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What exactly is a Russian sauna? The actual name of it is a “banya”, and it’s a huge public bathhouse that you experience in steps – naked. OK, the protocol has changed a bit since those times. But in the past, the typical agenda was done in the raw – boys and girls together – and included a stop at the dry heat room first, then being pummeled about the body with your choice of a dried birch, oak, or juniper branch – until all the impurities, and your sanity, was beaten out of you. Then, it was off to the pool, to sink or swim, – get a few drinks to steady the experience – and you were done!
But there’s nothing to really worry about, nowadays. Although you can still choose to get beat with a tree limb, most of the facilities have been broken up into “gender appropriate” sectors – and wearing a swimsuit is no longer optional, but required. Although, there are those few bathhouses that still cater to a mixed gender crowd, the whole breakdown is pretty easy to follow, right?
But what happens if you’re in Russia and find yourself at a banya, and realize the dry heat room you’re relaxing in is for “men only”? Or how do you tell the body worker that’s mauling you like hamburger, that it’s just not your cup of tea? This could get confusing – not to mention, messy – if you’re the only person there who doesn’t speak the language – and nobody in the vicinity can understand you, either.
Well, it’s highly unlikely this would ever happen, but then again, you never know, right? So in the interest of saving you the embarrassment of having to gesticulate wildly to get your message across to those who still don’t get what you are trying to say, here are a few words and phrases in that native language, in easy to pronounce English phonetics – and all of them entirely appropriate to use, if ever needed, in a “banya” experience:
The “wake up surprise!” scenario – You’re so comfortable as you doze off in that lovely heat room, that for some strange reason, you seem to have all to yourself. But who’s complaining? No one – until you wake up to a group of men, all speaking the native language, and looking you up and down. It turns out you’re in the “men’s only” sauna room – in a bikini, with no towel in sight. Gesturing is useless, and only makes the men laugh harder. So stop waving your hands around, and say the word for “towel”, which is “Pa-la-T-YENT-se. And don’t forget to say “Bol-shoe-spasi-bo”, Thank you, as you dash for the suddenly more attractive, “stick whipping” steam room next door.
The “Stop it, it HURTS!” situation – So against your better judgement, you decide to try the “impurity purging” with a oak stick – which you discover, feels more like a tree limb. With each blow to the leg, the need for medical attention in the near future seems more of a reality. What you say, while you can still speak, is Mesto-dlja-invalida, Bol-shoe-spasi-bo, which basically means, “Please tell me where the hospital is, thanks”. And the masseuse will stop long enough to give you directions.
The “Someone get me a drink” situation – Surprisingly enough, you’re almost done with your Russian sauna experience, and despite the bikini incident, and being beaten with a tree, you’re still alive, and have even taken a swim to finish the day, without incident. But you could really use a drink. You know they serve them here because you keep seeing people carrying glasses with tiny umbrellas, and acting a little too happy for to be sober and facing rush hour traffic this late in the afternoon. You’d like to feel that positive about life yourself, but the waitresses keep ignoring your chugging gestures. So, all you have to do is just say “Peeva”, and you should see an ice cold beer appear before very long. Don’t forget to enthusiastically say “Bol-shoe-spasi-bo”, so they bring you another one as soon as you’re done with the first.
So, now you’ve learned a few things to say if you’re ever experiencing a problem at a Russian sauna. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use these phrases, but if you need them – you’re covered!
A Russian sauna NYC visit is different from every other health spa or sauna on the planet. When you enjoy a Russian bath NYC, you will feel invigorated and relaxed at the same time.
Filed under sauna by on May 12th, 2010. Comment. 
Today, more people are suffering from such high stress levels that it is seriously impacting their health. Studies have shown that stress is a significant contributor to insomnia, increased blood pressure, poor concentration, short temper, increased heart rate, increased tension headaches, depression, and fatigue. Relaxation is an essential part of reducing stress and maintaining optimal health. Because so many people live such stressful lives, there are a variety of options available to help one relax and reduce their stress. One way of reducing the stress in your life is to spend time in a sauna.
Spending time in a sauna on a regular basis has been shown to help one relax which causes a significant reduction in stress. For this reason, more people are taking advantage of a sauna to relax and unwind. The calming and soothing heat from a sauna relaxes the entire body and the mind. The heat relaxes the muscles and joints which gives one a feeling of serenity and tranquility. One can feel the stress melt away.
When your mind and body is under stress, the negative effects can reach the cellular level. When a person sits in a sauna, the heat increases blood circulation and increases the production of a hormone called norepinephrine. This hormone works as a neurotransmitter which tells the body to combat increased stress levels. An abundance of the hormone norepinephrine allows the body to fight stress and anxiety. As well, another benefit of saunas in there is an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone production. This hormone helps to promote an overall feeling of good health and well being which helps to reduce stress levels.
The heat from outdoor saunas promotes a natural state of relaxation. Because the stress and anxiety that affects the body causes a build up of chemicals that cause a feeling of stress, when the heat from the sauna causes one to perspire, the stress reducing hormones will be released and the stress causing chemicals will be drastically reduced. For instance, when one is stressed, they will produce more of the hormone cortisol. This is a hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure. When cortisol is reduced, people will be less at risk of acquiring health problems and they will have a relaxed state of mind and body.
Not only are saunas a great way to relax, but millions of people use saunas for their health benefits. However, the most immediate benefits of sitting in a sauna are an almost instant feeling of relaxation. The heat from a sauna penetrates the body and the tight muscles, nerves, and joints will relax and the mind will become calm and serene. As the heat envelopes the body, there will be an instant feeling of contentment. Sauna users will feel rejuvenated and the tension and stress will just melt away. They will feel physically and emotionally restored and ready to take on the day’s challenges with a positive outlook and feeling of contentment. More people from all walks of life are now benefiting from the stress reducing features that come with using a sauna.
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Filed under sauna by on May 9th, 2010. Comment.
Not all of us have time to visit the gymnasium to savor a sauna after doing a good workout. Even less of us have access to a sauna period. How do we benefit from a sauna if you can not go to a sauna? Bring the home sauna for you!
A home sauna is a great choice for your house. It is always different with fitness equipment; you can be convinced that it will not be unused in your house. It is a worthwhile investment and it is sure to be enjoyed by all the family. Not only it is going to be a fun way to relax together but you can enjoy the health advantages of a sauna.
Good Advantages
If you feel like your skin looks dreary or tired, and then a home sauna can be a sensible way to restore a healthy glow to your skin. Skin problems we experience are related to the toxins in the body. Washing your face with a cleanser just permeates a superficial layer of the skin.
If you prefer a deeper cleansing of your skin, use your sauna to your advantage. A sauna kit will help to stimulate the lymphatic system in your body and get rid of all the harmful toxins which surface in tired or problematic skin. Start your sauna skin cleansing treatment with a little exercise.
It does not need to be a really healthy workout. Once you have worked up a little sweat, start yours and relax there for fifteen minutes. The majority of saunas will need a little more than fifteen minutes for this to work.
Get in and out of your home sauna at fifteen minute times so that you invest a minimum of forty five minutes in yours. You need to shower and cool down after each fifteen minutes treatment in yours. Make sure that you preserve hydrated by consuming a lot of water before and during your skin cleansing session.
Not only you can find that your skin looks much better but also you can feel better as well. You can find that this sort of skin detoxifying session will allow you to feel more relaxed. Home sauna is a great way to ease stress if you have experienced a long day at the office and want a way to unwind and forget about all the annoying things in your day.
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Filed under sauna by on May 4th, 2010. Comment.
Thanks to the magical healing powers of hot tubs and spas, people with arthritis are not only able to exercise but can also move around without the usual pain they would normally endure. Even the Arthritis Foundation acknowledges the medicinal properties that warm water can offer its patients, so if you know someone that suffers from this agonizing condition, spread the word! Naturally before starting any new treatment, the person in question should consult with their doctor first, just to be safe.
If your doctor gives you the green light to start exercising in the hot tub, may I suggest that you do some warming up first. If you have been unable to move around for a while, the last thing you want to do is shock the body. Even if you have been keeping fit, it’s important to loosen up at the beginning of any exercise and to wind down at the end. Unfortunately many people make the mistake of not preparing their bodies and end up with pulled muscles or even worse.
Treat the hot tub therapy as a long term goal. It’s important with any exercise to have some sort of plan and to experience results but there’s no rush. To begin with, just get used to balancing in the warm water and the general movement without the pain. Each time you visit, add a small step to your strategy and continue to build on firm foundations when you feel you’re ready. Pressure to succeed is the last thing you need.
Once you are submerged below the water and can move about without pain or suffering, I think you’ll agree that this type of therapy is truly a miracle. The reality is that the gravitational pull reduces in the water and the warmth allows more blood and oxygen to run to the heart, skin and muscles.
The Arthritis Foundation should be able to give you sound advice on what exercises you should attempt when using hot tubs, used hot tubs or spas. If not then they will know someone who can. Ensure you follow the rules to avoid further injury but most of all enjoy that feeling of pain reduction and increased flexibility in your limbs. The results are truly awesome.
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Filed under hot tub by on May 2nd, 2010. Comment.
If you are looking for a sauna in your house, it can be hard to get the best home sauna equipment. If you already have a sauna and want to upgrade it, then you will need more sauna equipment. The thing is that it could be difficult to find exactly what you want. Getting random sauna equipment will spoil the look of your sauna and it may also be a bad thought in terms of functionality. Thus, how should you search the right parts for your home spa experience?
Always Utilize the Best
With regards to home sauna equipment, do not skimp. Like anything else if you pay less now you wind up having to pay more in the future. To prevent investing more than you could if you had used quality in the first place, you should always utilize the perfect sauna equipment.
One more thing you must never do when you are looking for home sauna equipment is to improvise. Making do with parts or fixings which are not intended for a home sauna can be at best less than satisfactory and at worse dangerous. So, do not risk your safety, friends and family by using anything other than sauna equipment that is designated for your sauna.
You can easily get the right kind of home sauna equipment at a supplier which specializes in outfitting home saunas. You will get a great cost and good quality. Make certain that when you want sauna equipment that it closely follows the original equipment in your model if you are replacing parts.
If in doubt make contact with their customer service and inquire what the best parts are for your sauna. If you are starting a new sauna or are looking for a portable sauna for your backyard, then you also need to go to someone who specializes in saunas.
While there are other retailers who supply various kinds of outdoor spa equipment for the house, it is good to go to somebody who specializes in them. They will commonly have more info and can offer you the perfect sauna equipment.
Besides real home sauna equipment, you can even get good accessories for your home sauna. These accessories are range from buckets and ladles to sand timers and temperature. These are all important to do your sauna experience in the home. You can even get good gifts that will go down perfectly for anyone who has a sauna or to select the surprise gift of a home sauna.
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Filed under sauna by on Apr 30th, 2010. Comment.
What do you think is the most common cause of illness? Probably stress! We all suffer from the everyday stresses and strains of life whether it be financial, family or work related but how many people know how or have the time to release it? Various methods include jogging, yoga, the gym but my favourite is the hot tub. Admittedly exercise is important for a number of other health reasons but when it comes to stress, nothing in my opinion, comes close to the mystical properties of the hot tub.
Improved health through the use of a hot tub or spa is nothing new. In fact there is evidence dating back to Roman times that apart from both the social and hygienic elements associated with the baths, medical benefits were also a recognised factor. Unfortunately it was hundreds of years later before medical science was able to give it their stamp of approval by discovering that the warm water actually slows down the heart and the blood running through our veins.
I’m sure you know someone who has some sort of physical ache or pain. This has to be directly linked to the increase in stress levels that are dominating our society. We need to change our habits and teach our children the importance of unwinding at the end of each day by using a hot tub. The evidence is there but the culture isn’t yet. The good news is that with strong competition and a healthy demand, prices for these magical devices are within the reach of most households, particularly used hot tubs. In addition you now have the option of purchasing portable spas in all different shapes and sizes for indoor and outdoor use.
Maybe one day the doctors will advise you buying used hot tubs rather than taking antibiotics, you never know. Until then, take my word for it and bear in mind that although it didn’t stop the Romans trying to conquer the world, I wonder how many of them lived longer simply by regularly taking a hot bath? So go on, do yourself a favour and treat yourself.
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Filed under hot tub by on Apr 29th, 2010. Comment.
There are numerous types of hot tubs with different characteristics that sell for a wide array of costs. Costs can array from just more than a thousand bucks for any little and comparatively simple hot tub to more than fifteen thousand dollars for big and elaborate types.
When purchasing a hot tub, it is important to for the shopper to know what they are searching for, how much room they have, and how many people will use the package. Buyers may possibly choose to purchase a portable hot tub or in the ground model based on how a lot room they’ve and how significantly function they’re ready to have carried out to their backyard or deck. It’s vital to the investigation hot tubs thoroughly and not be pressured into getting a tub that might not be adequate.
A backyard hot tub is often a key addition to a house, it may demand the purchaser to construct a brand new deck or significantly alter the yard in order to accommodate the new hot tub. The quantity of modification the buyer is ready to make is just one of the issues that requirements to be resolved prior to a hot tub is purchased.
Spa salespeople can put excellent pressure on shoppers to buy a hot tub. It’s crucial that shoppers have some know-how of hot tubs going into a spa store so that they are not fooled by any fancy sounding sales speeches. Needless to say, not all spa salespeople is dishonest, but it’s always an excellent thought to become cautious.
In order to buy the top possible spa, some web sites advise that potential buyers must be “wet test” the hot tub. That is when the shopper really uses the tub to sample its functions. This may be a hassle for all parties included, but it can be the best way to insure that the hot tub is what the customer is trying to find.
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Filed under hot tub by on Apr 29th, 2010. Comment.
As temperatures begin to rise, more people are spending their free time outdoors. Creating an appealing area for your outdoor space may seem intimidating, but with just about any creativity, a welcoming atmosphere can be created. By including a few well-thought out accessories, anyone can make their outdoor space a relaxing paradise. With a tiny bit of patience and time, you will be able to put together an outdoor look that will impress your guests.
First of all, look for deals on discounted outdoor furniture. Resin wicker, wrought iron and other products are made specifically for patio use and are rain and snow resistant. You may wish to buy a full dining set, or you might only be interested in a small pub set with just a couple of stools or chairs. Buying these pieces in the off season, such as the winter, will make your dollar go even further. Adirondack chairs are also a great, comfortable addition to any backyard and create additional seating options for guests.
If you have enough room, consider adding outdoor kitchen accessories. They can be as simple as a bbq grill, or as extravagant as a complete kitchen. Consider a small refrigerator to keep beverages cool for parties. If the space is in need of extra shading, consider planting additional trees or investing in a large umbrella or gazebo tent.
Finally, complete your space with an area rug or chimenea. Remember, these items can always be shopped around for. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop at your local specialty and larger stores, as well as on the internet. Find items that fit your style, but ones that also add to the functionality of the space.
You always want to remember that when you are decorating any backyard, you should invest in long-lasting products since they will be exposed to the weather often. Cheap versions will fade quickly in the sun and rust in the rain or snow. last but not least, consider adding a hot tub to your space. Following these simple steps will bring about all the benefits of relaxation and luxury that you’ve ever dreamed of.
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Filed under hot tub by on Apr 25th, 2010. Comment.
Owning a spa can be a lot of fun and provide you with hours of relaxation. However, you have to maintain it properly if you want it to last for a long period of time. Making sure your spa stays clean is not only vital for your health, but will ensure that your spa keeps running for many years. This can be done by simply by regularly sanitizing your spa. The sanitizers will kill any harmful bacteria that could be growing in the warm water.
But at times this is easier said than done. A clean spa is possible only with the right chemicals. Still, scum may develop from time to time. This is composed of a number of hard water elements and foreign materials that stick to your spa. So how do you get rid of it? What chemicals should you use? Here’s what’s available at local stores:
Chlorine is a popular sanitizer that is commonly used in pools. It comes in many concentration levels. Spa owners have a choice of chlorine tablets, or chlorine granules, that are used specifically for spas.
Bromine can be purchased as nuggets, tablets or granules. One form is called sodium bromide, and is activated when mixed with an oxidizer like chlorine or potassium monopersulfate. Another type is called BCDMH, which is a self-activating combination of bromine and chlorine. Many prefer bromine over chlorine because it is an effective sanitizer that doesn’t smell as bad as chlorine. It has a wide range of pH levels and is often distributed through a feeder that floats or a standard cartridge system.
Biguanide is a non-chlorine, non-bromine product that destroys harmful organisms. The elimination of organics is done using a hydrogen peroxide-based oxidizer that burns organic matter and works to keep the water clear. If you compare it to bromine or chlorine, this chemical has less foul odors and doesn’t gas off at hotter temperatures for Your Hot Tub
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Filed under hot tub by on Apr 24th, 2010. Comment.
Are you contemplating purchasing a sauna for your home? Since there are many companies selling home saunas, your choices are nearly endless. You could rely on the opinion of a friend or co-worker for your decision but with the diverse and ever changing technology within the marketplace, how do you know if you are arriving at the right selection?
Many Types of Saunas with So Many Differences!
Fundamentally we can divide home saunas into two main classes: the traditional style that features a heating element with “hot lava rocks” and the “newer” type which boasts infrared technology. Traditional style saunas are okay for shorter sessions but unfortunately, the traditional sauna does lack many of the benefits that one could receive from using an infrared sauna.
A disadvantage that traditional saunas present is that their temperatures must reach upper heat levels (150-180 degrees) in order for the body to actually start sweating. This temperature is way too high to safely manage, for any extended period of time, especially if a person has heart disease or high blood pressure. Medical professionals agree that anything longer than twenty minutes at those high temperatures could have a negative effect upon your health. In fact, it could actually be putting excessive strain on your heart as your body attempts to counter the effects of the high heat.
Infrared saunas have a totally different way of “heating up the body”. The heat rendered from infrared saunas penetrates the body much deeper (up to 1 3/4 inches compared to the traditional sauna, which only penetrates approximately 1/8 of an inch). Because of this greater heat penetration, your body can create a healthful detoxifying sweat at a much lower sauna temperature–about 120 degrees. Thus, with lower heat, you have markedly improved safety and tremendous added health benefits.
Many physicians are starting to incorporate infrared sauna therapy into their patient’s treatment programs. These include those with inflammation, necessitated weight loss, cholesterol control, and blood pressure control! An additional impressive advantage of infrared therapy is that the deep penetrating heat is able to allow detoxifying effects on the body. The infrared heat helps the body by releasing toxins way below the skin and exfoliating them through the skin. Since daily we are exposed to several toxins, infrared therapy can aid in releasing these toxins, strengthening our immune system and improving our health and well being.
Are All Infrared Saunas Alike?
Basically, there are two types of infrared saunas that are currently in the market place today. The differences are based upon by the type of heaters used-ceramic vs. carbon based. In the past, ceramic heaters were the industry standard, but as the technology evolved, carbon based heaters were created and now are the industry’s golden measure for infrared sauna therapy.
Ceramic based heaters in infrared saunas are less effective than carbon based heaters. This is because the ceramic rods can only make a limited amount of heat and must work at very high temperatures. This produces a spotty dispersion of the heat, creating “hot spots” (which could burn the user!) and “cold spots”, where there is no heat at all!
Carbon based technology will bring forth an even and uniform heat throughout the sauna and not have the uneven distribution of heat that you get with ceramic heaters. In comparing, a typical two person ceramic infrared sauna, the rods produce approximately 56 square inches of infrared heat, whereas the carbon based infrared saunas produce approximately 572 square inches of heat, in the equivalent size sauna! The research advises that the entire body should be surrounded by the infrared heat to have the best chance to absorb as many rays as possible in order to optimize the health benefits of the therapy.
Is An Infrared Sauna Safe?
As told above, the medical profession has recognized and documented the many benefits of infrared saunas. Infrared therapy and treatment includes: detoxification of the body, weight loss and burning extra calories, high blood pressure control, pain reduction, decreased inflammation, alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms and improvements in overall health and well being.
Where Can I Purchase A Carbon Based Infrared Sauna?
There are several company’s specializing in carbon based infrared sauna technology. I suggest that you look for the established companies that are Better Business Bureau accredited and ETL certified and have Carbon Wave 360 Technology. This combination will ensure a safe and high quality purchase.
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Filed under sauna by on Apr 21st, 2010. Comment.