Home Articles about the sauna Steaming in a sauna The art of steaming in a sauna
When I started writing this article, I set myself the task of combining the experience and work of many people developing the art of bathing. These are equipment manufacturers, bathhouse builders, bathhouse technologists, bathhouse attendants - steamers, massage therapists and many others who have discovered a unique phenomenon for themselves: the Bathhouse. In this article I will try to describe one of the many steaming programs using stoves with a built-in steam generator, since these stoves are the fruit of many years of research and constant practice in the bath business. Many people who are just discovering the bathhouse or want to understand what it can give to a person ask what the bathhouse cures and how. I would like to deliberately bypass the medical aspect of bathing, since this is the prerogative of doctors and medical professionals. Many works, books, and articles have been written about this and are easily accessible. And therefore, let me say in the words of one ancient thinker: A healthy body, clean and blooming, illuminates the entire world around us... I will tell the story in the first person, based on personal and family experience of steaming in a bathhouse. For me, a constantly steaming person, the bathhouse is both work and home, and the most important tool is the task: microclimate control. The oven plays the first fiddle in this task. Of course, it is worth noting that in a bathhouse where a convection steel stove is installed, ventilation, thermal insulation, and practical skill are important to create a healthy microclimate and manage steam, but the equipment should be the main assistant to a person.
My bathhouse is a small but cozy building, next to the house, made of brick and trimmed with wood. The steam room with a volume of about 16.5 m3 is made for ease of use and comfort when vaping. The stove takes pride of place in the corner of the steam room and is heated with wood from the street, which is very convenient. Also, the supply ventilation located under the stove supplies a sufficient amount of fresh air during steaming, and therefore in the steam room, even at very high temperatures, there is no feeling of mustiness or discomfort. In the opposite corner from the stove, closer to the ceiling of the steam room, there is an adjustable ventilation of the steam room, which I use to control the steam and temperature when it is necessary to ventilate the steam room, remove excess steam and dry the room after steaming. The height of the room is 2m 30cm, allowing even tall people to sit quietly on the top shelf and not get hit in the face when steam is supplied. In the adjacent rooms there is a shower with cold and hot water and a relaxation room. I have been taking baths since early childhood, and therefore the bath day, which, according to good tradition, takes place after a tiring work week, has become so natural that when there is no opportunity to steam, I feel uncomfortable. Both the preparation for the bath and the bath itself bring a feeling of peace and cleanliness. My little son, from the age of 6 months, learned about the sauna and now he knows and loves to take a steam bath. Well, you can start preparing the bath and directly to the steaming itself. In this article, I think it is correct to break the soaring and preparation program into stages, which I will describe in detail.
Stage No. 1 Preparing the bath
A bathhouse is a clean room in which water and steam procedures are carried out aimed at improving health and deep cleansing the body and spirit. Therefore, before heating, the bathhouse is thoroughly washed and prepared. After cleaning the premises, the oven is lit.
The ash pan is clean, fully open, firewood and kindling chips are placed in the stove (you can use liquids for melting, but be sure to read the instructions and follow safety precautions). After lighting, the stove warms up quickly and therefore all metal parts of the stove become hot, follow safety precautions.
The estimated heating time for a steam room or stone at an outdoor temperature of about 0 C* (in a steam room in an unheated bath about 7 C*) is about one hour until the temperature reaches +85 C*. The time spent warming up the steam room can and should be spent usefully.
- An hour before steaming, the broom is steamed (there are a great many methods of steaming; two of them will be given below).
- Tea and fruit drinks are being prepared (there are also a huge number of tea recipes, it is only worth considering that when you start steaming, diaphoretic teas are needed, which at the end of steaming restrain sweating).
- Light dishes of fruits and vegetables are prepared, which are very useful after the end of the steaming.
- The necessary things are prepared: Hats, kilts, slippers, towels, etc.
Stage No. 2 Warming up the body
Many probably remember the legend that one king, in order to show his greatness and wealth, ordered his son to be covered with gold paint and exposed to the people. So the poor child died a few hours later, and the reason was quite serious - he suffocated. Yes, yes, that’s right, our body breathes through the skin, sweat is an invariable tool of cleansing and rejuvenation, many works have also been written about this, I’ll just summarize: It is IMPORTANT for a person to sweat, the thermoregulation system is one of the most IMPORTANT in the body, but the modern world often behaves illogically , creating means to contain sweat, separating from nature with mechanisms that maintain temperatures in houses and cars, which lead to the degradation of body systems and destruction thereof. Just as muscles need tone, so does the thermoregulation system. Therefore, the bathhouse is one of the most important simulators of this system and therefore a good guarantee of good health.
After we entered the bathhouse, we need to wash ourselves with soap to wash away the dirt. And then, having dried ourselves with a towel, we go into the steam room. I have been asked more than once about the temperature that is suitable for vaping and heating. Opinions on this issue differ, but there is a very interesting scientific theory, which, by the way, is very valid in practice. Man lives on the planet, being in close symbiosis with it, and therefore the temperature conditions of the planet are suitable for us, i.e. (we will not die upon instantaneous contact with the lowest atmospheric temperatures on earth, or with the highest). We have adjusted to the cycles of the year; our DNA (according to scientists) includes all the highest possible temperatures and all the lowest possible temperatures. Therefore, any artificial, critical conditions are very destructive for the body. According to long-term observations, the maximum temperature on the Earth’s surface was recorded at about +86 C*. Therefore, it is not worth talking about the benefits of temperatures above 100 C*. These are loads and very serious ones; at such high temperatures the body burns, which has a very negative effect on health. Therefore, many experts insist that warming up the body should be done in a bathhouse, with a temperature of no more than 85 C*, in short bursts (5 - 10 minutes). Vaping at such temperatures is not considered at all.
From all of the above, it turns out that it is best to enter a steam room at a temperature of 80 C*, to warm up the body and start sweating. Sitting comfortably on a shelf, we warm up with our whole body, the only thing is our head, which should be covered with a hat made of wool or felt. All metal objects (rings, earrings) should be removed, otherwise they will burn you. How long should the warm-up phase last? Exactly as much as you want, and as soon as your body begins to sweat intensely. After all, if the body does not sweat, then it needs help and diaphoretic teas will be very helpful here, as well as rubbing with a warm towel. During the warm-up stage, I would not recommend dousing yourself with cold water or swimming in an ice hole. Since it is necessary to give the body time to sweat, to remove dirt and toxins. It is best to wash in the shower with warm water after each visit.
Stage No. 3 Inhalation and aromatherapy
This stage is one of the most pleasant in the bathhouse, and depends entirely on what type of stove is installed. I love stoves with a built-in steam generator (this is the principle of obtaining high-temperature, light steam from the walls of the firebox made of heat-resistant steel), in addition, unique, capacious, classic heaters for producing the usual steam. By feeding water or infusion into special channels on the stove, we get such light steam that it is pleasant to breathe, and it penetrates the body very deeply. In addition, the stone requires a long fire in order for it to gain the temperature for vaporization. And the steam generator is ready to produce steam literally after 15 - 25 minutes. after the start of the fire. And this gives the opportunity to steam for people who cannot tolerate high temperatures, who are just beginning to connect their lives with the bathhouse. I really like the fact that the oven performs its tasks and allows you to simulate the microclimate.
Returning to our “bath day”, I will say that before moving on to steaming with a broom (see the appendix for types of brooms), it is necessary to do inhalation and aromatherapy. Broom infusion is a wonderful remedy for inhalation. You can also use oils; you just need to be sure that they are natural.
It is very important that the water must be hot and clean to obtain high-quality steam. The broom is also infused in clean water at about 60 C* (for details, see the appendix), and therefore by feeding the broom infusion into the steam generator and onto the stones we achieve light, aromatic steam. Steam moves into the steam room driven by convective currents from the furnace and therefore is convenient to control.
Stage No. 4 Soaring
The cornerstone of the sauna is steaming. No one knows how many methods and recipes there are; each Bath Attendant/Steam Attendant has his own tricks that make him stand out. I'll talk about the basic principles. After we warmed up well, we inhaled the steam and drank tea. You can start vaping. An important point when vaping is that there should be steam in the upper part of the steam room. The steam is light, clean, aromatic. And here, an interesting system for maintaining a given steam regime comes into play when using a steam generator (see this system in the appendix). Having adjusted the desired concentration of water supply to the steam generator, we lay the steamer down and cover his head with prepared, steamed brooms. They ask me: What is this for?! I'll explain. When vaping, we move large masses of steam and hot air onto a person, which is very necessary and useful, but it is worth considering that the person’s head should not be overheated. Our brain is in water and the temperature of this water is maintained at the required parameters, therefore it is necessary, when soaring, to cover the head and the use of brooms is the best way. Brooms for covering the head are steamed separately from brooms for steaming. Large brooms are selected, and before being placed on the steamer, the brooms are washed in cool water. For steaming, the brooms are infused (see the recipe in the appendix), and the brooms selected are small and comfortable. The handles of the brooms must be wrapped with woolen thread to prevent chafing of your hands. I do not recommend using gloves or mittens, since the bathhouse attendant’s hand is a tool for analyzing the temperature of the air and steam that is sent to the steamer.
Well, everything is prepared: steaming on the shelf; the brooms in the steamer are infused and aromatic; the head is covered; a bucket of cold water is at hand along with steamers in which the brooms were infused; the temperature on the thermometer is 60 – 70 C* (it is very important to understand that when vaping, steam is the element of deep heating and therefore high temperatures will be very unwelcome). By supplying steam either manually, or using a proprietary system for maintaining a given steam regime (see in the appendix), we achieve the required concentration of steam above our heads and from this moment we can begin vaping. Steaming is the control of steam, by means of a broom, directing it into the body of the steamer, we achieve an important result, namely the penetration of steam into the body. There is an interesting saying among the bathhouse attendants: In the bathhouse there is a park, not a flogging. Therefore, it is worth saying that massage steaming, i.e. tapping with a broom with varying amounts of force is the ultimate form of hovering and is far from the most important. With light movements, the bathhouse attendant captures the steam from the ceiling of the steam room and directs it into the body of the person steaming. At the same time, he barely touches the body, using only steam. Back, chest, arms, legs, everything should be steamed, but you need to steam with understanding, and therefore here are a few points for the bathhouse attendant: 1. When doing massage steaming, you should not heavily care for the locations of the kidneys, liver, and heart. 2. Also, you should not massage the chest and lower abdomen in women. 3. After passing through the steam, it is necessary to inspect the body and if there are unheated places with poor blood circulation, which are visible as white spots, it is necessary to pay more attention to these places when steaming. 4. The arms and legs are covered with muscles and tendons, so it would be quite correct to steam them with massage steaming, but without violence and constantly inquiring about the condition of the steamer. 5. The brooms on the head should not overheat; this must be monitored. 6. Steam from stones has greater saturation and a lower temperature than from a steam generator, therefore the bathhouse attendant can combine different steam with Teplodar stoves to achieve the necessary results, as well as if the steamer prefers a more “powerful” steam. 7. When steaming, the brooms must be moistened with the infusion in which the brooms were located. After all, a body heated by steam perfectly absorbs the beneficial substances found in the infusion. And the sheet will not dry out, remaining soft and pliable. 8. The time for soaring is determined by the state of the person soaring and his desire. It is best to divide the steaming into several stages with intermediate rest, dousing, and drinking tea. The division, for example, can be done like this: First stage spin; second stage legs, arms; third stage chest, sides; fourth stage massage steaming. As I already indicated in the abstract, soaring is combined with dousing, if desired, swimming in a pool or ice hole. And after all the procedures it is worth performing massage and honey rubdowns. Peels, scrubs of natural origin. Drinking tea to calm sweating, eating fruits and vegetables. And the final bath in the shower.
Stage No. 5 Conclusion
I have given only one method of soaring as an option. Starting this article, I pointed out that there are a great many ways and therefore it is simply not possible to describe them all. But it is very important to note once again that in a bathhouse the most important element is the Person. And the result will depend on how this person organizes the soaring. The stove is also an important mechanism, and such unique stoves as the Teplodar stoves provide true pleasure when vaping. In the final part, let me dispel some of the nonsense associated with the bath. 1. A bathhouse without alcohol is not a bathhouse. This is one of the greatest misconceptions. The bathhouse should not and cannot be combined with drinking any alcohol: vodka, wine, beer, etc. Alcohol is a huge burden on the body and therefore you cannot drink it in a bathhouse; it is better then instead of a bathhouse if there is no way to refuse it. A lot has been written about the dangers of alcohol and I will not repeat it here. But I ask you, try a sauna without alcohol, and you will understand what multifaceted pleasures a sauna combines. Experts advise not to drink any alcohol three hours before the bath, and after the bath to give the body a chance to rest for at least two hours. 2. The bathhouse is a place of “leisure for priestesses of love.” This is the fruit of illiteracy and lack of bathing culture. 3. The bathhouse is harmful for sick people. As I already said, a bathhouse is a place in which a person and understanding, knowledge and skill are important. Therefore, before using the bathhouse, consult with specialists, draw up an individual program of steaming, microclimate, massage with a bathhouse technologist, and then believe me, the bathhouse will become a real, good friend for you. All I have to do is thank you for your attention and patience. All the best and health to you.
The primary task is to insulate the walls
If the building is based on untreated logs, you need to caulk the cracks by going through the joints with a sealant. A hut made of timber will require the following actions:
- The wall is sheathed with lathing.
- Insulation is laid between the beams.
- A vapor barrier layer, represented by oilcloth or foil waterproofing, is placed on top.
- The final stage is upholstery with clapboard or natural boards.
The following is used as an insulating element:
- mineral wool;
- peat slabs;
- chipboard;
- Styrofoam;
- traffic jam
Organic variations are suitable for the dressing room, rest room, synthetic ones to avoid the appearance of mold - in the washing department, steam room. Polystyrene foam can ignite and, when heated, becomes a source of release of hazardous chemicals.
It is better to work with less harmful cotton wool, providing yourself with protection from the fragile and loose consistency with a respirator, gloves and closed clothing.
Insulation process
For the frame, ordinary beams are used, they are nailed in a vertical position at a distance of 50-80 cm. Insulation samples are placed in the resulting openings without falling out or swelling.
When using foil waterproofing, apply it on top, laying the joining areas overlapping. This layer is attached to the frame base with staples or nails. For the steam room, it is preferable to buy fastenings made of brass or copper.
Preparing yourself for the steam room correctly
You need to go to the steam room prepared. What does it mean?
First, you need to rinse yourself in the shower with warm water, 36-40 degrees. Thus, you begin to gradually adapt your body to higher temperature loads. At the same time, you should not use soap or rub yourself with a washcloth; you can wait until you finish your visits to the steam room. Then you will wash yourself from the heart. And before going in, you don’t need to: you will wipe off the lipid layer from the skin, which plays an important role as a protective barrier.
Secondly , we put a felt bath hat on our head. It is best to do this immediately upon arrival so as not to wet your hair in the shower. Do not forget that you cannot go into the steam room with wet hair - there is a high risk of heat stroke. And if the hat gets slightly wet (of course, you shouldn’t get it wet), then this is only a plus: it will be cooler in a couple’s head.
Thirdly , don’t forget to take a bath mat or towel with you, which we will lay under ourselves (if you have tender feet, don’t forget about felt slippers).
Fourthly , brooms. We select those that we are going to use, inspect the foliage to see if there are many bare twigs. We take them with us to the steam room, where they need to be placed in a steamer, pour boiling water over them and cover with a lid. You won’t need them on the first run, but by the second they’ll be properly worn out.
Selection of finishing material
The interior decoration of the bath involves the use of an environmentally friendly product - wood. Usually they choose a lining that differs:
- Good micro circulation, which allows the walls to “breathe”.
- No condensation.
- Easy to install.
- Affordable price.
They use hardwood, which heats up quickly, maintaining a comfortable temperature. Larch is the most popular, but expensive version. Linden is treated with impregnation to preserve its white color. Aspen is often used on ceilings and walls. Ash, which is resistant to rotting, has a beautiful appearance, but birch is susceptible to drying out.
Today, Abashi is popular, an oak native to Africa, distinguished by valuable properties:
- reduced thermal conductivity;
- strength and lightness;
- resistant to drilling and sawing, which will not cause cracking;
- resistance to rotting;
- unique colorful texture
True, its cost is higher. The main requirement for all presented types is high-quality drying and processing without roughness. Before installation, the tree is kept indoors for “acclimatization.” It is not forbidden to combine different varieties.
What is contraindicated in equipping a steam room?
The decoration of a steam room in a bathhouse cannot include pine and fir, which is caused by unpleasant contact with heated walls - the released resins will contribute to skin burns. Oak and walnut have a high heat capacity and retain heat, making breathing difficult.
Another nuisance is that oak boards slip, which can lead to injury. Stain and varnish are unacceptable due to the harmful effects of chemicals on the human body when temperatures increase, but there are specialized impregnations that prevent the destruction of the wood composition.
It is strictly forbidden to use plastic or linoleum.
What is vaping?
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A vape is most often called some kind of vaping device or kit for beginner vapers, but this is not entirely true. Each device has its own name, which helps avoid confusion when communicating.
A vape device is a pocket-sized electronic device designed to generate and inhale flavored vapor. This is a technological solution for nicotine addiction and tobacco smoke.
The user can refuse or control nicotine consumption. This is similar to the effect of using nicotine gum or patch, but with the familiar feeling and action of taking a puff from a tobacco cigarette.
The first electronic cigarettes were devices that looked very similar to regular tobacco cigarettes. They were developed by Chinese engineer Hon Lik and released by Ruyan.
In China, such models went on sale in the early 2000s, and in Europe and America - since 2007.
A lot of time has passed since then and modern devices are divided into different categories, have a variety of designs, body shapes and technical characteristics.
But the main purpose remains unchanged.
Arrangement of the steam room
This is the most difficult department with high temperatures and humidity. The best offer is sanded wood, namely larch, which has the following characteristics:
- Resistant to heat.
- Uniform heating.
- Hygienic.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Decorative
- Healing qualities.
The ceiling is protected with vapor barrier material. The exit point of the pipe is lined with brick or iron sheet.
Floors
The floor part is concreted, which promises good quality and durability. Instead of wood, relief bath tiles are sometimes laid. In this case, it is necessary to acquire wooden gratings so as not to let your bare feet come into contact with the cold surface.
Natural stone is used in the area near the stove, which is fenced with stainless steel, red brickwork, and kaolin slabs.
How to start vaping
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As a first device, the best choice would be a device that is as easy to use as possible.
Step 1: Purchase a starter kit for beginners. The cost varies from 1300 to 4000 rubles. Regardless of appearance, they all produce roughly the same amount of vapor and flavor and fall into 4 main categories:
- Pod systems: pre-filled or refillable, disposable cartridges.
- AIO (all-in-one): reusable, replaceable evaporators.
- Electronic cigarettes: reusable, replaceable vaporizers, replaceable atomizers.
- Disposable e-cigarettes: pre-filled with liquid; The entire device is disposable.
All kits usually come with instructions for use. Since the vast majority of devices are manufactured in China, the translation of instructions into Russian may be “crooked” or completely absent.
However, the instructions will explain how best to use a particular kit and will usually have pictures to explain it.
In addition to pre-filled kits, all atomizers require liquid refilling.
If you have problems with the instructions and cannot figure out how to manage, refuel or operate the device, you can use the search on our portal (we have a large number of device reviews) or search engines to avoid unforeseen situations.
Step 2: Purchase e-liquid. You need to choose the flavor and nicotine content (strength) you like.
High nicotine e-liquids are usually supplied in bottles of 30 ml or less, while low-nicotine e-liquids are usually supplied in bottles of 30 ml or larger.
Preferences for the strength of the liquid depend on the individual, but there are still general recommendations for selecting the strength for various devices:
- High nicotine content: from 12 to 60 mg/ml, for low power (up to 15 W).
- Average nicotine content: from 6 to 12 mg/ml, for low or medium power (up to 30-40 W).
- Low nicotine content: from 0 to 6 mg/ml, for high power (over 40 W).
To determine the level of nicotine consumption, it is worth thinking about how often, what strength and how many cigarettes were smoked.
The high nicotine content (often salt nicotine) will quickly create a feeling of being “high” and is more suitable for heavy smokers.
Low nicotine content saturates the body more slowly and it takes longer to feel “high.”
Once you know what nicotine strength to use (high, medium or low) and that the nicotine strength is suitable for your current device, it is worth starting with the lowest value in this range so as not to overdo it.
Then, based on personal experience, adjust in one direction or another.
Shelves
Independent finishing of the steam room in the bath includes making shelves for lying on. They should have rounded shapes and sufficiently deep fasteners. The width of the upper deck chair is 100 cm, the middle one is 40 cm, the bottom one is 30 cm with a board thickness of 5 cm. These important items must:
- do not be overheated;
- cool down slowly;
- have an ecological composition;
- just wash.
Lattice-type devices are easier to ventilate compared to solid samples, which increases their shelf life.
How vape devices work
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All vaping devices work on the same principle: a power source (battery pack) supplies voltage to a heating element (coil), which heats up and evaporates the liquid in a small chamber (atomizer).
The user then inhales the vapor through a small mouthpiece (drip tip).
The device only works as an assembled unit; individually, not a single vaping component will give the desired result.
Although experienced vapers often assemble their kits themselves, novice users are advised to stick to the manufacturer's starter kits to ensure full compatibility.
Power supply
A battery pack is a rechargeable device typically using lithium-ion batteries.
Such devices can come in different shapes and sizes and go by several names - pod systems, vape pens, e-cigarettes, pipe mods or mods and box mods (from left to right in the image above).
The term "mod" itself comes from the word "modification", when users independently modified their devices to achieve more power.
Currently, this is not necessary, because modern devices have a wide range of technical characteristics and functions.
Some of them are more advanced and allow you to change power (vari-watt), voltage (vari-volt) and temperature (thermal control).
The rest have automatic configuration or no data functions at all, but do not require technical understanding from the user.
The power level of a vape device generally indicates the ease of operation as well as the experience required to use it safely.
Low power: pod systems, vape pens, e-cigarettes, AIO (all-in-one).
- No experience required;
- Small rechargeable battery (unless it's a disposable e-cigarette);
- Usually without power adjustment;
- Ultra portable device.
Medium power: AIO (all-in-one), pipe mods, box mods.
- Some experience required;
- Knowledge of safety precautions when working with batteries is recommended;
- Medium size rechargeable battery or replaceable battery;
- Often with adjustable power (up to 100 W);
- Compact device (though not ultraportable).
High power: box mods, mechanical mods.
- Experience is required;
- Knowledge of safety precautions when working with batteries is required;
- Several replaceable batteries (rarely built-in);
- Typically with adjustable power (up to 200+ W);
- Quite a heavy and bulky device.
Replacement batteries most commonly used in vaping devices are 18650, 20700, 21700 sizes.
These batteries are much more powerful than regular batteries from a remote control or other household device and require a thorough understanding of battery safety.
That is why it is strongly recommended for novice vapers to purchase devices with built-in (non-removable) batteries that can be charged directly in the device itself from the USB port.
Steam source
The vapor is generated in an atomizer, sometimes called a tank or tank. This is a standalone camera electrically connected to the mod.
It contains a heating element - a metal spiral or mesh with cotton to absorb and retain liquid.
When voltage is applied from the battery pack to the heating element, the liquid begins to heat up and evaporate. The result is steam.
All atomizers have a liquid capacity (measured in ml) and the capacity varies from device to device.
Many types of atomizers have a very simple design, while others are much more complex in design and are suitable only for experienced vapers.
Based on ease of use, they are divided into 4 categories:
- Pre-filled: disposable, the evaporator does not change.
- pods, cartridges, cartomizers.
- Refillable: reusable; the evaporator does not change.
- pods, cartridges, cartomizers.
- Refillable with replaceable evaporators: reusable.
- self-powered atomizers, clearomizers.
- Serviced: reusable, evaporator and cotton are installed independently.
- Any atomizer starting with "R", such as RDA, RTA, RDTA, etc.
Like mods, atomizers have many variations. The main thing to remember when choosing is that they must be compatible with the mod.
Not all will physically match (for example, in size or connector), and some may not match in terms of the supported evaporator resistance or the power required for the atomizer to operate correctly.
Heating elements have different resistance ranges (in ohms). Some are designed to create large, thick clouds of vapor (low resistance, less than 1 ohm), while others create much smaller and less dense vapor (high resistance, around 1 ohm or more).
Regardless of the resistance and type of atomizer, all coils, after some time, “wear out” and need to be replaced. They do not burn out like the filament in an incandescent lamp, but the flavor and amount of vapor deteriorate with prolonged use.
The average service life of a heating element can be from a couple of days to a week (in rare cases, more).
Restroom
A cozy room with an aesthetic appearance should please the eye. If preference is given to the wooden version, then coniferous representatives pine, fir, spruce will come in very handy, as they resist the formation of fungi and are filled with beneficial phytoncides.
The temperature in this area does not exceed the norm, so there will be no leakage of resins, but the pine smell will intensify when heated, causing a real fragrance.
In addition, they use:
- Glass wallpaper.
- Porcelain tiles.
- A natural stone.
- Decorative plaster.
You will need powerful ventilation for air circulation, as well as furniture for tea drinking.
Steam room, first run
This is still a preparatory stage. During the first visit, we continue to adapt the body to new conditions. The most suitable temperature for this is 60°C. Usually this is the temperature of the lower tier in a well-heated Russian bath. This is where you need to sit down to begin with, sit quietly (you can also lie down) and take a good breath, gradually taking deeper and deeper breaths. At the same time, you will feel how every minute the air is saturated with the aroma of steaming brooms (for gourmets, you can also add a special steamer). The optimal duration of the first run is up to 10 minutes (for beginners, five is enough). During this time, you will feel your heartbeat quicken, profuse sweating begins, your skin turns red - it’s time to take a break.
While resting for 20-30 minutes, it is very useful to drink hot tea with honey, lemon or mint. Fruit drinks, juices, kvass are very good (just not cold ones!). Before re-entering the steam room (and all subsequent ones), you should again take a warm shower.
Shower room
The interior decoration of the bathhouse pays sufficient attention to this section. A wooden washing compartment will soon become unusable. Therefore, it is concreted, equipped with a wooden grate that is taken out for drying. Rough tiles are often used.
The floor is arranged as a matter of priority. Log beams are laid. If there is a leak, crushed stone is poured 25 cm between them on the sand. If it is necessary to drain the liquid onto the street, use a clay castle, giving a slope to the receiving tray. The surface is tilted to one side, where the grate and drainage recess are located.
An additional “black” layer will be required, which includes wood scraps, expanded clay, and slab. On top there is waterproofing made of roofing felt and only then finishing boards, under them there is a ventilation pipe.
Concrete is poured after filling of sand and crushed stone is completed. Next is expanded clay and, finally, a concrete layer of 5 cm. The tiles are laid out from the corner location, using tile adhesive.
Types of puffs in vaping
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The first puffs of vaping can ruin or, on the contrary, embellish the experience of use. This is quite important! If you inhale incorrectly, you may experience a cough or discomfort.
There are two main types of puffs: mouth-to-lung (cigarette puff, MTL) and direct-to-lung (hookah puff, DL). The most appropriate tightening depends on the type of device.
Mouth to lung (cigarette puff, MTL)
This type of puff is most suitable for high vaporizer resistance (about 1 ohm or more) and, as a rule, a high nicotine content is used.
Devices for this type of puff pull quite tightly, as if through a straw. And this does not depend on the size of the device. Most often these are pod systems, AIO and devices with an MTL prefix.
The most preferred method for smokers, as the sensations are similar.
The tightening technique is simple:
- You need to slowly fill your mouth with steam for a few seconds.
- Closing your mouth, hold the steam for 1-2 seconds.
- Open your mouth and breathe into your lungs (do not “swallow”).
- Exhale after the steam enters the lungs.
Straight into the lungs (hookah puff, DL)
This type of puff is most suitable for low resistance vaporizers (sub, less than 1 ohm) and, as a rule, low nicotine content is used.
Devices for this type of tightening are very easy to pull. This type of puff produces more steam and throat hit (throat hit), although it is considered to be mild and light (due to the low nicotine content).
Tightening technique:
- Quickly draw the steam directly into your lungs.
- Exhale steam almost immediately.
If you can’t figure out what type of draft to use in the device or if there is an air flow adjustment (a rotary ring, usually at the bottom of the atomizer), you can focus on the nicotine content.
High nicotine levels (12-60 mg/ml) are better suited for MTL cravings (mouth to lung), and low levels (0-6 mg/ml) for hookah cravings (direct to lungs).
Medium nicotine content (6-12 mg/ml) can be used with both types of puffs, but hookah puffs are most often used.
Cigar puff
Some vapers refuse to inhale into their lungs and vape as if it were a cigar. Although there is technically no inhalation, a cigar puff can be used on high power (similar to DL, hookah) or low power devices (similar to MTL, cigarette).
In this case, nicotine is consumed through the mucous membrane. Some even argue that it is not necessary to inhale into the lungs.
Bath accessories
Finishing a bathhouse with your own hands saves the budget; the owner will certainly make every effort to ensure that the quality of the work is not called into question, and will think about everything down to the smallest detail.
Acceptance of procedures is unthinkable without the presence of wooden buckets, bath barrels, headrests, and hangers. The smells of wood and birch brooms merge and create a natural atmosphere. You can build something like a bar with drinks, storage for herbs.
In the sink they install a hanging tub at the top, whose operating principle is very simple - just pull the rope and it will tip over, dousing the standing person with cold water. The container is secured, maintaining a distance from the wall, so that the symbolic shower can rotate freely without touching it.
The benefits and harms of baths
Those who regularly visit the bathhouse protect themselves from many diseases and illnesses:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Hypertension
- Vegetovascular dystonia and migraine
- Diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system
- Respiratory diseases
- Flabbiness of the skin
Unfortunately, not everyone can go to the bathhouse, because there are restrictions and contraindications for health reasons . So, those who have:
- Oncological diseases
- Heart problems
- Epileptic seizures
- Period of exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases
Style directions
Modern bathhouses welcome minimalism associated with practicality. More often this is a traditional Russian style harmonious with the log house. If you are not confident in your capabilities and turnkey finishing of the bathhouse is entrusted to specialists, all you have to do is choose the option you like.
The masters will do their work professionally, and you will enjoy steaming with the whole family, restoring strength and health.
How to steam in a sauna for health
In centuries-old Russian culture, the art of bathing has always occupied one of the important places, since it was from here that people drew strength and health. At a time when in civilized Europe it was unfashionable to wash, and the smell of an unclean body was masked by various aromas, in Rus' it was an immutable tradition to visit a bathhouse with a steam room once a week.
How to steam in a sauna for health
Today, alas, few people know how to properly take a steam bath for not only physical but also spiritual health, but good procedures carried out in a steam room can cleanse the body of accumulated toxins and balance the mental state, since everything in the human body is interconnected.
The bath helps to cure any disease, provided that medicinal herbs are used correctly and the required temperature in the steam room is observed. It restores blood circulation, functionality of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, relieves stress and physical fatigue, cleanses and rejuvenates the body.
In order for bath procedures to be useful and effective, you need to know how to carry them out correctly, since in some cases a bath can even harm the human body.
Bath accessories
The bath will not be effective if the procedures are taken hastily. An atmosphere of calm and leisurely atmosphere should reign in its premises, so for this event you need to allocate unlimited time, which will allow you not only to have a good steam bath, but also to relax after the main procedures.
The choice of bath accessories should be approached very responsibly
It is believed that it is best to steam in the first half of the day, when the body, not tired from everyday activities, is still full of strength and can easily withstand the increased load on the heart from high temperatures.
The atmosphere in the bathhouse itself should promote rest and relaxation.
In order for the event to take place in comfortable conditions, the following accessories must be present in the bathhouse:
Always have a tub with a ladle at hand
- A tub with a ladle is a wooden container, usually made of oak, which has a dense wood structure and almost does not absorb moisture. In addition, oak has a number of properties that have a beneficial effect on the overall health of the body, so this wood always occupies a “privileged” position in the bathhouse. Not only accessories are made from it, but also used for interior decoration.
A trip to the bathhouse is simply unthinkable without a broom
- Broom. This accessory, which is mandatory for a Russian bath, is selected depending on the result that you would like to achieve. It is worth learning more about brooms, so more detailed information will be presented below.
A felt cap will protect your head from overheating
- A felt cap for the steam room - it is necessary to protect the head from overheating, since the hot air in the steam room rises upward and is approximately at the level of human height. Overheating of the head is especially dangerous for people sensitive to increased blood pressure.
- Two terry towels - one for drying, and the other for laying on the bench.
- A robe or sheet for wrapping after procedures.
Especially when going to a public bath, flip-flops are required.
- Rubber flip-flops with non-slip soles that are not afraid of water. They are especially necessary if the trip is to a public bath - for hygienic reasons.
It is better to use natural washcloths or hard mittens for washing.
- Natural washcloths or woolen mittens and massage brushes that will help cleanse the skin and open the pores.
- Soap accessories.
For a healing effect, depending on the ailment, various oils made from natural raw materials of medicinal herbs and fruits are taken into the bathhouse. They are added to the hot pebbles of the heater, mixed with water. The aroma of these substances fills the space of the room and has an amazing effect on the condition of those taking bath procedures.
Bath brooms
Bath brooms
One of the main accessories of the steam room are brooms, the preparation process of which has its own secrets. The raw materials for them are cut at a certain period of time and dried in a special way. Branches of various trees and herbs are used for brooms - each of them has a specific effect on the human body. Some heal the skin and relieve spasms, others, due to the content of resinous substances, are able to disinfect the air in the steam room, bringing relief from colds and bronchitis of various types.
Variety of bath brooms
Any bath broom, when steamed, releases phytoncides that are harmful to bacteria. Essential oils contained in plants help activate metabolic processes in the body and prevent the aging of the skin, so the use of this accessory in a steam room is simply necessary.
Birch broom
Birch branches are the most popular for making bath brooms. This can be explained not only by the useful properties of this tree, but also by its accessibility, since birch can be found in almost every region of Russia.
The most popular in our area are birch brooms
Birch branches are flexible, and its leaves are porous and moderately wide. After drying, they hold well on the branches, steam well, taking on a fresh look and aroma. While vaping, the leaves adhere perfectly to the body and absorb sweat from the heat, cleansing the pores. It should be noted that the cleansing properties of a birch broom are much higher than those of eucalyptus or oak. First, a dry broom is used, since its leaves, devoid of cellular fluid, collect sweat well, and then the branches are dipped in hot water and the body massage continues.
In addition to its cleansing effects, birch broom helps relieve painful rheumatic pain in the joints and spine.
The harvesting of birch branches is carried out in dry weather, starting in June. Branches are cut 500 ÷ 600 mm long from trees growing in lowlands or on the banks of reservoirs. However, if there are none, branches from birch groves, which grow in areas with any terrain, are also suitable.
Prices for birch brooms for baths
Birch broom
Oak broom
The oak version of the bath broom is also considered traditional, since oak foliage contains substances that, when exposed to steam, can lower blood pressure and relieve inflammatory processes from the skin.
Oak broom is an excellent alternative to birch broom
Properly prepared branches hold the leaves well after drying, so during bathing procedures they do not fly off or stick to the body. An oak broom is good for bringing steam onto the body - this property is used by those who want to thoroughly warm up and steam.
Oak brooms are harvested from June to August. Branches are cut from trees located in dense oak forests. A guide to choosing a good oak is the burdocks with large leaves growing next to it.
Prices for oak brooms for baths
oak bath broom
Linden broom
Linden has long been used in Rus' for the treatment and prevention of various respiratory diseases. Its fragrant color, smelling of honey, spreads from the trees tens of meters in spring. At this time, not only the linden blossom is collected for brewing decoctions, but also thin branches 500 ÷ 600 mm long are cut off for tying brooms.
Linden brooms are especially good if collected during the flowering season
If it was not possible to prepare a bath accessory at this time, then this can be done throughout the summer period. True, the branches will not be so fragrant, but they will not lose their main beneficial properties and will help in the prevention of colds, relieve headaches, cleanse the skin and relieve inflammation.
Eucalyptus broom
Eucalyptus has a tart, persistent aroma and has also been used for a long time to treat various diseases. The narrow leaves of eucalyptus have an oblong shape and a bright green color that does not fade after drying and high temperatures. This is due to the fact that they contain a large amount of essential oils.
Our eucalyptus broom is mostly exotic
It should be noted that not every person is able to withstand the fumes that a whole bouquet of eucalyptus branches gives, so experienced bathhouse attendants advise adding just one or two branches to a birch, linden or oak broom. In addition, the branches of this plant are quite thin and not elastic, so they are not very effective for massage, but together with others they will be an excellent combination.
Eucalyptus grows only in those areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below 8 ÷ 10 degrees, and in Russia it can only be found on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Therefore, a bath broom made of eucalyptus branches can be considered a kind of “luxury”.
If you really want to try a steam room with the aroma of eucalyptus, but you couldn’t find a broom from it, then you can try making a thick decoction from its leaves, which are purchased dry in pharmacy packaging.
Prices for equilipt brooms for baths
eucalyptus broom
Juniper broom
Juniper branches are used in the bath to treat rheumatism and the respiratory system. They have a wonderful resin aroma and have a bactericidal effect. Most often, they are used for laying steam room benches, since they are quite sharp, and not every bath lover can withstand a massage from them. However, they say that after tasting the touch of juniper during a light massage or lying on its branches, you want to repeat this feeling again.
Excellent brooms or additions to them are made from juniper
Since this shrub is evergreen, it can be cut at any time of the year, but it is best to use its young shoots, which appear in mid-summer. They are not as hard and prickly as they become in the winter.
Prices for juniper bath brooms
juniper broom
Coniferous brooms (spruce, fir, cedar)
Brooms made from coniferous branches can cure various ailments. Having a large number of different resins and vitamins in their needles, they perfectly disinfect and lighten the air in the steam room, making it healing. For example, fir helps relieve rheumatoid pain, while spruce and cedar help get rid of respiratory diseases that arise for various reasons.
They are often laid on benches in the steam room and laid on them. Under the influence of temperature, the needles release essential oils, which, penetrating through the opened pores, produce a healing effect on the internal organs and directly on the skin, nourishing it.
It is impossible to harvest coniferous brooms for future use, since when they dry, the needles become hard and fall off the branches, especially since when dried they lose their medicinal properties. Therefore, such brooms are cut immediately before going to the steam room.
Nettle broom
Brooms made from young nettles perform well
Not many people know how useful a broom made from nettle branches, which is collected before the grass blooms, in the middle of summer. Even when you lightly touch the skin with a nettle broom, you get the effect of a deep massage of the skin with a slight tingling sensation and the appearance of a pleasant blush on it. Nettle normalizes blood circulation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, massaging, rejuvenates the skin, making it elastic.
Wormwood broom
A wormwood broom is unlikely to help give a massage, so it is often added to the middle of more flexible branches and dried together, or used for laying on a bench. Wormwood has a beneficial effect on the treatment of the gallbladder, stomach, liver, and helps with rheumatism. At high temperatures, the grass begins to release substances that help open the pores, allowing the skin to breathe, absorbing the beneficial substances contained in wormwood, which are organic acids, essential oils and tannins.
Adding dried wormwood to brooms gives excellent results.
Grass is harvested after it has finished flowering, at which time its stems are already strong, but not coarse and have relative flexibility. After this, they collect it in bouquets, bandage it and dry it.
Prices for wormwood brooms
wormwood broom
Rowan, currant and cherry broom
If you couldn’t find the brooms mentioned above for the steam room, then a bouquet of branches of shrubs and trees such as cherries, currants or rowan will do. These plants have enormous vitamin potential and a wonderful aroma, which appears when the leaves and branches of the plants enter a room heated to high temperatures. The branches of cherry, currant and rowan are quite flexible, and they are good for light massage of the steamed body, which has a beneficial effect on the skin. Aromatic vapors, penetrating the respiratory organs, have a preventive effect and prevent the occurrence of colds.
You can use brooms from some fruit trees and shrubs
After using a rowan broom, a person has increased performance due to a surge of strength. Therefore, if a trip to the bathhouse was carried out in the first half of the day, and rowan branches were used in the steam room, the person receiving the procedures will not be too relaxed, but, on the contrary, will receive a boost of energy for the rest of the day.
To prevent any of the dried brooms from losing their aroma, they are first dipped in cold water to saturate them with moisture, and then quickly transferred to the hot pebbles of the heater. Once heated, the leaves will begin to release aroma into the steam room.
Warming up the broom on the heater
After removing the broom from the stones, you must definitely remove the remaining leaves on them, otherwise, when dry, they will begin to burn and smoke, spoiling the fresh bath atmosphere.
When using a broom in a steam room, you need to take into account one important point - its handle should be wrapped in a soft cloth or, when using it, you should put a mitten on your hand that will protect your palms from the appearance of calluses.
How to steam properly?
Steaming correctly is a whole science
You need to take a steam bath correctly so as not to harm your health through negligence or ignorance, since not every person’s body is able to withstand high temperatures without negative consequences.
Video: general recommendations for taking bath procedures:
For example, for a beginner who decides to start healing with the help of bath procedures, for the first time, just one entry into the steam room is enough for 3 ÷ 5 minutes, which needs to be spent lying on the bottom shelf.
Those who have experience in the art of taking a good steam can make 3 ÷ 4 visits, and for experienced bath lovers, it is ideal to visit the steam room at least 6 ÷ 7 times with breaks for rest, during which a cool shower is taken.
- Before entering the steam room, you must wash yourself well in a warm shower using a washcloth, but without soap. If you are going to take a steam bath in a dry sauna, you need to thoroughly dry your skin.
If the shower is cool and the body is not warmed up enough, it is recommended to warm your feet by lowering them into a basin with very warm water, and then gradually warm it up by adding hot water. After the body is prepared, you can go to the steam room.
You shouldn’t immediately climb to the top on your first try.
If it’s hot outside, then when you go to take a steam bath, you shouldn’t immediately climb to the top shelf - you need to let your body adapt. To do this, it is best to sit on the bottom or lie down on the middle shelf. The recommended room temperature upon first entry should be no more than 60 degrees.
- When entering the steam room for the first time, you must put a felt hat on your head and take a towel with you.
The first run should last about 3 ÷ 5 minutes, and it is better to spend this time lying on a shelf, on your stomach or on your back, with a special wooden headrest under your head.
When lying down, the body warms up evenly and quickly adapts to high temperatures.
When sweat appears on the skin, you need to leave the steam room and immediately get into the shower with cool water for 7 ÷ 10 seconds. If you have the opportunity to jump into the pool, do not deny yourself this pleasure. You can, of course, just sit for 5 ÷ 7 minutes in the dressing room and cool down a little.
- For the second session, which can last longer by 2 ÷ 3 minutes, you need to spread a towel or dry herbs on the shelf, prepare a broom and fill the tub with warm water or a decoction of medicinal plants.
The healing effect increases if real herbs are spread on the floors
– If you take a fresh, just cut broom into the steam room, you can only rinse it in water, and the healing bouquet will be ready for use.
– A dry broom needs to be soaked and left for a while, until it becomes soft and a pleasant aroma comes from it.
– If the procedure takes place in a room with humid steam, then the broom is placed on the top shelf in advance - after a while it will steam itself and can be used.
– Having pulled the broom out of the water, place it on the heater for a few seconds. It quickly heats up to the desired temperature and enhances its aroma.
– Next, you need to pump heated air to the body with a bouquet of medicinal plants, and not whip yourself with it right away, as many do. This process is carried out with smooth movements, similar to a fan. Fanning and pressing the broom begin from the legs, passing over the feet and calves, rising to the buttocks and back, along the torso, shoulders and arms, and then lowering back.
First, a gentle massage is performed, simply pressing a broom to the body
– After the body gets used to this procedure, they move on to more intense actions - the body can be lightly whipped, while the foliage should stick to the skin, so the broom is periodically dipped in water.
– When carrying out this process, lying on a shelf, you need to constantly turn, changing position, to reduce the load on the heart, relax the muscles and ligaments. In addition, the shelf itself, made of smooth bars, will become a kind of massager for the whole body.
– It is better, of course, if the procedures of pressing and massage with a broom are carried out by a partner, since he will have more opportunity, without missing a single area, to treat the entire body.
– After finishing the massage, you should not get up suddenly. You need to lie quietly on a bench and relax, then sit down to normalize blood circulation and blood pressure, and only then can you take a cool shower.
– Returning to the steam room, the heat in it needs to be increased by splashing a decoction of herbs or water on the hot pebbles of the heater - this will require 150 ÷ 300 grams of liquid. In this case, the temperature in the steam room should not rise much, only the air is humidified and the amount of steam is added. You should not pour too much water on the stones, as when high humidity occurs, the air becomes heavier and it will be much more difficult to breathe.
The bathhouse should have devices to control temperature, humidity and time spent in the steam room
Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the desired ratio of humidity and temperature in the room. 25 ÷ 40% and 65 ÷ 80 °C are considered optimal.
To control the heating process and humidity level, you need to purchase a special device for the steam room - a thermohygrometer.
- After completing all the procedures, you must wash yourself well with warm water and soap to wash off all the sweat released during steaming. Then rub yourself well with a towel, put on a terry robe, warm slippers and rest for 15 ÷ 25 minutes, drinking a hot herbal decoction. In this case, sweating should continue.
- After steaming in a robe with a hot drink, you should take a shower again and rub yourself dry, then wrap yourself in a towel and rest for 25 ÷ 35 minutes.
Bath drinks are tea or medicinal infusions, and not beer or stronger alcohol!
Every time you enter a steam room, you need to stay in it until it warms up completely and sweat appears, as well as redness of the skin. The time of all entries should be no more than 45 minutes, each of them lasts 3 ÷ 10 minutes. If we consider all the steaming procedures, taking into account rest, cooling down and taking a shower, then in total a “high-quality” trip to the bathhouse will take two to three hours.
If such an event gave good results, and your well-being improved significantly after it, then next time the time spent in the steam room and the number of visits can be gradually increased.
We must not forget that those who decided to visit the steam room for the first time, and older people, need to increase the time spent in the steam room very carefully, with each visit - literally by one minute.
What should you consider when going to the steam room?
If there are no contraindications for visiting the steam room, you still need to follow certain rules, since if you ignore them, you can harm even a completely healthy body.
- When going to the bathhouse, you need to calculate the time so that one and a half to two hours pass after eating, that is, the stomach should not be full, but it cannot be empty either.
- Before going to the steam room and during the procedures, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages.
- If you have been doing heavy physical work, then before entering the bathhouse you need to rest for 35–40 minutes.
- It is forbidden to visit the bathhouse if you have an elevated body temperature.
- It is not advisable to take a steam bath before bed, after a hard day of work, as the sauna increases the load on the heart.
- Before entering the steam room, you should not take a shower with soap or wet your hair.
- You can only enter a heated room, especially for beginners, by wearing a bath cap.
- You should not visit the steam room if you are upset or mentally stressed, as this condition also puts a strain on the heart and raises blood pressure.
If you take into account all the tips and recommendations, then performing bath procedures will be beneficial to health, and a person will receive real pleasure from them, which will certainly lift their spirits, and not just for one day.
