“Wow, how good!”, “Washed - how was born again” - such or similar phrases, exclamations can be heard from a person who has just left the steam room. It is not surprising that after visiting a Russian bath, Finnish sauna or Turkish hamam, a person feels cheerfulness, lightness in the body, a surge of strength: their healing, tonic effect has long been scientifically proven and substantiated. And our ancestors, even before the baptism of Russia, sincerely believed and associated pagan beliefs with the healing properties of the bath.
The history of the emergence of these structures dates back to ancient times. For example, the first mentions of the bath in the chronicle sources date back to the 5th century AD. It was called in those days a lazne or soap shop. When Russia began to conduct an active foreign policy, the rumor about the Russian lazne spread far beyond the borders of the Slavic lands. In other countries, different peoples of the world also had prototypes of such structures. They differed not only in their external design, but also in the methods of heating, methods of use: wet or dry air, for ablution or vaping. This is one of both ancient and useful traditions that have survived to this day. Let's take a closer look at how a bathhouse differs from a sauna, what are their benefits, is it possible for everyone to visit them, and also consider the best baths and saunas in Novosibirsk in 2024 ”.
What is the difference between a bath and a sauna?
The moment has come when you decided to go to warm up for the first time: on your own, or maybe with your family or a friendly company. On the modern market of services, you can find many different offers, but what to focus on, and how for an uninitiated person to figure out what is the difference between a bathhouse and a sauna.
Just as our peoples have a common ancestor in their blood, so both of these constructions originate from the Russian wood-burning bath, which was heated "in black". It was a wooden structure without a chimney. When melted, the smoke came out through small cracks, spread throughout the room - hence the appropriate name.
A modern bathhouse looks different. It can be built from wood, brick, foam blocks. Has several rooms (dressing room, steam room, recreation room), a good ventilation system. The sauna, as a rule, is adjoined by a room in which you can rinse (in the sauna itself, unlike the bathhouse, no one washes): shower, mini pool, relaxation area.
The main differences
- Air humidity. In the sauna, the air humidity is maintained from 5 to 25%, in the steam room - up to 90%;
- Air temperature. In the finca, the air temperature ranges from 100 to 130 degrees, in the Russian bath, the temperature is two times lower - 50-60 degrees.At low humidity, thermal conductivity is less, the air warms up gradually, evenly, the sweat on the body immediately evaporates. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to water stones in the sauna - this can lead to severe burns;
- Heating method. In a finca, the heating element is an electric appliance with natural stones. You can independently set a favorable, comfortable temperature. The stones themselves are not covered by anything. In the stone bath, they are inside the oven, behind a closed door. To add heat, you need to open the door and splash some water on them. The heat is kept in this way much longer.
- In the bath, it is customary not only to warm up, but also to steam with the help of brooms, wash, in the sauna you can only sit or lie. Any other activity can have harmful effects on health.
What are the benefits for the body?
The healing power of baths and saunas has been valued since ancient times. In the old days, people believed in the healing power of water, fire, stones, so the bath was not just a place for washing, but also a place for spiritual cleansing. Today, the benefits of visiting is a scientifically proven fact.
- Regular visit is a good workout for the human cardiovascular system. As you warm up, your body's heart rate increases significantly: by about 50%. It improves blood circulation throughout the body. If we also add a contrast shower to this, rinsing in the pool, in which the heart rate decreases sharply, will be twice as effective;
- By improving blood circulation in the body, lung ventilation is improved. Breathing becomes deeper, more frequent. The effect on the lungs is similar to inhalation. In such conditions, it is useful to use aromatherapy, herbal infusions, decoctions;
- Removal of emotional, muscle tension. An increase in blood flow to internal organs reduces it in the brain, due to which relaxation occurs. But precisely for this reason, you can stay there for a strictly allotted time.
- Heat therapy reduces stress, positively affects the recovery from depressive states, helps to relieve physical fatigue;
- In case of joint diseases, arthrosis, some types of rheumatism (according to the doctor's indications), bath procedures will have a positive effect;
- Together with sweat, excess copper, uric acid, lactic acid are excreted from the body;
- Cell regeneration in the body is stimulated. Itching is relieved with dermatitis, has a therapeutic effect with acne, psoriasis;
- The water-salt balance is normalized. Metabolism is regulated;
- Sleep, appetite improves;
- During breastfeeding - increases lactation;
- A good helper in the fight against chronic cystitis, with nephritis.
Whom baths and saunas are contraindicated for?
“Everything useful should be in moderation”: artificial vitamins are an indispensable human assistant, but in large quantities - harm, even natural berries and fruits, if consumed excessively, can cause indigestion, dermatitis. This appeal can also be safely attributed to bath procedures. Abuse can cause serious damage to health, so it is important to know your body, not to risk your health.
- Any inflammatory diseases with purulent abscesses, abscesses, sinusitis. A warm environment favorable for cell division will turn a small abscess into a huge abscess with the need for surgical intervention;
- Pregnancy with pathologies. In a normal, healthy course of pregnancy from the end of the first trimester, you can visit such institutions, but without fanaticism. With such pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, for example, thrombocytopenia, this is a risk to the life of the mother and child;
- At high temperatures. Do not listen to comrades who give advice on how it is useful to warm up in baths or a sauna in case of acute respiratory viral diseases. This is possible only at the stage of recovery, when the temperature subsided with residual symptoms;
- After surgical or other surgical interventions, as there is a risk of bleeding, seam dehiscence, abscess formation, fever;
- During an exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, some types of diseases of the urinary tract;
- For some lung diseases. If you are worried about a cough of unknown origin, do not rush to rush to bath procedures - consult your doctor. For many types of diseases, visiting the institution is strictly contraindicated;
- Chronic cardiovascular disease;
- With epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, severe disorders of the nervous system.
What is the correct way to go to the bathhouse and sauna?
To visit the bathhouse or sauna, you must prepare in advance. There must be a special hat, if you are wearing a bathing suit, then there must be no metal elements. To visit a bath or sauna, you will also need slates, towels or sheets, brooms. It is worth removing jewelry in advance, preparing a hot drink in a thermos, if such a service is not provided by the service. It can be teas, decoctions of chamomile herbs, rose hips, mint. For the bath, you can purchase aromatic oils of eucalyptus, pine, lavender or citrus.
How to choose a bathhouse to visit?
Below are the main criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing:
- Purpose of visit: the type of institution that is worth choosing depends on this. There are public city or private saunas and baths, which are more suitable for the purpose of independent regular visits for health improvement. Standalone or within the club: if you do not want to meet other clients of the club, it is better to give preference to the first option. Consisting of one room or a whole complex (with an antique or outdoor pool, a fireplace room, a Turkish hall - a hamam, a greenhouse and other amenities and additional services), and accordingly - for a different wallet;
- It is safest to focus on customer reviews, but you also cannot dismiss the fact that some opinions can be subjective and biased. The most reliable information is word of mouth. It is in this way, as a rule, the place with the most impeccable reputation is determined. In the modern world, when there is high competition, each institution tries to justify the client's trust;
- Mode of operation. There are complexes with various operating modes: round the clock or working until the evening, seven days a week, with days off, days of prevention;
- Location address. Some clubs and complexes are located in popular districts of the city, there are countryside options. If you do not plan to move outside the city center, the first option will be much more comfortable, since there is no need to take care of transport;
- The average price for a one-time individual visit to a bath or sauna varies from 600 to 1000 rubles, complexes - from 1700 rubles;
- Conveniences for children. In the event that a family vacation with children is planned, it is better to find out in advance whether there is a children's playroom, children's corner or playground, whether there are the necessary amenities so that the rest for parents does not turn into animation for children;
- The presence or absence of parking. Many clubs provide free parking for customers. But there are establishments where parking is paid. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to find out about this in advance;
- Service quality. How often and how the premises are cleaned, the pool is cleaned, how quickly and professionally the employees work;
- The presence or absence of additional services for leisure activities (billiards, recreation room, board games, karaoke, etc.).
Rating of the best baths and saunas in Novosibirsk
Bathhouse rest house "Siberian character"
Address: Novosibirsk, st. Korchagin, 8-1
Phone: ☎ +7 383 383-50-30
10 km from the city center, surrounded by nature, there is a bath complex in the authentic Siberian character style. The area of the complex is quite extensive. Rent of separate houses is provided, where you can cook your own grill or barbecue.The complex offers inspiring views of the river and natural landscape. Free parking spaces. There are different types of steam rooms: two saunas (one is cedar, more compact for small companies, the second is large in size with a large pool), a sauna, a Japanese bath-tub - ofuro.
Baths are heated with wood. If desired, you can order the services of a massage therapist, professional bather. All the necessary things for the steam room can be purchased locally: from cosmetics to clothing. Free wireless internet, karaoke, video room, hairdryer, board games, swimming pool are provided when renting. Discounts are held regularly in honor of the holidays. For the price: the minimum rental amount is 1800 r / h.
Advantages:
- A wide range of services;
- Parking is free;
- There is an online booking service;
- Own kitchen;
- With a fragrant cedar barrel;
- Great location.
Disadvantages:
- There is no children's area.
Slavic house "Zhykharka"
Address: Novosibirsk, st. Moskovskaya, 252, building 1
Phone: ☎ +8 383 213-54-35
The unique family bath complex "Zhykharka" is famous for its originality: everything is done in accordance with ancient Russian traditions. Handmade furniture, handmade toys, rooms are decorated with many elements of arts and crafts with a long history. The club offers a choice of several ready-made programs: "Family bathhouse", "For beauty" and others. In addition to the steam room, you can rent living rooms. There is a cafe, video room, internet, telephone, board games, children's corner, hot tub. The necessary bath accessories can be purchased on site. The bathhouse itself is equipped with an original stove, a heater, fired with wood. Here you can taste a variety of herbal infusions and teas, pine cone jam. We offer the services of masseurs with a large selection of massages, vapers. Master classes for children are held. Prices range from 2000 r / h.
Advantages:
- Unique original atmosphere, decoration;
- Programs for children;
- Own kitchen;
- A wide range of services.
Disadvantages:
- The complex is small;
- There are more budget options.
Active recreation center "Kuzminskie Bani"
Address: Novosibirsk, st. Station, 28-2
Phone: ☎ +7 913 375-27-03
This is a huge sports and health club with a sauna, a steam bath, a large 25-meter swimming pool, sports and gym. Inexpensive option: from 700 r / h per person. There are three saunas of different sizes with a capacity of 8 to 4 people. The club has professional workers, professionals in their field: swimming instructors, trainers. There is a solarium, a Charcot shower.
Advantages:
- Great option for regular wellness treatments;
- Good value for money;
- Modern interior;
- The most profitable option for a budget holiday.
Disadvantages:
- There is no accommodation for the night;
- No kitchen;
- There are no facilities and services for children.
Weekend cottage "Golden Horseshoe"
Address: Novosibirsk, st. Nemirovich-Danchenko, 11
Phone: ☎ +7 383 286-62-54
A classic option for outdoor recreation with family, with friends, for celebrating small-scale celebrations, as there is a beautiful outdoor terrace. In addition to the sauna, there is a kitchen where you can cook food, a fireplace room, billiards, several bedrooms, a banquet hall, a terrace, a jacuzzi, a small pool, a barbecue, free parking spaces.
Advantages:
- An excellent option for a secluded getaway;
- It is possible to stay overnight;
- It is beneficial to have a rest with a large company.
Disadvantages:
- No facilities for children;
- There are no additional services: cook, masseur, steam room.
Health complex "All the baths of the world"
Address: Novosibirsk, st. Vatutina, 44
Phone: ☎ +7 383 207-87-17
A varied range of health services is offered by the All Baths of the World complex. There are several halls: a Greek hall, a Russian bath, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish hammam, an Egyptian hall. Ready-made spa programs have been developed for different purposes, there are services of a beautician, masseur, bath attendant. The complex has a shop with the necessary accessories, a bar, a Charcot shower, pearl baths and hydromassage.
Advantages:
- A wide range of additional services;
- You can buy the necessary paraphernalia on the spot.
Disadvantages:
- It is not so much the baths of the world themselves that are presented, but the corresponding entourage is simply made;
- There is no children's area;
- There is no kitchen, only a bar.
Public baths "Parovozov"
Address: Novosibirsk, st. Dusi Kovalchuk, 20a
Phone: ☎ +7 383 246-00-46
The spacious steam bath complex "Parovozov" is distinguished by its unique thoughtful interior in a retro style. These are public baths, divided into two zones: male and female. Each of them has its own large steam room, relaxation room. For an additional fee, clients are provided with massage services, a cosmetologist. For lovers of unusual sensations, there is a bath-trailer. The complex is finished with high quality materials
Advantages:
- There is parking;
- A wide range of additional services;
- There is a terrace, outdoor pool;
- Unique interior.
Disadvantages:
- Quite high prices for additional services.
Spending your leisure time in the bath complex or diversifying your weekly health and wellness procedures with a sauna or steam bath is a great solution for the whole family. One has only to feel this atmosphere on oneself, how warmth penetrates into the whole body, how much pleasure a person receives, and there is nothing to say about the health benefits.