What are the benefits of a Russian bath?
According to doctors, the Russian bath relieves fatigue and actively affects the function of internal organs, the cardiovascular system and metabolism in general. In the steam room, a person begins to actively sweat, an abundant release of moisture from the body occurs, which leads to its cleansing and renewal. Bath procedures help you lose excess weight and help get rid of cellulite.
From time immemorial, our ancestors treated various ailments and illnesses with the help of hot steam and a broom. It was in a heated bathhouse that it was customary to give birth, at least among peasants. Thus, the mother and baby were protected from infections, since viruses and bacteria died from high temperatures. In addition, in a warm and relaxed environment, the birth process was easier.
By the way, doctors claim that visiting a Russian steam room is beneficial for women with gynecological problems. The Russian bath alleviates the symptoms of menopause, treats complications after abortions and miscarriages, menstrual irregularities and even infertility. And it is also very beneficial for the skin. It is useful to go to the bathhouse for those who suffer from hives and various dermatitis.
Research concerning the influence of the Russian bath on the human body was also carried out by foreign scientists. Thus, Japanese researchers have found that moderate bath procedures in patients suffering from high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes lead to strengthening of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar. German experts found that children who do not visit a bathhouse or sauna get sick twice as often as their peers. In addition, the contact of water with hot stones leads to the formation of negatively charged ions, which have a beneficial effect on the body.
Benefits of visiting a sauna
The sauna is not only a pleasant way to spend time. This is a method of physiotherapy that combines the beneficial effects of hot dry air and cold water for the body. This procedure has been successfully used as an additional treatment method for a number of diseases.
The positive effects of a sauna include:
- strengthening blood vessels due to contrasting temperatures;
- prevention of hypertension, heart attack, stroke;
- strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of contracting infectious diseases;
- relieving muscle tension, which is important for athletes and people involved in physical labor;
- opening of skin pores, release of subcutaneous sebum and impurities;
- relief of inflammatory skin rashes due to allergic dermatitis;
- relaxation, relieving fatigue;
- tightening and toning of the skin;
- warming up the respiratory tract, removing old mucus from the lungs;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- saturation of tissues and internal organs with oxygen;
- slowing down the aging process;
- relieving joint pain;
- getting rid of excess weight.
It is necessary to note the benefits of the sauna for women. In addition to general strengthening of the body, visiting a steam room during pregnancy makes childbirth easier and significantly reduces its time.
How often can you steam?
However, most experts agree that the steam room should be visited no more than 1-2 times a week. “By and large, a bathhouse is a big burden on the body,” says allergist Elvira Gilvanova. — The bath requires slowness and thoroughness. Those. You can rinse yourself at least every day, but you need to steam once a week.”
Since the temperature in the steam room exceeds 60 degrees, this can negatively affect the condition of the skin, hair, and, of course, the cardiovascular, respiratory and reproductive systems. In addition, almost all of us have some kind of pain.
Advantages of a sauna at home
A good option is to place the sauna in the house, under one roof, on the same foundation, with common walls and communications. This is a more economical option than building a separate building for the steam room. This will save not only money, but also space on the site. The following advantages can be noted:
- Economical operation. The façade area of a common structure is smaller than that of two separate structures. When placing a sauna in your home, heating and maintenance costs will decrease.
- Convenient to use. You can control the preparation of the sauna without interrupting your household chores. Cleaning the steam room can easily be combined with cleaning the rooms.
- Independence from weather conditions. There is no need to walk home down the street from the built-in sauna in bad weather. In addition, such a steam room warms up faster than a cold outdoor sauna.
A sauna is no longer a luxury item. It's convenient, healthy and quite affordable. Everyone knows about the healing properties of the sauna. It will be the best prevention of colds, help relieve fatigue and lift your spirits.
Bath "rules"
Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences Anatoly Biryukov, states: “Regularly visiting the bathhouse, for example, once a week (preferably on Saturdays or Sundays), makes it possible to provide proper hygienic care for the body, as well as get rid of the fatigue that has accumulated over the week... Visiting the steam room - one of the methods of hardening and prevention of certain infectious, colds and rheumatic diseases. Therefore, you can visit the bathhouse several times a day, but subject to certain rules.”
For example, the specialist advises, “when entering the steam room for the first time, beginners, the elderly, children and those who feel not entirely healthy should be placed in the “comfort” zone - on the bottom shelf, where the air temperature is not so high. The duration of stay should not exceed 6 minutes. After entering the steam room for the first time, you should rest for 8-12 minutes in a well-ventilated area.”
Also, Biryukov advises, it is better to be in a lying position in the steam room, as this reduces the load on the cardiovascular system and promotes nervous and muscle relaxation. You should not stand or sit with your legs down - this again puts a strain on the heart and also overheats the head. If there is not enough free space, then when sitting, it is better to stretch your arms along the shelf or pull them to your chest.
So, in principle, you can go to the bathhouse every day, but you should take a steam bath only on special “bath” days and in compliance with all the rules prescribed by doctors. Of course, if you want visits to the bathhouse to bring benefits to your health and not harm.
The ideal sequence of using services in the SPA center
You probably already know that you need to be quiet in the spa, turn off your cell phones, and respect the privacy and personal space of others. But do you know the correct procedure for using SPA and wellness services?
Many people make the mistake of, for example, going straight to the sauna while wet after swimming in the pool, or going straight to the steam bath after the sauna. We invite you to explore the ideal sequence to help you in the future, enjoy your spa the right way and therefore, let's start from the beginning!
Salt room – Hotel “Radan”, Prolom Banya
Upon arrival at the SPA center, while we are still dry, we first use the salt room . According to research, one stay in it is equivalent to 3-4 days spent at sea, given its benefits for the respiratory tract. Adults can spend up to 40 minutes in the salt room, and children - 20 minutes.
After the salt room you can use the swimming pool . The water temperature is usually around 28-30 degrees, with the exception of the thermal water pool, which is often warmer.
Swimming pool – Hotel Iris, Zlatibor
You yourself will choose whether you will just relax in the pool, or swim to your heart's content, if the size of the pool allows it. After leaving the pool, go straight to the shower .
With the help of a shower, we cleanse the skin of chemicals and impurities found in the pool, since we do not want their fumes to accompany us later in the sauna. Don't forget that you also need to take a shower before entering the pool, but this can be done in your room before coming to the SPA center. This way we wash away traces of perfumes, deodorants and other contaminants from the body.
Next come warm benches, the so-called caldariums and tepidariums . They are usually used to relax muscles and warm up the body before entering the sauna. Their surface temperature is about 36-40 degrees. It is worth using them for 15-20 minutes.
Tepidarium – Hotel Jelak, Lukovska Banja
When our body gets used to the higher temperature, it’s time to visit the sauna dry and with a towel . In a sauna, the body releases harmful substances from the body and excess fluid. This takes about 15 minutes. After leaving the sauna, you should shower again, but it is recommended to use cooler water due to blood circulation. We advise you to never use hot water to shower after a sauna, it will do more harm than good to your body. It is important to cool down after the sauna.
Sauna – Grand Hotel, Kopaonik
For additional cooling, it is recommended to take a short swim in the pool.
And then - His Majesty, Jacuzzi ! It is a favorite for many, and there is nothing sweeter when, after all of the above, you receive an underwater massage in hot water. Stress and tension no longer exist.
Jacuzzi – Hotel Merkur, Vrnjacka Banja
At the very end, you can use the steam bath, and then take a shower again and relax on the sun loungers with a good book.
Steam bath – Premier Aqua Hotel, Vrdnik
Smartphones, although not prohibited, are usually not used in a SPA center, in order to completely relax and unwind from all worries and information.
Now you know exactly in what order you should use wellness treatments at the SPA center. When you try our tips, write to us about your impressions.
If you have your own favorite routine and ritual, feel free to share with us in the comments.
Arrangement of a sauna in the house
The main room of the sauna is the steam room. Proper arrangement of this room will be the key to a comfortable and effective visit to the sauna. The size suitable for the steam room is 2.4x2 m, the ceiling height is 2.1 m. Small rooms will be cramped and uncomfortable. In a large room it is difficult to maintain the desired temperature and energy costs will increase.
Ceramic tiles are a good choice for sauna flooring. It is practical and easy to care for. You can have a wood floor, but it won't last as long as tile. Next, you should take care of the thermal insulation of the walls; glassine can be used for these purposes. Then they arrange the frame of the future steam room according to the required dimensions. It is made from pine timber. Pre-plan the entrance to the premises.
Before covering the walls, electrical wiring, steam and heat insulating materials are laid. Cedar, Scandinavian pine, linden, and aspen wood is suitable for cladding. Their wood does not heat up at high temperatures and does not emit resin. There should also be good ventilation in the sauna.
The final stage will be the installation of shelves and equipment. The shelves are fixed in two rows along the walls. They decorate the sauna and select accessories based on their taste. The main thing is that being in the sauna is pleasant and healthy.
