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Why do Russians use sauna?
A Russian banya is a type of a steam sauna that is usually heated in a stove. An old tradition that has existed in Russia for centuries, steam bathing is considered to be good for relaxation and health, as well as a way to spend time with friends, family, or even colleagues. It is still very popular in Russia.
What can I expect from a Russian bath house?
There will be dry saunas, wet saunas, dunking pools, an in-house restaurant, and you can usually book a massage for an extra charge. The bathhouse is about extremes — you get very hot then take an ice cold shower or dunk and get very cold, then repeat. Many different cultures have their own type of saunas.
Do Russians have saunas?
In modern Russian, a sauna is often called a “Finnish banya”, though possibly only to distinguish it from other ethnic high-temperature bathing facilities such as Turkish baths referred to as “Turkish banya”.
Is banya the same as sauna?
For example, a Finnish sauna is usually something you can find in any sports club or spa. By contrast, a Russian banya is all about the unique experience, which is why it always stands out on its own. In terms of technical differences, a Russian steam room is much more humid (around 40–70%) than a sauna (3–15%).
How hot is Russian banya?
175-215 °F
The air temperature of 175-215 °F and the humidity of around 15-25% make Russian banya one of the most efficient ways to intensify sweating. The number of sweat glands in the human body is enormous and amounts to around 200 per square inch.
What are the benefits of banya?
The heat in a banya raises your body temperature, dilates your blood vessels and increases your blood circulation. This in turn speeds up the body’s natural healing process, thereby reducing muscle tension and eliminating lactic acid which causes the pain in the first place.
What should I wear to banya?
If you are heading to a public banya they will be separated by sex, and it seems to be more strange to wear a swimsuit than to not wear one. We recommend wrapping yourself in a towel if that makes you feel more comfortable. One thing however that you will be wearing in the banya is a felt hat.
How hot is a Russian banya?