Banya Rules
If you have a history of high or low blood pressure, asthma, neoplasm, heart conditions or you are pregnant, please consult your physician prior to use of the sauna. Please refrain from visiting Banya in case you have any types of skin rash.
In case it is your first visit to Banya please take a shower and wash your body with warm water before entering the sauna.
TOWELS ARE REQUIRED TO BE USED IN THE SAUNA. WE REQUIRE THAT colored towels be used during your session inside the sauna and a white towel after taking a shower. PLEASE PLACE A TOWEL DOWN ON THE BENCHES PRIOR TO SITTING DOWN. PLEASE SIT ON THE COLORED TOWEL SO THAT IT CAN ABSORB ANY SWEAT OR PERSPIRATION DURING YOUR SESSION.
We suggest wearing a sauna hat during the session since the temperature inside Banya could reach 110-120 degrees F so shapka (sauna hat) will protect your head from overheating.
It is up to your comfort whether or not to wear swimming clothes inside the sauna.
The wooden bench could be too hot to sit on so it is recommended to cover the bench with a towel and enjoy the sauna.
It is wise that for the first time you enter the sauna to sit there for only 3 – 5 minutes in order to allow your body to adapt to the high temperature. After that leave the sauna and cool off yourself in the resting room. A little bit later come inside the sauna again and at that time you are ready for the massage with venik.
Venik could be hot so we suggest wearing gloves in order to protect your hands. Initially try only strokes with venik along your body. Later on, you can do a gentle slapping with venik and massage your feet, shoulders, back, and muscles. The most effective result from massage with venik is if somebody will do it for you. If you are not familiar with the venik massage, ask our staff and we will guide you.
After the massage with venik you can leave the sauna and cool off for a moment in the Polar plunge and come back again inside the sauna. The change of temperature is healthy for your skin and body because it provides better elasticity for your vessels and skin (anti-aging phenomena) and makes your immune system stronger.
Due to age and health conditions, different people will tolerate steam differently. Do not push yourself to be in the sauna longer than you need, use it accordingly to your comfort. In case it is too hot for you to sit on the top bench you can go down and take a sit or lay down on the lower bench.
People in Russia have an old and polite custom: after visiting the sauna they use to say to each other: “Have a light steam”. It means that somebody is wishing you a pleasant steam which will be healthy for your mind and body.