Apparently before there was Russia, there was Banya (traditional steam house)! I went to a Russian Banya (https://gobanya.co.uk/hoxton) here in London to celebrate my birthday with friends - very reminiscent of what my parents would have done during the Soviet Union.
It was an interesting experience! I am not gonna lie, there were a few times when I asked myself why didn't I go to a spa? 🤷🏻‍♀️However, after 2 shots of vodka the doubts dissipated and I was immersed in the experience.
As a questioner, I need to know answers to why is this good for me in order to be fully satisfied in the moment and relax into the experience. Banya culture in Russian survived the Mongol invasion, prospered under Peter the Great’s campaign of Westernisation and gained renewed importance in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. So what makes the process so special and has helped Russians over so many generations stay healthy and strong?
What's involved?
1. Upon arrival in the Banya, you are advised to spend about 5 minutes in the sauna acclimatising yourself to the heat. This is followed by a cold-ish shower, or if you are brave an ice cold bucket of water thrown over you. Then, back in the rest area of the restaurant, some time spent with a traditional cup of Russian tea where you are lulled into a false sense of security.
2. The second time you enter the sauna is to receive Parenie. The origins of the Russian banya lie in the forest and draw on the elements of wood, fire and water and the venik is the instrument that brings all three together in the ritual of parenie or the venik massage. The venik is a bundle of small leafy branches usually made using birch or the oak tree. This whole process is an art and performed in a particular ritualistic way leaves your feeling truly cleansed with the element of heat. Think getting beaten by hot leaves, in a steamy sauna, and you wouldn't be far off.
Confession: I was so concerned about spending all this time in the sauna getting hit with venik by a Russian man, that I constructed a mantra in my head to help me through it...I am one with the heat and the heat is one with me (thank you Star Wars, may the heat be with you!). It seemed to work because I made it out alive.
However, what I didn't account for is the ice cold bucket of water which was immediately thrown over my head as soon as I left the sauna. I didn't have a mantra for that, so that's when I felt my heart stop beating for a few seconds. This was followed by submersion into an ice cold bath. In some respects, this was worse than the bucket throwing because here you have to voluntarily walk in the bath. I kept asking if it is absolutely necessary and whether I could possibly skip this portion, but the friendly Russian gentlemen said it was absolutely essential for my health to do that so obliged while squealing - good times!
Jokes aside, hot and cold therapy have been used to promote health in various traditions for thousands of years. Cold exposure produces effects comparable to anti-depressants and help with increase in mood. Heat therapy has been linked to reduced blood pressure and heart disease risks.
The steam of the banya and the aroma of the venik open and clear the respiratory system, unblocking your sinuses and helping you to breathe more freely. The rapid change in temperature experienced after parenie not only relaxes the muscles but also helps strengthen the immune system, as it convinces the body into believing it has a fever and prompts the production of white blood cells.
Saunas are a big deal in Scandinavians countries. I have friends who have nonchalantly talked about having saunas in their homes. Living in Edinburgh I had friends who used to take a dip in freezing cold water on New Year's Day, known as the Loony Dook. And not to mention Mr Wim Hof aka Iceman who advocates and personally demonstrates the benefits of breathing as well as cold therapy.
The best thing is to try for your self!
And if a trip to Russian banya isn't on the cards for you yet then try adjusting your shower temperature building daily on decreasing the heat (bring on the cold!) for the last 30 seconds of your shower.
