There’s a saying in Russia: “ Pomylsya – budto zanovo rodilsya”, which translates to “ Washed – born again”. Edik and Irina told me that they feel reborn after a banya session, and it’s a ritual they are happy to partake in weekly in their home banya. The banya has not decreased in popularity today for many reasons. Traditionally, the banya was the common way for Russian villagers to cleanse the body, but the banya is also thought to have a powerful physiological effect on the entire organism. Researchers have found that the blood supply to the skin, muscles, and joints are notably improved after a visit to the banya. The body’s metabolism is increased considerably, the number of red blood cells and quantity of hemoglobin increases, the overall oxygen level increases and impurities are purged. The banya assists in eliminating toxins from the body and improves circulation of the blood. Many business negotiations in Russia take place in the relaxed atmosphere of the banya. It is a time honored activity and the love that the Russian people have for the banya is well documented. Die Banja hat ihren Ursprung in Russland, ist aber auch in anderen slawischen Ländern wie der Ukraine und Weißrussland beliebt. Sie ist das russische Äquivalent zur finnischen Sauna. Wie heiß ist eine Banja?

There are people who love to keep things hot, who, even if they find themselves in hell, would say: “Seems a bit chilly here, time to turn up the heat!” - and would seemingly endlessly throw more water on the hot stones (that create the banya steam). These lovers of extreme experiences are regulars at the banya, and when an ordinary mortal is already dying from the heat, they are always “just warm”. Entering the steam room, they immediately begin to raise the temperature by flapping their towel, thus spreading the burning-hot air, while throwing water into the stove and turn this closed space, where the temperature is already 90-95 degrees, into a “torture chamber” for everyone else. An integral part of the Russian banya is the birch broom. The leaves of the birch branch add to the experience and, used properly, provide the perfect massage to compliment the effects of the humidity of the banya. Traditional Northern Russia banya in Mandrogy open air museum. Pokhodnaya or hiking banyas [ edit ] A hiking banya Nach Ihrem Besuch in der Banja brauchen Sie etwas Zeit, um sich zu entspannen und wieder warme Kleidung anzuziehen. In den meisten Banjas gibt es dafür einen speziellen Raum. Dies ist in der Regel der größte Raum und verfügt über einen Ofen, der Sie warm hält.

Die russische Banja

Especially for newcomers to the banya, it is important to enter the banya or increase the heat and steam gradually. In some banyas, finding a higher seat will allow increasing the heat and steam and a lower seat for somewhat cooler temperatures. Equally important is leaving the heat and steam of the banya gradually. It is best to not hurry to have a cold shower or immerse in cold water and the showers of the newcomers could be limited to room temperature. The newcomer may wish to gradually reduce the temperature of the water in the shower. Similarly, it is best to not drink extremely cold water. To many hardy banya veterans, the gradual temperature change is not necessary. BBC Travel’s Well World is a global take on wellness that explores different ways that cultures the world over strive for a healthy lifestyle.

In Moscow, Sanduny is one of the most popular and oldest public bathhouses, with separate bathing areas for men and women. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Banya Zhivica is a Siberian-style banya with many bathing programmes available (which can be useful for those who need some guidance). When in St Petersburg, Yamskie Bani (one of the oldest bathhouses in the city) and Degtyarnie Bani are both good options, the latter especially so for first timers because of the friendly English-speaking front desk staff. The Soviet imagery is forever damaged" and "the war in Ukraine that Russia started on February 24, 2022 no longer allows us to use it satirically," Russkaja wrote. There was no thermostat in this one, but Edik estimated the temperature to be nearing 90°C, which is about average for a Russian banya. The heat is balanced with moisture in the air and, when the air becomes too humid, the steam becomes uncomfortable. This signals that it is time to cool off.At first, the band -- one of whose tag lines is "peace, love and Russian roll" -- had decided to continue performing while clearly showing its support for Kyiv. It is, of course, necessary to gradually get used to the heat of the banya upon entering. Several minutes are necessary to become acclimated and, initially, the banya patron should remain standing. Banya temperatures are not constant and may vary by as much as fifteen degrees so care should be taken at all stages. After becoming acclimated, the patron my sit or lie down allowing the muscles and the mind to become relaxed. The Russian Banya Experience Explained". Jan 19, 2020. Archived from the original on February 22, 2008.