. Dip the dried branches into a container of water. To prevent burns, you must protect your hands by wearing special gloves.
Regardless of the number of visits, the total time spent in the steam room should not exceed 35 minutes. Before each visit you need to rest for 10-20 minutes. Make sure your body is dry. If the skin is wet, the steam will become heavy and the procedure itself will not be beneficial. Upon completion of the steam session, you should not immediately leave the steam room. Go down to the bottom step and rest. After recovery, take a warm shower and cool down a bit.
“For the best effect from bath procedures, we recommend using high-quality Feringer stoves. Our products will help create a comfortable indoor climate. Thanks to the improved design and well-thought-out mechanism, heating devices are able to maintain the required air temperature for a long time. You can purchase high-quality sauna stoves on the Feringer website.”
Employee
A place of relaxation and pleasant meetings
Nowadays, a well-equipped and cozy sauna can turn for any person into a place where you can combine useful things with even more useful things.
The atmosphere and temperature of this establishment only contribute to the implementation of recreational activities combined with communication with friends in the most comfortable conditions for this. Where there is no need to rush anywhere, where there are no uncomfortable suits and ties, it is so good to be with people you are interested in! This is probably one of the reasons that even the presence of a bath or shower in every apartment did not affect the continued successful development of bath art.
How to steam without a broom
Choose a place in the steam room and lay out the sheet so that its nearest edge is along the edge of the shelf. The other edge should be along the wall of the bathhouse. Lie stomach down on the sheet. The steamer should cover your body with the loose part of the fabric, avoiding the head area. Then, he must take the two loose ends and throw them upward, trying to generate more heat. Afterwards, the ends of the fabric are quickly lowered onto the floating person. You can repeat this movement no more than 8 times. At the final stage, the body is rubbed with hands, thus removing accumulated sweat and impurities.
We figured out how to steam with a sheet, but what to do if you don’t have one? Don't despair, it can be replaced with a towel. Fold it lengthwise and then crosswise again. Place your working hand through the towel and tie a knot. Dangling ends are a great alternative.
Bathhouse - only made of aspen
– What is the difference between a real bathhouse and all the others? – asks Alexey. – Firstly, a brick stove, even a kind of fireplace. It is heated with wood using an open hearth. Secondly, the bathhouse must be built exclusively from aspen. Such material has been used in Rus' for a long time. The thing is that this tree does not emit resin. Meanwhile, in Altai, aspen has a bad core. Therefore, during the construction of all the baths in Novotyryshkino, it was specially brought from the Kemerovo region.
Advantages of a steam room with a bath attendant
So why do many people prefer baths with professional bath attendants? First of all, because when a person comes to the bathhouse, he wants to get rid of his worries and problems, at least temporarily, by completely plunging into the bathhouse ritual. It is the bath attendant who will give visitors a good massage with oak or any other brooms. Of course, you can ask your friends about this, but a professional steamer will make the parka more effective and therapeutic, bringing the maximum possible benefit to your health. Only a qualified bathhouse master will make a trip to the steam room “correct.”
A steamer will also come in handy when celebrating holidays and birthdays among true bathhouse connoisseurs. In addition to visiting a public steam room, today you can also order a bathhouse attendant for your own bathhouse. However, it is recommended to contact only professionals with extensive experience and numerous customer reviews.
