Useful treatments in the sauna. The benefits of a bath for weight loss - how to steam properly, do cosmetic procedures and massage. Prices for equalip brooms for a bath

15.11.2020 Pregnancy

Cosmetologists claim that the effectiveness of caring procedures for the face and body is significantly increased if they are carried out on steamed skin. It is best to do this in a bath or sauna, but not all masks and scrub creams are suitable for this. You need to know and follow the rules for visiting and behaving in a sauna so that only a high-quality result is obtained from a visit.

A visit to the bathhouse and sauna is recognized as useful not only by adherents of traditional methods of treatment and prevention of diseases, but also by official medicine. The effect of hot steam on the skin is generally obvious:

the temperature of the surface of the epidermis rises, which causes the rapid and complete rejection of the "shell" of dead scales;
pores open, all the dirt begins to come out of them - the remnants of the secretion of the sebaceous and sweat glands, dust, cosmetics;
the epidermis begins to actively "breathe" and let through everything useful material into deep layers skin;
excess fluid comes out of the skin and the whole body, which solves the problem of edema and cellulite.

Infrared sauna

Precisely because the skin “opens up” to receive various nutrients, various skin care procedures will be especially beneficial for it.

In addition, the sauna has a positive effect on the functioning of the whole organism:

muscles become softer, relax as much as possible;
blood vessels dilate, blood flow to all organs increases;
the functionality of the heart muscle is activated;
motor reaction increases, attention becomes more concentrated.

It is also well known what effect the sauna has on the psycho-emotional background - the mood rises, anxieties go away, irritation disappears.

An excellent option would be to visit with some spa treatments at the same time. They will bring maximum benefit to the skin and solve many problems.

SPA treatments for the skin in the sauna: which can be done and which can not

There are several prohibitions on spa treatments for skin care:

Deep cleansing of the skin. We are talking about peeling, which, with such a maximum steaming of the epidermis, will cause quite serious damage to it. Even if natural formulations are used as cleansing agents, you should not neglect the recommendation of refusing the procedure.
Massage with anti-cellulite creams. The problem can arise literally "out of the blue" - the vessels close to the surface of the skin, under the influence of high temperatures, become so fragile that they can rupture and hemorrhage under the skin. It is unlikely that this will add health, but the fight against bruises (hematomas) will last for several weeks.
Use moisturizers or nourishing creams. After visiting the sauna and carrying out a number of spa procedures, you just need to dry the skin, and all other cosmetics are used at least 10 - 12 hours later.

Various masks for face and body skin, scrubs and rinsing are allowed, but only if the following conditions are met:

Before heading to the steam room, you need to thoroughly rinse off dirt and makeup in the shower. Ablutions must be performed in the future, before each entry into the "hot room". By the way, you don't need to stay in it for more than 10 minutes.

You can apply cosmetics on the face and body only during breaks between couples procedures. It is generally forbidden to do anything directly in the steam room, otherwise the opposite effect may occur, when the thermoregulation of the skin is disturbed when the pores are blocked and high air temperatures. The result can be fainting, hypertensive crisis, convulsive activity, acute heart failure.
Apply scrubs, masks and other products after the first visit to the steam room. By this time, the adaptation of the body is not yet complete, additional stress in the form of a mass of nutrients that have entered the skin will definitely not be useful to it.

For information on which face and body care procedures are recommended to be performed in the sauna, and which are not, see this video:

Body and face scrubs

If you mix coffee grounds from a drink drunk with a small amount of honey, you will get an excellent remedy for cleansing the skin of the body. The product is applied to the cover, rubbed in a circular motion for 15 - 20 minutes, then washed off with warm or cool water. In the case of too coarse foci (heels, elbows, knees), medium-ground salt and baking soda are added to the mentioned composition. For cooking, all ingredients are taken in equal proportions.

The skin of the face is more delicate, the above recipes are categorically not suitable for it. The following product combinations are optimal choices:

cream or sour cream (1 tablespoon) + fine sea salt (1 teaspoon);
sour cream (2 tablespoons) + chopped fresh cucumber pulp (1 tablespoon) + 5 drops of lemon juice;
small oatmeal (4 tablespoons) + cream (3 tablespoons).

The product should be on the face for no more than 10 minutes, then it is washed off with cool water.

Nourishing face masks

They are applied before the last entry into the steam room, since the skin at this moment is as cleansed and warmed up as possible, so all the useful substances from the cosmetic product will completely pass into the deep layers of the cover. The best sauna recipes are:

From clay... You can use blue or white, for 100 g of powder you need to add such an amount of warm water so that the result is a homogeneous mass. Clay itself contains more than 50 minerals and trace elements, so even a basic product is suitable for nourishing the skin of the face.

But if you wish, you can add aloe juice to it - with oily or inflamed skin, milk or sour cream - with increased sensitivity of the cover, oat flour - with a problem type.

From cottage cheese... This fermented milk product is considered universal in cosmetology and can be used to care for any type of facial skin. Mix cottage cheese with honey, oat flour, sour cream, medicinal chamomile oil or algae powder. Before adding an additional ingredient, the curd must be mixed with milk and ensure a homogeneous mass.
From fruits and berries... Everything is simple here: strawberries, apples, lingonberries, melon pulp or any other fruits / berries are crushed in puree and applied to the already cleansed and scrubbed skin. There is one nuance here: a strong allergy can occur to such a mask, so you need to choose those products that are adequately perceived by the body. When in doubt, it is better to give preference to non-red ingredients, for example, peaches, plums, apricots.

Masks for mature skin

Age is not at all a reason to refuse to visit the sauna, having previously agreed with the doctor. And if there are no contraindications to such pleasure, then you should take care of mature skin. The most relevant for her will be masks based on yeast. Alcoholic ("raw") yeast is used for cosmetic procedures, which is compulsorily crushed and mixed with warm water to obtain a thick but soft mass. And now you can add to it:

egg yolk;
banana pulp;
liquid honey;
cream.

The number of ingredients when mixing is taken in equal proportions. And if mature skin is of an oily type and has many age spots, then a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide added to yeast will help to cope with these problems.

For the rules for peeling body skin in a sauna, see this video:

Body and hair care after

After visiting the sauna and carrying out a number of caring procedures, you need to leave the skin of the body and face "alone". After cooling down, many apply moisturizers or nourishing creams to it - this is not necessary. Only if the rest in passed without scrubbing and applying masks, you should use some kind of cosmetics, for example, professional creams.

Hair is also exposed to the heat of the hot air in the sauna, and this is not always beneficial. First, you need to know what to visit the steam room with wet curls strictly prohibited - they will become dry and with split ends. This can be avoided by using a bath cap or towel.

Secondly, you need to wash your hair only after the last visit to the steam room, when you have a shower, rest and return home. You can also use masks for them.

You can use a completely extraordinary proposal: mix 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with a teaspoon of grated garlic and distribute over the entire length of the hair, affecting the scalp. This mask is applied after the first visit to the steam room and is not washed off until the end of the sauna visit.

Since garlic can give a specific smell to curls, it is better to use shampoo with a strong, aggressive aroma when washing them. But the result will surprise - the hair will become silky, shiny and smooth.

Maoines and Garlic Hair Mask

Contraindications to visit

Sauna, coupled with cosmetic SPA procedures, works wonders: the skin becomes smooth, even, wrinkles disappear, elasticity appears. But if all the described means can be used outside, then not everyone is allowed to visit this place. Doctors categorically prohibit going to the sauna when:

menstruation and pregnancy;
recovery after undergoing surgical interventions;
any problems in the work of the heart and blood vessels;
tumor-like neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature;
varicose veins;
an increase in body temperature against the background of any diseases;
infectious and inflammatory diseases;
dermatological problems;
circulatory disorders in the brain.

Observing the rules for visiting the sauna and conducting spa procedures for the skin of the body and face, regularly performing the described manipulations, you can achieve a lot. The steam room not only normalizes and stabilizes the psycho-emotional background, protects the body from stress, but also makes the skin smoother, smoother, relieves it of acne and blackheads, smoothes fine wrinkles.

Birch broom

Birch branches are the most popular for making bath brooms. This can be explained not only by the usefulness of the properties of this tree, but also by its availability, 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 adhere well to the branches, steamed well, taking on a fresh look and aroma. While steaming, the leaves adhere perfectly to the body and absorb sweat protruding 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 continue to massage the body.

In addition to cleansing actions, a birch broom helps to relieve painful rheumatic pains in the joints and spine.

Birch branches are harvested in dry weather, starting in June. Branches are cut with a length of 500 ÷ 600 mm 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 relief, are also suitable.

Prices for birch brooms for a bath

Birch broom

Oak broom

The oak version of the bath broom is also considered traditional, since the oak foliage contains substances that, under the influence of steam, can lower blood pressure and remove inflammation from the skin.

Oak broom is a great alternative to birch

Correctly harvested branches hold the leaves well after drying, therefore, when carrying out bath procedures, they do not fly off and do not stick to the body. It is good to blow steam onto the body with an oak broom - this property is used by those who want to thoroughly warm up and steam.

Procurement of oak brooms is carried out from June to August. Branches are cut from trees located in dense oak forests. A guideline for choosing a good oak is the burdocks with large leaves growing next to it.

Prices for oak brooms for a bath

oak broom for a bath

Linden broom

Linden has long been used in Russia for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the respiratory tract. Its fragrant color, smelling of honey, spreads from trees for tens of meters in spring. At this time, not only the color of linden is collected for brewing broths, but thin branches 500 ÷ 600 mm long are also cut off for imposing brooms.

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 prevention colds, relieve headaches, cleanse the skin and relieve inflammation.

Eucalyptus broom

Eucalyptus has a tart, persistent scent and has also long been used 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.

Most of our eucalyptus broom is exotic

It should be noted that not every person is able to withstand the fumes that a whole bunch of eucalyptus branches gives, so experienced bath attendants advise adding only one or two branches to a birch, linden or oak broom. In addition, the branches of this plant are thin enough and not elastic, so they are not very effective for massage, and together with others they will have an excellent combination.

Eucalyptus grows only in those regions where winter temperatures rarely drop below 8–10 degrees, and in Russia it can be found only 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 scent of eucalyptus, but you could not find a broom from it, then you can try to make a thick broth from its leaves, which are purchased dry in a pharmacy package.

Prices for equalip brooms for a bath

eucalyptus broom

Juniper broom

Juniper branches are used in the bath for the treatment of rheumatism and the respiratory system. They have a wonderful resin aroma and are bactericidal. Most often they are used for laying on the benches of the steam room, since they are enough pegs, and not every sauna lover can withstand a massage from them. However, they say that after trying the touch of a juniper during a light massage or lying on its branches, you want to repeat this feeling again.

Since this shrub is evergreen, you can cut it at any time of the year, but it is best to use its young shoots that appear in mid-summer. They are not as tough and choppy as they become by the winter period.

Prices for juniper brooms for a bath

juniper broom

Coniferous brooms (spruce, fir, cedar)

Various ailments can be cured with brooms from coniferous branches. Having in the composition of their needles a large amount of various resins and vitamins, they perfectly disinfect and facilitate the air in the steam room, making it curative. For example, fir helps to relieve rheumatoid pains, and spruce and cedar help to get rid of respiratory diseases that have arisen 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 the needles dry out, it becomes tough and falls off the branches, especially since they lose their medicinal properties when dried. Therefore, such brooms are cut immediately before going to the steam room.

Nettle broom

Not many people know how useful a broom from the branches of nettles, which is harvested before the flowering of the grass, in the middle of summer. Even with a light touch to the skin with a nettle broom, the effect of a deep skin massage is obtained 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 massage, so it is often added to the middle of more flexible branches and dried together, or used for flooring 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, so that the skin can breathe, absorbing the beneficial substances contained in wormwood, and these are organic acids, essential oils and tannins.

Grass is harvested after it has faded, at which time its stems are already strong, but not coarse and have relative flexibility. After that, they collect it in bouquets, tie it up and dry it.

Wormwood broom prices

wormwood broom

Rowan, currant and cherry broom

If you could not find the above-mentioned brooms for the steam room, then a bouquet of branches of such shrubs and trees as cherries, currants or mountain ash will do. These plants have a huge vitamin potential and a wonderful aroma, which manifests itself when leaves and branches of plants enter a room heated to high temperatures. The branches of cherry, currant and mountain ash are quite flexible, and they are good for light massage of the steamed body, which has a beneficial effect on the skin. Fragrant vapors, penetrating into the respiratory organs, carry out a prophylactic effect and prevent the occurrence of colds.

After using a mountain ash broom, a person develops an increased working capacity, due to a surge of strength. Therefore, if the trip to the bathhouse was carried out in the first half of the day, and it was mountain ash branches that were used in the steam room, the person taking the procedures will not be too relaxed, but, on the contrary, will receive a charge of vivacity for the rest of the day.

So that any of the dried brooms does not lose its aroma, it is first dipped in cold water to saturate it with moisture, and then quickly transferred to the hot pebbles of the stove. After heating, the leaves will begin to give off aroma to the steam room.

Having removed the broom from the stones, it is imperative to remove the leaves remaining on them, otherwise, when they dry, they will begin to burn and smoke, spoiling the fresh sauna atmosphere.

When using a broom in a steam room, one important point must be taken into account - its handle should be wrapped in a soft cloth or, when using it, a mitten should be put on the hand, which will protect the 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 unknowingly, since not every person's body is able to withstand high temperatures without negative consequences.

For example, for a beginner who decides to start healing with the help of bath procedures, for the first time, one visit to the steam room is enough, for 3 ÷ 5 minutes, which must be spent lying on the lower shelf.

Those who have experience in the art of taking a good steam can make 3 ÷ 4 visits, and for experienced sauna lovers, it is ideal to visit the steam room at least 6 ÷ 7 times with rest breaks, during which a cool shower is taken.

Before entering the steam room, you must definitely wash yourself well under a warm shower using a washcloth, but without soap. If you have to take a steam bath in a dry sauna, then you need to thoroughly wipe the skin.

In the event that it is cool in the shower and the body has not warmed up enough, it is recommended to warm your legs 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.

If the heat is on the street, then, when entering to steam, you should not immediately climb to the top shelf - you need to let the body adapt. To do this, it is best to sit on the bottom or lie on the middle shelf. The recommended room temperature during the first entry should be no more than 60 degrees.

When entering the steam room for the first time, be sure to 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 down on the shelf, on the stomach or on the back, placing a special wooden headrest under the head.

In the supine state, 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 take a shower with cool water for 7-10 seconds. If there is an 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 run, which can last 2 ÷ 3 minutes longer, 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.

- If you take a freshly 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 should 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 wet steam, then the broom is placed in advance on the uppermost shelf - after a while it will steam out itself and it will be possible to use it.

- Having pulled the broom out of the water, it is placed on the stove for a few seconds. It quickly heats up to the desired temperature and enhances its flavor.

- Further, with a bouquet of medicinal plants, you need to pump heated air to the body, and not whip yourself with it at once, as many do. This process is carried out in smooth movements, by analogy with a fan. Fanning and pressing the broom begins with the legs, passing along the feet and calves, rising to the buttocks and back, along the torso, shoulders and arms, and then lowering back.

- After the body gets used to this procedure, they move on to more intense actions - the body can be whipped slightly, while the foliage should adhere to the skin, so the broom is periodically dipped in water.

- Carrying out this process, lying on a shelf, you need to constantly turn, changing position in order to reduce the load on the heart, relax 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 a partner will conduct the pressing and massage with a broom, since he will have more opportunity, without missing a single site, to process the whole body.

- After finishing the massage, you cannot get up abruptly. You need to lie quietly on a bench and rest, then sit down to normalize blood circulation and pressure, and only then you can go to a cool shower.

- Returning to the steam room, the heat in it must be increased by splashing a decoction of herbs or water on the hot pebbles of the stove - 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. Do 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.

Therefore, the room must maintain the desired ratio of humidity and temperature. The optimum is considered to be 25 ÷ 40% and 65 ÷ 80 ° C.

To control the heating process and the level of humidity, you need to purchase a special device for the steam room - a thermohygrometer.

After completing all procedures, you must definitely wash yourself well with warm water and soap in order to wash off all the sweat separated during vaping. Then rub well with a towel, put on a terry robe, warm slippers and rest for 15-25 minutes, sipping hot herbal decoction. In this case, sweating should continue.
After steaming in a bathrobe 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 teas, not beer or stronger alcohol!

Each time you enter the 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 visits should be no more than 45 minutes, each of them lasts 3 ÷ 10 minutes. If we count all the vaping procedures, taking into account rest, cooling 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 the state of health after it improved significantly, then the next time the time in the steam room and the number of visits can be gradually increased.

We must not forget that for those who first decided to visit the steam room, and for the elderly, the time spent in the steam room should be increased very carefully, with each visit - literally by one minute.

What do you need to consider when going to the steam room?

In the absence of contraindications for visiting the steam room, you still need to follow certain rules, since if you ignore them, you can harm even an absolutely healthy body.

When going to the bath, you need to calculate the time so that after a meal, one and a half to two hours pass, that is, the stomach should not be full, but it cannot be empty either.
It is strictly forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages before going to the steam room and during the procedures.
If you were doing hard physical work, then before entering the bath, you need to rest for 35 ÷ 40 minutes.
It is forbidden to visit the bathhouse with an elevated body temperature.
It is undesirable to take a steam bath before going to bed, after a hard day at work, as the bath increases the load on the heart.
Before entering the steam room, you must not take a shower with soap and wet your head.
A heated room, especially for beginners, can only be entered by wearing a bath hat.
You should not visit the steam room in upset feelings or mental stress, as this condition also puts a strain on the heart and raises blood pressure.

In Russia, the bath was appreciated as a universal medicine for many ailments. As you know, a Russian person does not know anything about the middle, so they steamed earnestly, sometimes until they lost consciousness. Such inveterate lovers of the bath heat had to be poured out of an ice hole. Those who were stronger themselves jumped out of the steam room directly into the snowdrift, rubbed themselves with snow until they were red, doused themselves with cold water. In the summer they plunged into a river or lake, but the greatest pleasure from the bath was obtained precisely in the winter, during the cold season, when a person yearns for the sun and warmth. And colds at this time often overwhelm him. In order to make your body immune to ailments, a bath was invented, a tremendous hardening and strengthening procedure in terms of its effect on the human body.

They also whipped themselves mercilessly with a broom in the bath, adding to the healing power of steam the action of healing aromas and a deep massage of the whole body. Well, these healthy, strong, people accustomed to physical work could afford such a luxury - to take a steam bath without risking getting sick after that. A modern person, leading a sedentary lifestyle, weakened by the benefits of civilization, is not up to such a tough procedure. Especially at first. You need to accustom the body to the bath gradually, very carefully dosing the load, gradually increasing the time spent in the steam room. For beginners and those whose vessels are out of order, the pressure "jumps", it is dangerous to douche with cold water between visits to the steam room. You should not drink a lot of fluids in the bath - this increases the burden on the heart. Even very healthy people should not swim for too long after a steam room in a cold pool: prolonged hypothermia after a steam room is fraught with colds.

So, the old bathhouse, with its hot steam, with its breathtaking contrasting treatments, is no longer within our reach? Not at all. In fact, everything is possible, more precisely, everything is possible, you just need to know how, when and where, namely: how to properly prepare a steam room, choose a safe steaming mode, when to give preference to a particular bath procedure and where these procedures should be performed. After all, the steaming mode, for example, in a sauna, differs from the way of taking a bath procedure in a Russian steam room. Moreover, even with different humidity in the steam room, different temperature conditions, you also need to steam in different ways.

In this regard, it is very interesting to get acquainted with what Avicenna wrote about the bath. Of course, an oriental bath is different from a Russian steam bath, but I think the recommendations of the great healer will be useful to us as well. Avicenna believed that the bath is necessary primarily for people who need warmth and hydration of the body. To achieve this result, it is not necessary to be in the bath for too long. As soon as the body is completely reddened, you can leave the bath. For those who are engaged physical exercise, you should go to the bath after having rested.

Another recommendation that applies to everyone without exception: you need to enter the bath gradually and not be in a hot room until you feel sick. You need to go to the steam room some time after eating, having digested what is in the stomach. It is advisable for people with a hot nature to eat something light just before the bath. As for drinking, it is dangerous to drink both too cold and too hot drinks in the bath. As for the healing effect of cold water, Avicenna believed that it is useful only for people who have reached maturity, whose nature (in this case, health) is perfect, namely: such a person should not suffer from indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, catarrh.

If you adhere to the instructions, the bath, according to Avicenna, will bring undoubted benefits, since it "soothes, opens pores, gives the body shine, dissolves excess, in addition, the bath dilutes harmful thick juices, attracts nutrients to the surface of the body, relieves fatigue" ...

However, excessive exposure to sauna heat makes the skin sluggish, deprives it of elasticity. This warning especially applies to women who want to keep beautiful shape breasts. It is curious that most of the statements of the great Avicenna are not unfounded.

So, even if you did everything right and prepared the "perfect" steam room, excessive diligence alone can cause serious harm to your body. What can we say about those cases when the steam room is prepared by a would-be amateur? Probably, many people are familiar with this picture: white clouds of steam rise under the ceiling of the steam room, dampness, fog, scalding steam are all around. Some believe that this is exactly what a real Russian bath should be, so they splash into the stove, basin after basin, barely warm water. However, such a bath can only do harm. Let's remember the first rule: in a real steam room, the air should be transparent, light, and you can breathe in such a steam room without difficulty.

Another thing is that both the temperature and humidity in the steam room can and should be regulated. Some people benefit from mild steam, while others benefit from moist, dry steam. Let's note one thing: extremes, namely waterlogged steam or, conversely, too dry, will not benefit anyone. Ottak baths are not only of little use, but also of no pleasure. Watery steam in the bath is damp, stuffy, breathing is difficult, as too much moisture gets into the lungs. It is very easy to catch a cold after a wet steam room. In a dry steam room, the air is too hot, burns the skin, mucous membranes, burns are possible. The effect of both baths is minimal, but health problems can arise very soon.

Steam room preparation

Cleaning

So, we found out that the bath procedure can bring not only benefits, but also harm. Therefore, it is important to learn how to prepare healing (or mild, or slightly moist) dry steam. But first you need to prepare a steam room for the bath procedure. If you have your own sauna, it is easier to do this. You just need to know the basic hygiene rules. If you use a public bath, you will have to resort to some tricks.

Any steam room needs cleaning. Garbage accumulates in it, leaves flying around from the brooms, by the end of the day a heavy smell of sweat "hangs" in the steam room, the air becomes stale, because the bath is like a living organism: giving people heat and

healing aromas, it instead absorbs all the harmful secretions accumulated in the human body, which, together with sweat, come out through the pores of the skin.

Sometimes it is enough to sweep and ventilate your own steam room. You need to sweep the shelves very carefully. The walls in the baths are usually made of wood. In this case, they must not be washed. But the floors can be tiled, with wooden flooring. The floorings are cleaned of debris, dried well, and the floors are thoroughly washed with hot water and wiped dry. The steam room is ready. We will describe below how to heat the stove.

How to dry a wet steam room

If you use a public bath, try to visit it early in the morning. First, the bath is cleaned the night before. Secondly, in the morning you can fully enjoy the heat of the sauna, which has not yet been spoiled by the efforts of would-be amateurs who breed dampness in the steam room. If it did happen, it doesn't matter. Even such a steam room can be “saved”. First, you need to wash it properly. One of the advantages of public baths: quite often they (sometimes directly under the shelf) have a pipeline.

With its help, you can quickly and efficiently put things in order in the steam room. First, the entire steam room is thoroughly poured with jets of hot water, with the exception of the walls, if they are wooden. The tiled walls can be washed without fear, but this is where the advantages of the tiled walls in the steam room are exhausted, the steam in such a steam room cannot be dry or transparent, it is always a wet, painful steam room, it is better to leave the bath with such a steam room immediately in order to avoid serious consequences (such a steam room is an ideal place for the spread of fungus and various infections).

The floor should be watered with cold water until it cools well. In this case, a temperature difference is created between the cold floor and the well-heated ceiling, which leads to the wet heavy steam sinking down. Within 5-7 minutes it will be pulled out by ventilation along with unpleasant odors.

If you still feel dampness in the air, you need to put at least two basins of water on the stove. Of course, not immediately, but in several steps, each time giving about a third of the pelvis to the stones. The rising steam will warm up both the walls and the ceiling well, but the main thing is that we will finally get rid of both dampness and unpleasant odors accumulated in the steam room. When the whole room is filled with raw steam, we will consider our task almost completed.

It is very useful to use scented water when cleaning the steam room. In your own bathhouse, you can use coniferous or mint infusion. In public, getting rid of excess steam and bad odors, you can put lime or eucalyptus infusion on the stones. In the old days, kvass diluted with water was splashed on the stove. There are many recipes, but we will tell you more about their healing power in the chapter specially devoted to herbal infusions.

If the stove in the steam room heats well, the steam room will dry out quickly. Dry spots begin to appear on the steps of the shelf. If, after dispensing water, you raise your hands over the slightly open door, you can accurately determine whether the steam room is well dried. If the steam burns your hands, the job is not finished yet. If the skin of the hands does not burn, then the steam room is almost dry. It is only necessary to remove the remaining moisture from the floor. To do this, you need to add hot water to the stones. But this must be done carefully, not in a hurry. Now the bath heat will displace all the remnants of the wet steam. It's time to start preparing dry and clean steam for our steam room.

However, the described case is almost perfect. If you come to the bathhouse at the end of the day, the stove will most likely cool down considerably. It takes time to warm it up properly, but, as usual, it is not enough. Well, there is a way out of this situation. After cleaning the steam room, you need to open the oven flaps wide and splash there as much as half a weight of water. Water, penetrating deep into the stove, gets on the cast-iron sides, which, as a rule, keep the required temperature for quite a long time. If necessary, splash water on the stones several more times, then close the oven doors, leaving only a narrow gap for the hot steam to escape. Then the oven doors are opened. Now you can steam with a broom.

Of course, steam in such a steam room will be far from ideal, but it's still better than nothing. Until recently, a real stove was rarely found in public baths. There, most often steam is supplied through pipes from a steam boiler. As a rule, the air in such a steam room is too humid, heavy, stuffy, hot. Some connoisseurs try to assure that a similar, if one may say so, a steam room can be dried using a method similar to that already described above. From our point of view, these are nothing more than good wishes, especially considering that such steam rooms are often tiled.

How to prepare dry steam

As we have already said, dry steam is valued in the Russian steam room. Steaming in such a bath, they get a double benefit. Which one? More on this later. Now let's talk about what needs to be done to prepare a truly healing dry steam. Let's make a reservation right away that it is impossible to get such steam in a Finnish sauna. A light stove (about 100-200 kg in weight) is usually installed in it, which perfectly heats dry air to very high temperatures - from 100 to 150 degrees. But such an oven cannot provide dry steam.

The Russian stove is much heavier - from 500 to 600 kg. Such a stove, when heated to 500-600 degrees, accumulates a significant amount of heat (approximately 300-350 thousand kilocalories). If water is poured onto such a red-hot stove very slowly and carefully, it immediately, practically without forming drops of water, goes into a state of dry steam. Moreover, it spreads in the steam room almost instantly, from ceiling to floor, displacing the air outward. Experienced bath attendants know that it is almost impossible to overmoisten such a steam room, of course, if the oven temperature does not drop below 400 degrees.

Dry steam is not safe by itself. Its highest temperature is directly at the oven. Therefore, you need to very carefully pour water onto the stones from a ladle with a long wooden handle. Steaming in a chamber filled with dry steam is not worth it, it is too harsh and unsafe procedure. It is better to prepare two others from dry steam: soft and moist.

Soft dry steam is especially recommended for the elderly, sick and weakened people, as well as for children and those who are taking their first steps in mastering the art of bathing. This steam is easy to prepare. You need to go into a dry steam room with a raw broom soaked in cold water. A damp broom will become a soft steam source.

Humidified dry steam is the best you can think of for a healthy person. To prepare it, you need to alternately pour hot water on stones that are red-hot to crimson color - at the same time dry cotton is distributed, then on the less hot parts of the stove - from here the water evaporates with a slow hiss. Experienced bath attendants, like sophisticated cooks, prepare steam according to the following recipe: one quarter of humidified and three quarters of dry steam. But the ability to cook such steam is a special art, and it takes a long time to learn.

In no case should the temperature of the stones be allowed to drop below 375 degrees, otherwise you will have to dry the room again. To prevent this, listen carefully to your feelings, your body will tell you better than any thermometer if the temperature is good, if there is enough dry steam. If the air in the steam room is not waterlogged, the hair begins to crackle slightly, it feels as though it is moving. If the temperature in the steam room is sufficient and it is at least half filled with dry and hot steam, there is a sensation, familiar to every regular in the bath, as if the ears are beginning to "curl". If this happened - stop. Otherwise overdry the steam room. If, on the contrary, when water is supplied to the stones instead of cotton, a hiss is heard, then you have overcooled the stove by flooding it too much with water. Wait until the stones are again heated to the desired temperature, and then just give the water a little.

Finally, if the thermometer in the steam room shows a temperature below 80 ° C, you need to raise the temperature of the steam, otherwise it will be oversaturated with moisture. To do this, put a very thin stream of water on the stones. Very soon the temperature in the steam room will rise to 100-120 ° C. This is the most optimal temperature for the steam room.

By the way, you should pay particular attention to the ferry during the first entry into the steam room. The fact is that the first wave of steam is the most unstable. It passes quickly, so you need to remember to splash some water on the stones from time to time. This will not only add heat, but also allow you to better purify the air. After all, steam, passing into a liquid state, absorbs all unnecessary odors and perfectly cleans the atmosphere of the steam room. It is also necessary to pour water on stones wisely. It is best when water is poured into more than one area, but covers as large an area as possible. The sauna craftsmen manage to splash the water in such a way that it falls on the stones like a fan. Some people recommend using a regular garden sprayer instead of a traditional long-handled bucket.

And the last thing: in order for the steam room to constantly have hot water to serve on the stones, you need to install a basin of water or infusion in a larger basin filled with boiling water.

Stages of the bath procedure

But the steam room is ready. You can start the bath procedure. Where to start? Of course, you should not immediately rush to the steam room, no matter how you miss the steamy heat. And it's not just about hygiene rules, although you shouldn't forget about them either. After all, the unpleasant smell of sweat does not improve the air in the steam room, as do the millions of microbes on the skin. The body must be very gradually prepared for the shake that the blood vessels and the heart will receive under the influence of high temperature. This is especially true for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases and who decided to improve their health with the help of a bath. There is no doubt that they will succeed, but there is no need to rush, everything has its time. After all, a bath is not only a steam room, it is also a whole series of procedures, and the overall health effect depends on how carefully you follow our recommendations. After all, the bath is good because it gives everyone the opportunity to choose what he needs.

Some will benefit from very hot steam, while others will benefit from moderate steam. For some, a pool with cold water or an ice shower is a panacea for all diseases. And for someone it is enough to take a warm shower and pour cold water after that. People with skin diseases need to introduce baths into the bath procedure, and those with diseased kidneys should not abuse baths. The vaping mode can also be selected differently. It all depends on what goal you are pursuing. Do you want to lose weight? Please. Do you want to get better? No problem. Do you want to get rid of the disease? Nothing is impossible, you just need to choose the correct sequence of procedures.

The first stage is a warm shower

So, the first thing to do, regardless of the purpose of your coming to the bathhouse, is to take a shower. The water should be pleasantly warm. If you like to splash in the pool for a longer time, do it immediately after taking a warm shower (if the pool is public, you will have to wash with soap, if your own, you can do with warm water). After the steam room, you will only have a short dip in the cold water pool. Long-term cooling after a heat treatment can lead to colds, even if you are a very hardened person. It is better not to wet your head before entering the steam room, in order to avoid heatstroke or overheating of the head.

After the pool, you need to take a warm shower again. If you are cold, a hot foot bath will not hurt, the latter is highly recommended to anyone with vascular problems. You can take a foot bath directly under a hot or warm shower (by placing your feet in a basin of hot water). After warming up the feet properly, we proceed to warming up the whole body in the following sequence: hands, lower back, lower abdomen, after which you can put a stream of water on your shoulders.

If you get your hair wet, do not forget to dry it before entering the steam room. By warming up the body in this way, firstly, you clear the energy channels of the body, and secondly, you increase capillary peripheral bleeding. At the very beginning of the procedure, you may even feel a slight chill. But then the body will start to warm up more and more. This means that the vessels have expanded, the blood, like a full-flowing river, washes all organs, all parts of the body. The whole body is prepared for the effects of higher temperatures and is involved in cleansing work.

By the way, a hot shower is not only a preparatory procedure, it is also a serious test. When warming up under hot jets, pay attention to the color of the body. If it turns pink (red for full-blooded people), everything is in order, you are ready to further warm up. But only if the body warms up evenly. If you find white or yellowish areas, you need to warm them up additionally. If they do not turn pink, this indicates a latent stage of a very serious disease. Take urgent measures before the process has gone very far (for more information, see the chapter "The Healing Properties of the Bath").

After the shower, you need to wipe the body dry. If this is not done, water will interfere with good sweating. By the way, do not wash with soap before entering the steam room. Only do this as a last resort. If you do not wash off the soap well enough, an unpleasant odor will appear in the steam room, it can sting your eyes. If you do use soap, rinse your skin with an infusion of mint or linden.

Second stage - entering the steam room

First entry into the steam room... We put on a bath cap or a hat with felt or cotton fabric brim to protect it from overheating. The cap is also needed to protect the hair. After a long stay in the steam room, they become dry and brittle.

During the first visit, we steam ourselves without a broom. We don’t give in to a couple either. You can simply take a wet broom with you and put it on the shelves. You can press it to your face - this kind of inhalation is especially useful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. But we will postpone the broom massage until the next visit to the steam room.

What's next? We sit and sweat. And even better - we lie down, because in this position the bath heat evenly warms up the whole body. Also, if you sit, your head gets hotter as the hot steam rises upward. There is no need to overheat the head. But the legs, if you are lying, can be raised higher. In this position, the load on the heart is almost two times lower. In addition, the muscles completely relax, and it is in this state that they can be properly steamed.

After lying down for 3-4 minutes, you can climb higher. You should not be on the top shelf for more than 2-3 minutes during the first entry. If possible, you also need to lie down here. If you have to take a steam room while sitting, in no case hang your legs from the shelf. The temperature of the legs should not be lower (or better, that it was higher) than the temperature of the head.

Further, you need to take a scraper or woolen mitt with you to the steam room to dump sweat. Moreover, it is more convenient to use a mitten, because, dumping sweat, you simultaneously wipe the skin and cleanse it of keratinized particles. Getting rid of sweat is essential because it covers the entire body and prevents further perspiration. Some people use a massage brush to increase perspiration. This is also a good remedy.

If you feel hot, you can dampen your hat (but not your hair) with cold water. It is possible that this is a signal to leave the steam room. For the first time, five to seven minutes is more than enough. We leave from the steam room. Wash off sweat with warm water.

The third stage - contrast procedures

You will learn about what contrast procedures are and how to use them in the bath from a special section. Here we will only touch on general principles. So, let's start with the fact that cold contrast procedures are not shown to everyone. For people with a weak heart, at first, it is better to refuse them altogether. As a last resort, you can immediately after a warm shower, wash off the sweat after the first steam, stand under a cool stream for no more than two or three seconds.

Healthy people can stand for 3-4 seconds in a cold shower or plunge into a pool of cold water for a few seconds. The temperature in the pool should not be lower than 16 ° C, and even then, such cold water is good only for very overweight people. For everyone else, a temperature range of 18 to 20 ° C is recommended, even hardened people should not be in such water for more than two to three minutes. Rubbing with snow and an ice hole - only for absolutely healthy people.

After the pool, you need to take a warm or hot shower again, dry off, and rest a little. You can walk around, then drink a glass of warm tea or herbal decoction, and preferably drink in small sips.

The rest time after each entry into the steam room is from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the state of health. If after the steam room you feel lethargy throughout your body, heaviness in your head, then you have enough for today. If you feel good, you can go to the steam room again.

The fourth stage - broom massage

During second visit to the steam room you can already steam with a broom, you can also give in to the heat. To do this, pour warm water (or infusion) into the heater in moderation. The second, as well as the third entry into the steam room is the most suitable time for bath magic. This is where everything you know about broom massage, infusions for a steam room, herbal teas, healing ointments and rubbing will come in handy. After all, an experienced bathhouse attendant, like a magician, knows a lot about all drugs. He skillfully uses the healing aromas of herbs, he skillfully steams a broom, prepares soft water (a bathhouse is especially good with such water); in order to prepare a healing, life-giving steam, you need to prepare for the bath as for a holiday. In the book you will find bath recipes for every taste. Take advantage of them. You will not regret.

While steaming with a broom, make sure that the temperature in the steam room is high enough and the steam is dry. The humidity required for a broom massage can be achieved from time to time by dipping the broom into cold water. If health permits, you can steam on the top shelf. Your partner must be a hardy person, because he will have to soar you while standing. In this position, the bath heat is most difficult to tolerate.

If white clouds of steam appear, it means that you have over-humidified the steam room, the temperature in the steam room has probably dropped to 60-70 ° C. Need to turn on the heat. Right now, bath accessories will come in handy, without which a true bath lover will not enter the steam room. However, if something is forgotten, there is always a way out. Even a broom can be replaced with a towel if necessary, not to mention broom mittens, hats, scrapers and so on. In other words, stick to tradition, but not dogma, because the bath is a very individual procedure.

During the second call, you can take a steam bath for 10-15 minutes. With each subsequent call, you can increase the duration of the procedure by another 1 - 2 minutes. However, it is important not to break the rule: The total time spent in the steam room should not exceed 35-40 minutes.

Moreover, this figure does not depend on the number of visits. Do you want to visit more often? You are welcome. You just have to reduce the time spent in the steam room to 5-7 minutes on average.

We warn you right away - if you decide to use all the allotted time for one run, this will not lead to anything good. After 30 minutes in the steam room, the blood thickens, the pressure rises, and this is dangerous. Do not push to extremes, know how to stop in time.

Different vaping modes

For beginners, sick and weakened people.

Thermal foot treatment (hot shower or foot bath) - 10 minutes.
A visit to the steam room - no more than two runs for 3-5 minutes (the temperature on the upper shelf is not higher than 90 ° C).
Warm shower.
Move to a cool rest room.
Rubbing with a hard towel.

For relatively healthy people, children and adolescents.

Warming up the legs under a warm shower - 5 minutes.
A visit to the steam room - 5-7 minutes (two or three visits).
Contrast procedures: cool shower - 10-20 seconds, hot shower - 15-30 seconds, cool shower - 10-20 seconds.
After drying, rub with a hard towel.

For strong, seasoned people.

Warm shower - 5-7 minutes.
A visit to the steam room - three runs of 10 minutes each (temperature 100-120 ° C on the upper shelf).
Contrasting procedures - a very cold shower (up to 10 'C), a cold pool, an ice hole, a snowdrift, rubbing with snow.
Do not wipe the body, let it dry.

After active physical activity.

Warm shower - 5-7 minutes.
Two visits to the steam room, 5-7 minutes each (temperature 100-120 ° C on the upper shelf). Break between visits 10 minutes.
Cool shower.
Bath with a temperature of 39 ° C.

For those wishing to lose weight.

Three or four visits to the steam room for 5 minutes each (temperature 90-100 ° C on the upper shelf), steam on the middle shelf, lying down, with slightly raised legs. Break between visits 10 minutes. Second entry with broom massage.
After the second call, drink a hot diaphoretic broth.
After the third session, massage - 10 minutes or wrap in a warm sheet.

For those who want to get better.

Before visiting the bath, you need to eat.
Warm shower, hot foot treatment - 5-7 minutes.
Three visits to the steam room, 5 minutes each (temperature 90 ° C on the upper shelf in the sauna or 70 ° C in the steam bath), steam on the middle shelf. Break between visits 10 minutes.
After the steam room, a cold shower or pool.
After the first visit to the steam room, eat some salted fish.
After the last visit to the steam room, make an oil massage.

Taking a sauna

In its effect on the body, a sauna differs from a Russian steam bath. Even though the temperature in a sauna is higher, many can tolerate the dry heat of a sauna more easily than the humid atmosphere of a steam bath. Elderly, weakened, unhardened, sick people, women and children, it is better to take dry air baths. Firstly, in a dry air bath, the load on the heart is much less than in a humid bath. In the first case, the pulse does not exceed 120 beats, in the second it reaches 170 beats per minute.

It is easy to breathe in the sauna: after all, the humidity here is no more than 20% (in a humid bath up to 80%). In addition, in a sauna, the pressure even slightly decreases, while in a wet steam room it rises. The duration of a single stay in a steam sauna is longer than in a steam bath (IQ - 20 minutes). To take a steam bath, as in a Russian steam room, it is best to lie down, with slightly raised legs. Beginners should start the procedure from the bottom shelf (temperature 60 ° C). Move gradually to the middle shelf (up to 80 “C). On the top shelf, the temperature reaches 100 ° C - this is only for experienced bathers. After you start sweating, you need to remove the sweat from your skin.

After the steam room, you should immediately wash off the sweat, because as soon as the body temperature approaches normal, the released harmful substances will begin to be absorbed through the pores back. First they take a warm shower, then a cool shower, then a hot or warm shower again. If you wish, you can steam with a broom in the sauna, for this you need to splash some water or infusion on the stones before the last entry, and constantly moisten the broom with water so that it does not dry out. The number of visits to the sauna: for healthy people - 2-3, for the weak and children - 1-2.

Massage

Massage in the bath is very useful. Bath heat warms up the body, makes it pliable, plastic. The massage is usually done after the second or third visit to the steam room. Broom massage - during the second or third session. True, you have to choose: either massage or cold treatments. The muscles warmed up by the massage do not tolerate hypothermia. In the bath, you can do not only broom or traditional sports massage, but also acupressure and oil massage. The latter is even preferable, because the skin overdried after a bath needs moisturizing and nourishment. We will tell you more about the types of massage in the Chapter "Massage in the sauna".

Steam room exercises

The effect of the sauna heat on different people is not the same. Someone's skin turns red or pink in the first 5-7 minutes of the procedure. In some, some areas of the body turn red, while others remain white or yellowish-pale. This means that not everything is in order with blood circulation. Oddly enough, many simply do not know how to really warm up in the steam room. To warm up the whole body

evenly, you need to relax properly. But we can't relax. The life of a modern person is such that he is in constant stress. In order to learn how to quickly and evenly absorb the life-giving warmth of the whole body, it is useful to perform a few simple, but very useful exercises. This is recommended primarily for people with problematic blood circulation, prone to diseases caused by stagnant processes in the body. Exercise will also bring relief to those who suffer from pain in the spine (osteochondrosis, sciatica), lead a sedentary lifestyle or experience stress on the back during the working day. They need to be performed while lying on your back on a shelf in the steam room.

The arms are extended along the torso, the muscles and joints are as relaxed as possible. Concentrate on the right foot, shake it and relax. Do the same with the calf muscle. Tighten the muscles of the lower leg and immediately "release" sharply. Shake the thigh muscles and immediately completely relax. Repeat the entire cycle for the left leg.
Without lifting your feet from the shelf, bend your knees and shake them 5-6 times, then straighten, relax, strain again and again sharply relax.
Focus on the right hand, shake it, relax. Repeat the sequence in Exercise 1, moving attention from hand to forearm. Do the same with the left hand.
Sequentially relax the muscles of the neck, back, chest, especially carefully working out the shoulder areas.
Tighten sharply and strongly, and then relax the whole body.
Lie on a shelf, heels - at a distance of the length of the foot from the wall. Feet are almost parallel to the wall, relaxed. Stretch your heels against the wall, then relax, returning to the starting position. Pull out your socks, trying to touch the wall, relax again. Repeat several times.
Hands along the body. Without taking them off the shelf, stretch your right hand to your right knee, return to the starting position. Repeat first with the left and then with both hands. Return to starting position.
Hands along the body. Pull the head and shoulders up, stretching the spine. Return to starting position. Then stretch your arms up, close your hands “into the lock”. Stretch up, bend slightly, take the starting position.

The whole complex takes 5-6 minutes (this is how much is allocated for the first visit to the steam room). While doing the exercises, you need to breathe through your nose so as not to dry out your larynx. Passing through the nose, hot and dry air cools down to body temperature, becoming more humid.

If you find it difficult to do the exercises for five minutes, break the complex into two parts for 2.5-3 minutes. The first part can be performed during the first visit to the steam room, the second - in the following. In between runs, it is helpful to do a few vibration exercises to flush out the toxins.

Initial position: standing, legs together, arms along the torso, the spine is straight, the knees are slightly bent, the feet are parallel (you can with toes inward). Raise your heels 1-2 cm from the floor. Abruptly, with a thud, fall to the floor. Repeat. Perform for 2-3 minutes, achieving a feeling of vibration throughout the body. Then do the same, only now to tear off the heels from the floor, but the socks. Perform 1-2 minutes. Completing the set of exercises, go up on your toes 10-15 times high, and then drop sharply on your heels.

If necessary, the exercise time can be halved. By adding vibration exercises to the previous complex, you will speed up the process of cleansing the body of toxins and toxins. The constant performance of vibration exercises in terms of the strength of the impact on the cell is equated to one-time ultrasonic anti-cellulite baths. If you add body massage with a dry hard brush made of natural bristles to exercises for a steam room and a vibration complex, this will not only eliminate circulatory problems, but also help you lose weight, get rid of cellulite, refresh and rejuvenate the skin.

It is also important that when losing weight in this case, the skin practically does not sag, as it happens during medical fasting or a strict diet. Thanks to massage with a brush and vibration massage, it remains firm, elastic, improves skin blood circulation, normalizes the work of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Massage with a stiff brush is performed along the massage lines. The problematic parts of the body are worked out with intense circular movements. Be careful not to cut your skin. Wipe the body dry before the massage.

Bath wash

In Russia, for a long time, there is a rough, but accurate saying: "Fools itch after a bath." Of course, it is not only (and not so much) about the bath, but nevertheless arose because washing in the bath, no matter how simple it may seem, also requires skill. This implies a cleansing procedure using detergents. After all, a regular shower (without soap) must be taken after each entry into the steam room. They wash with soap only after the very last call. The exception is those cases when the body must be properly cleaned of dirt and dust. Try to rinse off the soap as thoroughly as possible. In the hot atmosphere of the steam room, it smells unpleasant and stinging the eyes.

Sometimes they ask: how did you wash and steam in the same room before? Was the soap different then? Let's start with the fact that we didn't always wash ourselves with soap. In Russia, they used soapy plants or clay. With clay or chalk

those who washed their clothes with sand, washed their hair with special compounds. By the way, the hair after that became shiny, silky. And one more thing. When a soap-room was arranged from the bath, the humidity in it increased, and the temperature, accordingly, fell. Of course, the lather in this case did not have the same effect on the skin as, say, in a dry air bath.

Soap selection

So, we took a good steam, cleaned the body from keratinized particles with scrapers, the pores on our skin expanded. Now is the time to wash with soap and water. But first you need to choose the right detergent. Not all soaps are good for the skin. Rather, on the contrary, most detergents disrupt the acid-alkaline balance of the skin, impairing its protective properties. All sorts of highly publicized antimicrobial formulations are the worst things you can think of for your skin. The skin itself does an excellent job of killing germs, if not disturbed. Of course, after constant washing with antimicrobial soap, you can safely put an end to the skin's own protective properties.

Therefore, we will opt for the most innocuous option - baby soap... It is both soft and gentle, and quite effectively removes excess oil, dust flakes and other dirt from the skin. Soap compositions based on palm, olive, coconut and other vegetable oils are very useful for the skin. However, even such a mild soap is not suitable for delicate, sensitive, too thin and dry skin. She begins to blush, peel off. In this case, it is best to use special formulations for cleansing the skin - we will talk about them at the end of this chapter.

Washing head

Hair is a wonderful natural decoration for any person. But improper care of them can ruin even the most luxurious hair. Old cosmetic guidelines and reference books recommended washing hair with soap and mild water. This is not worth doing. Firstly, now in the afternoon with fire you will not find really soft water. Secondly, despite your efforts, the soap will still leave a thin grayish bloom on your hair. The cosmetics market offers a large selection of natural shampoos for any type of hair based on medicinal plants, honey, and seafood. After all, if you don't trust the shampoo manufacturers, you can make your own shampoo. Such shampoos nourish the hair skin well, give it a healthy look. If, despite careful care, your hair continues to remain dull, brittle, then you have health problems and your body is in dire need of vitamins, nutritional supplements, or requires urgent cleaning.

Water for washing hair should still be softened whenever possible. To do this, it is boiled for 3-5 minutes. After you wash your hair, it is useful to rinse your hair with clean water, which has added lemon juice, chamomile infusion (for light hair), lovage or birch leaves infusion (for dark hair). Do not wash your hair with too hot water, it becomes brittle. It is best to wipe your hair after washing not with a terry towel, but with a natural silk cloth. Silk perfectly dries hair, gives it a healthy shine.

Body wash

Improper use of even very high quality soap can harm your skin. Firstly, you should not rub the body directly with soap, for this there is a washcloth. Secondly, you cannot soap yourself several times in a row. This will dry out the skin and may cause itching. Finally, the washcloth should also not be rubbed with soap. It is much more useful to make lather. To do this, birch leaves are steamed in hot water (you can just dip a broom), dilute the soapy foam and wash with this fragrant and thick foam. Liquid soap (like a shampoo) works very well on the skin. It, like ready-made foam compositions for baths, perfectly cleanses the skin without disturbing its acid-base balance.

The washcloth should be made from natural materials. In Russia, linden bast was used for this purpose. It turned out to be a very convenient washing device - silky and tough at the same time. People with elastic, healthy, tight skin a natural bristle massage brush is suitable. For those with delicate, thin skin, it is better to use a natural sponge (such a sponge compares favorably with foam rubber with its spongy structure and sufficient elasticity). For everyone else, a puff scrubber is suitable - a plant that resembles a greenhouse cucumber.

A coarse woolen or linen mitten will also do. In the East, they use a horsehair mitt. She first removes the stratum corneum from the body steamed in the bath, and only then lathers the skin. When using linen, woolen mittens, or puffa scourers, you can use a Japanese bath recipe. It consists in the fact that inside a washcloth or mittens put medicinal herbs, citrus zest. Then, when washing, the skin receives valuable nutrients and vitamins. You can also use the secret of Cleopatra, who wrapped the bran in a clean linen cloth - it turned out both a washcloth and soap at the same time.

Washing the body is not only cleansing it of dirt, but also an additional massage. Like any massage, it must be done correctly. The body is lathered in wide circular motions in an hour hand. The back and hands are rubbed vigorously along the massage lines. The abdomen is lathered in smooth circular motions. Then the feet are thoroughly lathered. Feet, hands and elbow skin require special care. More on this below. Wash off the soapy foam, first with moderately hot water, then upholstery with cold or cool water, then again with hot or warm water. Hot water must not be abused.

It has long been noted that frequent washing with hot water makes the skin flabby, lethargic, and fat-free. This happens due to stagnation of blood in the vessels of the skin, the cause of which is the excessive use of the thermal procedure. Hot water must be combined with cool water. Then the blood alternately rushes to the skin, then flows from it. Such gymnastics is very useful for blood vessels, and therefore for the skin itself. For people with dry skin, not only soap, but also hot water is contraindicated. They should wash with lukewarm water and then lubricate their skin with a moisturizing and emollient cream or composition. After the bath procedure, healthy normal skin needs at least an hour to restore the protective fat layer. Dry skin copes with this task even more slowly.

Foot and hand care

Now is the time to start washing your feet more thoroughly. First you need to make a soapy foot bath. To do this, dissolve soap and a tablespoon of coarse table or sea salt in a small basin. Keep your feet in this IQ solution for 15 minutes, after which you can rub your heels with a pumice stone, cut your nails and remove calluses. If your feet are well steamed after the bath, you can do without a soap bath. Corns are removed with a sterile razor. Old calluses should be removed gradually. So, after the bath procedure, it is very useful to apply a lemon peel to the corn with the white side. The procedure is repeated several times. Then carefully clean the dirt from under the nails, shorten the nails with scissors, forceps or file with nail files.

They cut the nails in such a way that their free edges protrude slightly above the soft part of the finger. It is impossible to cut off the corners of the nails too much, they can grow into the skin, and this is a very painful phenomenon. So that the nails do not exfoliate, they are soft, elastic, after the bath procedure, it is useful to rub vegetable oil into them. It is also useful to rub oil into the feet, this prevents the formation of calluses, improves the general condition - after all, there are many reflex points on the foot, which are responsible for the state of almost all systems and organs of the human body.

To soften the hardened skin on the elbows, proceed as follows: after leaving the steam room, pour some heated vegetable oil into two small bowls (you can warm it up by placing it by the stove, but not on the stove!). Soak your elbows in the oil for 5 minutes. Then rub gently with a pumice stone. Then - do a soapy massage with a stiff brush. After washing off the foam, the elbows should be lubricated with either a fat cream or vegetable oil. Another tip is to keep your elbows in mind every time you use hand cream.

Body rub

After finishing the bath procedure, we hasten to dry ourselves thoroughly with a warm terry towel. And completely in vain. You should not wipe the body after the bath, as in general after all water procedures. Ideal: immediately after the bath, throw a cotton robe over the steamed body, as the Japanese do. If you don't have a robe, you can dab your skin with a sheet. If after a steam room you want to keep your body warm as long as possible, get wet with a terry sheet or towel, and then put on a terry robe. The latter should be made of natural fabric. No synthetics! Thus, you do not deprive your skin of invaluable moisture, but its appearance depends on the amount of moisture. No wonder cosmetologists advise to take walks in rainy weather, when the skin, like a sponge, absorbs moisture.

If, nevertheless, there is a desire to rub thoroughly after a bath (for example, to improve blood circulation), the body is rubbed with a linen cloth. Do not wipe, but rub it. And certainly a canvas. The rougher the canvas, the better for the body. The best cloth is homespun. The people attribute to him the properties of a talisman, it was believed that a freshly woven, never used canvas protects from evil spirits, with its help they got rid of damage and the evil eye. You need to grind with a canvas in the following sequence:

Arms... Having folded the canvas in four, rub the left hand from hand to shoulder along the back side and back (from shoulder to hand) along the inside. Ditto for the right hand.

Legs... Grind in reverse order: on the inner surface - from the feet up, on the outside - down.

Back... Take a folded canvas with both hands, rub the upper back vigorously from side to side.

Breast... With sliding movements, walk with the right hand with the canvas from the left shoulder to the right side of the groin, with the left - from the right shoulder to the left side. Perform alternately with each hand at least 10 times.

Stomach... Rub in a circular motion, pressing lightly with a cloth.

Small of the back... First, rub in the same way as the upper back, then, shifting the canvas into one or the other hand, rub from top to bottom and back to the left and right of the lumbar vertebrae.

Feet... Sit on a chair. Vigorously rub the soles of the feet with the cloth: first from the heel to the toes, then, in a circular motion, the entire foot. Especially vigorously you need to rub the place located under the middle of the pad.

Rubbing according to this scheme, you will preserve the health of the kidneys, lungs, and increase the skin blood circulation.

By rubbing the soles of your feet, you stimulate all the internal organs. As mentioned, acupuncture points on the soles (as well as on the palms of the hands and ears) are associated with almost all internal organs... By rubbing these body parts vigorously, you are thus giving an internal massage to the vital organs. The effectiveness of such a massage increases if you perform it after taking a steam bath.

You can, in addition, how to rub your face and ears. Try not to stretch your face while doing this. Ear massage is no less useful than foot massage. If, while washing in the bath, water accidentally gets into your ear, remove it by shaking your head tilted to this side. In the summer you can not do this, the water will come out over time, but in the winter the middle ear can become inflamed.

Soap replacement formulations

Regular soap is not suitable for all people. We have already mentioned that thin, dry skin does not tolerate lather well. She flakes, turns red, too fat-free, and her protective layer of fatty acids is already too thin and weak. What to do? For centuries, people have dispensed with soap as we know it today. So, the ancient Romans had semi-liquid soap (it was made from goat fat and beech ash). During the excavations of Pompeii, vessels with such soap were found - they were used almost two thousand years ago. V Ancient egypt the soap was replaced with diluted wax. At the time of Cleopatra, other recipes for pasty soap, close to Roman, were also known. But Cleopatra herself did not use this soap. Of course, not because she considered it an expensive pleasure (soap in those times was not cheap), but because she replaced it with a product much more useful for sensitive female skin. We are Cleopatra's recipe. we will give a little below.

Actually, soap, close in composition to the modern one, first appeared among the Celts. Needless to say, the French put soap making on an industrial basis. It happened in the 9th century, and the Italians produced the first bar of solid soap in 1424. Since then, the composition of this popular detergent has undergone significant changes. Today, an increasing number of manufacturers are opting for natural herbal ingredients for making soaps. However, most commercially available soaps have the following disadvantages:

degrease the skin;
remove valuable natural components (for example, vitamins) from its surface;
dry out the pores.

The latter ages the skin, dehydrates its surface layers, worsens the condition of collagen fibers.

The pastes prepared on a natural basis perfectly cleanse the skin, nourish it, make it look healthy and smooth.

There is an ancient Sufi parable about how a man asked God to bring him food along the river so that a person engaged in spiritual exercises would not waste time looking after food. His request was fulfilled. Every day the river brought him a piece of fragrant halva wrapped in a rag. The man nevertheless decided to find out where this heavenly food comes from. He went upstream of the river and, having overcome many difficulties, learned that fragrant halva was nothing more than the remnant of toilet paste, which the king's daughter used to cleanse her body every day.

Here are some recipes for cleansing pastes. First of all, they will interest women, but we recommend them to everyone, without exception, especially to people with problem skin and adolescents.

Pea flour paste. Pea flour - 5 tablespoons, mustard oil - 2 teaspoons.

Mix ready-made pea flour (or freshly ground from dry peas) with butter, add a little water until a thick paste is obtained. You can add 1 drop of iodine or 0.5 teaspoon of dry herb celandine to the composition.

Aromatic paste. Pea flour - 5 tablespoons, germinated wheat oil - 1 teaspoon, rose oil - 10 drops.

Cook in the same way as in the previous recipe. You can add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek powder to the mixture.

Milk mustard paste. White or yellow mustard seeds - 0.5 cups, milk - 2.5 cups.

Mix milk with mustard seeds, bring to a boil, boil until the milk has completely evaporated, not allowing the mixture to burn. Dry the boiled seeds, then grind them with a pestle, pour them into a glass or ceramic container. Before use, mix with a small amount of whole (or thick powdered) milk until the consistency of thick sour cream.

Wheat paste. Wheat flour 1st or 2nd grade - 1/3 cup, germinated wheat oil - 1 tablespoon, lemon juice - 2 tablespoons.

Add lemon juice to the germinated wheat oil, then gradually add flour, grind until the consistency of thick sour cream. Store in the refrigerator no more than 24 hours after preparation.

Cleopatra paste. Bran (can be replaced with oatmeal or oatmeal) - 1/3 cup, milk powder - 1/3 cup, starch - 1/3 cup, olive oil - 1 tablespoon.

Mix all components well, wrap in a clean linen cloth, use for washing the body instead of soap and a washcloth. Powdered milk can be replaced with infant formula.

Almond paste. Freshly made almond paste - 1 tablespoon, freshly made hazelnut paste (hazelnuts) - 2 teaspoons, germinated wheat oil - 1 tablespoon, pea or wheat flour - 4-5 tablespoons, boiled milk froth - 1 tablespoon , lentil paste - 4-5 tablespoons.

Soak almonds and hazelnuts separately overnight in a little water. In the morning, remove the peel from the nuts, chop, add a little pea flour. Lentil paste can be replaced with bean paste: soak half a glass of lentils or beans overnight in milk, then grind thoroughly.

Scented clay paste. Well-refined cosmetic clay - 5-6 tablespoons, algae ash (kelp, fucus) or powdered algae - 1 teaspoon, rose oil - 2 drops.

Add algae to the clay powder, dilute with water and rose oil until the consistency of thick sour cream. Apply the composition to the body in a thin, even layer. Remove almost completely dried clay with your fingertips, rub the whole body vigorously with your hands. Relax for 15-20 minutes, then lubricate the skin with olive oil.

Note: The rose oil used to flavor the clay must be natural. If it is not possible to purchase it, use olive oil infused with rose petals. Substitutes and essences, instead of good, will only do harm. It is better to give up aromatization altogether than to use unnatural ingredients.

The above recipes are not one thousand years old, but they still have no equal in terms of their effectiveness on the skin. At the same time, pastes are not as addictive as modern formulations based on hormonal supplements. Each component acts in its own way. Vegetable oil cleanses and lubricates the skin. Flour, milk powder, nuts and beans give the skin a smooth and healthy glow. Pea flour is especially useful for the body. The mechanism of action of the paste is also interesting. Initially, immediately after application, the cool paste cools the surface of the body. As it dries, the paste is removed from the skin with rubbing movements. This improves blood circulation, improves skin absorption of nutrients contained in the paste.

You need to keep such a paste on the body for at least 15-20 minutes. After removing it, the body is rinsed with warm water, and the face with cool water. To protect delicate parts of the body from excessive action of the bath heat and accelerate the formation of a protective fat layer, after the procedure, apply a special wax cream to the face, lubricate the skin around the eyes with a fat cream, and massage the lips thoroughly with vegetable oil. By the way, regular performance of the last procedure will allow you to preserve the beauty and freshness of your lips for a long time.

Compositions "after the pair"

After a steam bath, the skin loses its protective layer of fatty acids. In addition, the pores of the skin are temporarily enlarged. Special formulations will help to restore the skin to its normal state, which should be applied to the skin 15-20 minutes after the last steam room intake. All compositions are prepared in advance, shortly before visiting the bathhouse. Designed for women of all ages, as well as for anyone with thin, dry or, conversely, oily and porous skin.

Recipe 1.1.5 teaspoons of borax, 5 teaspoons of cocoa butter, 8 teaspoons of lanolin, 5 teaspoons of beeswax, 1 cup of sunflower oil, 1.5 cups of water.

Melt sunflower oil, lanolin and wax in a clean enamel bowl in a water bath. In another clean enamel bowl, mix water, cocoa butter and borax and heat. In a well-heated earthenware dish, slowly mix the solutions. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick.

Recipe 2. 2.5 teaspoons of cocoa butter, 3 tablespoons of almond oil, 10 drops of jasmine oil, 1 teaspoon of lanolin, 3 tablespoons beeswax, 2 teaspoons of borax, 3 teaspoons of broth of hazel, a glass of water.

In a clean enamel bowl in a water bath, melt the wax, lanolin and almond oil. In another clean enamel bowl, mix water, cocoa butter and borax and heat. Slowly mix both solutions in a well-heated earthenware pot. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick. If it's too thick, you can add jasmine oil.

Recipe 3. 1/3 cup beeswax, 2/3 cup cocoa butter, 1 cup sesame oil, 3 tablespoons almond oil.

In a clean enamel bowl, heat the wax in a water bath, add all the oils listed in the recipe, stirring thoroughly. Pour into a well-heated earthenware dish, stir until cooled.

Recipe 4. 5 tablespoons of sprouted wheat oil, 0.5 cups of sesame oil, 2.5 teaspoons of beeswax, 3 tablespoons of broth of hazel, 10 tablespoons of lanolin, 1.5 teaspoon of borax, 0.5 cups of water.

In a clean enamel bowl in a water bath, melt the wax, add the oil listed in the recipe. In another clean enamel bowl, mix water and borax and heat. In a well-heated earthenware pot, slowly mix the solutions until a thick mass is formed.

Recipe 5.1.5 tablespoons honey, 3 teaspoons cocoa butter, 5 teaspoons linseed oil, 3 tablespoons lanolin.

In a clean enamel bowl on a water bath, melt, mixing, all the ingredients. Slowly pour the mixture into a well-heated earthenware dish and pour in 4 tablespoons of warm water, stir until it cools.

Recipe 6.3 tablespoons beeswax, 1 cup sprouted wheat oil, 0.5 cups carrot oil, 1 tablespoon aqueous solution of apricot resin, 3 tablespoons lanolin, 1.5 cups distilled water, 1.5 teaspoon borax.

In a clean enamel bowl on a water bath, melt the wax and add the oil listed in the recipe.

In another clean enamel bowl, mix water and borax, heat it up and quickly pour it into the first bowl. Pour the solution into a well-heated earthenware dish, stir until it cools slightly, then add the apricot tree resin solution. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick.

Recipe 7. 5 tablespoons of avocado oil, 0.5 cups of sesame oil, 0.5 cups of almond oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil, 5 tablespoons of beeswax, 5 teaspoons of lanolin, 0 , 5 cups water, 0.5 teaspoon borax.

In a clean enamel bowl on a water bath, melt the wax and add the oil listed in the recipe. In another clean enamel bowl, mix water and borax and heat. Slowly mix both solutions in a well-heated earthenware pot. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick.

Recipe 8. 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 0.5 cups of almond oil, 10 drops of orange oil, 3 tablespoons of beeswax, 5 tablespoons of rose petal infusion, 1.5 tablespoons of lanolin, 2 tablespoons of an aqueous solution of apricot tree resin.

In a clean enamel bowl in a water bath, melt the wax, add the oil listed in the recipe, mix with the warmed infusion of rose petals. Pour into a well-heated earthenware dish, stir until it cools slightly, then add the apricot tree resin solution. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick.

Recipe 9. 1 teaspoon infusion of rose petals, 3 drops of camphor alcohol, 5 teaspoons of oat flour (oatmeal).

First you need to make a warm linen compress on your face. Mix the ingredients in a well-heated earthenware dish and apply. Keep for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Recipe 10. 5 drops of camphor alcohol, 1/3 cup of tomato juice, 2 tablespoons of honey.

Make a warm linen wrap available. Mix the ingredients in a well-heated earthenware dish and apply to face. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Recipe 11.7 teaspoon honey, 1 onion, 1 tablespoon green or yellow clay.

Apply a warm linen cloth to your face. Finely chop the onion, squeeze the juice into a well-heated earthenware dish, add cosmetic clay and honey, stir well. Apply there. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Recipe 12. 1 chicken egg white, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of carrot juice, 1 teaspoon of white cosmetic clay, 1 clove of garlic.

Apply a warm linen cloth to your face. Squeeze the juice out of the garlic. Mix protein with white cosmetic clay and honey in a well-heated earthenware dish, add carrot and garlic juice, apply on face. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Recipe 13. 0.5 cups of cottage cheese, 5 teaspoons of kelp ash (or fucus).

Burn the dried algae on a clean ceramic plate or dish, chop the ash thoroughly. Apply a warm linen cloth to your face. Mix ash and cottage cheese in a well-heated earthenware dish to a paste, apply on face. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

This mask cleanses and whitens the skin well.

Recipe 14. 1.5 cups mashed plum pulp, 1/3 cup almond oil.

Mix plum puree with almond oil in a well-heated earthenware bowl until a paste. Apply a warm linen cloth to your face and then apply the paste to your face. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

The mask smoothes and nourishes the skin, helps fight acne.

Recipe 15. 0.5 cups almond oil, 3 tablespoons apricot oil, 0.5 cups lemon juice, 3 tablespoons lanolin.

Mix almond and apricot oil with lanolin in a well-heated earthenware dish, add lemon juice. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick. Make a warm linen cloth compress and then apply the paste to your face. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Recipe 16. 1.5 cups rose water, 2 tablespoons dried geranium leaves.

Pour rose water into a well-heated earthenware dish, soak geranium leaves in it for 8 hours. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick. Make a warm linen cloth compress, then apply the paste to your face. Keep 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

The mask softens the skin, smoothes wrinkles.

Homemade hair shampoos

If you have the time and desire to prepare nutritious, fortified hair cleansers, use our recommendations. Of course, homemade shampoos do not have the same presentation as branded ones, but they also have a number of serious advantages. Firstly, you know exactly what components are used here, while buying a beautiful bottle with a translucent liquid, you, in fact, get a "pig in a poke". Even if you like the shampoo after the first use, no one knows how chemical additives (which are necessarily present in most shampoos) will affect the condition of your hair.

Rum shampoo. 2 yolks, 2 dessert spoons of linseed oil, 2 dessert spoons of rum.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Lubricate hair, let stand for one hour. Wash off.

It will be useful for people with dry hair, and will also help get rid of dandruff.

Toning shampoo. 0.5 cups dried burdock leaves, 0.5 cups dried nettle, 1 liter water.

The grass is soaked for a day. The infusion is brought to a boil, boiled for 5-7 minutes, then poured into ceramic dishes and infused under a lid for 30-40 minutes.

Egg shampoo. 2 yolks, 1 glass of warm water.

Beat with a mixer or jerk. Hair is thoroughly lubricated, kept for one hour. It is advisable to wrap your head warmly with a terry towel. Then the hair is washed well with warm water.

Gelatin shampoo. 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of powdered gelatin, 1 spoon of any mild shampoo.

The egg is thoroughly mixed with gelatin until smooth, which

diluted with a small amount of shampoo. The mixture is applied to hair, kept for 15-20 minutes, washed off with warm running water.

Improves the appearance of hair, makes it thicker.

Wash balms for hair

Recipe 1. 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of castor oil, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.3 tablespoons of any mild shampoo.

In a well-heated earthenware dish, mix oil and vinegar, add an egg, beat thoroughly, add shampoo. Stir, apply to hair and scalp. Wrap your head in a warm towel, hold it over the steam, then rinse.

Makes hair shiny, soft, thick, and easier to style.

Recipe 2. 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of any mild shampoo.

In a well-heated earthenware dish, mix butter and honey, add an egg, beat thoroughly, add shampoo. Stir, apply to hair and scalp. Massage, hold for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Recipe 3. 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of brandy, 3 tablespoons of shampoo.

Mix everything in a well-heated earthenware dish, beat thoroughly. Apply the mixture to hair and scalp, massage. Keep it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Recipe 4. 1 medium onion, 0.5 cups rum, 3 tablespoons shampoo.

Finely chop the onion, put in a well-heated earthenware dish, add rum and leave for 24 hours. Remove the onion, add shampoo. Stir, apply to hair and scalp, massage. Keep it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

A good remedy for hair loss.

First aid

Bath is a potent procedure and, like any powerful remedy, is far from safe. It is very easy to get burned in the bath, especially if you accidentally come into contact with metal objects. That is why it is strictly forbidden to wear metal jewelry on the body in the bathhouse. For the same reason, all nails must be deeply "sunk" into the wood. You can burn yourself by touching a preheated oven, boiling water, and too hard steam. Electrical appliances are even more dangerous - they must be taken outside the steam room. If the bath is heated with a wood-burning stove, it is possible that carbon monoxide can enter the room. Previously, in Russia, people "got drunk" in the baths quite often. Finally, in a too humid steam room it is very easy to get heatstroke, and if you overestimate your strength, if the rules for using the bath are not followed, fainting, heart attacks, and even cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest are possible.

That is why it is so important to choose the correct thermal regime, but in this case, you need to listen carefully to your body. Feeling tired, lethargic, heart palpitations, mild dizziness, nausea are signs that you are overdoing it, exceeding your capabilities. It is necessary to immediately stop the bathing procedure, go to a cooler room, drink warm herbal tea, perhaps lie down for a while.

The bath is a publicly available procedure, and the power of the pleasure received from it is so great that sometimes it makes you forget about elementary precautions. Combining the most different aspects of the impact on the body, the bath really heals, but it can also cripple those who, for no reason, risk their own health.

However, even if all the rules are followed, no one is immune from accidents. Therefore, it does not hurt to have a small first-aid kit when visiting a bathhouse and "arm yourself" with the necessary supply of information.

The first-aid kit should contain: ammonia, linseed or lavender oil, several tablets of nitroglycerin and valerian tincture, 2-3 mustard plasters, potassium permanganate, bandage. With these simple tools at your disposal, you can provide first aid yourself in case of heatstroke, burns, fainting, carbon monoxide poisoning.

First aid for heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body is generally overheated due to a violation of thermoregulation. Most often this happens in a too humid steam room, when stuffiness and high humidity interfere with normal sweating.

Symptoms: dizziness, nausea, general weakness, lethargy, palpitations, severe headache, heaviness in the head, a sharp rise in temperature (sometimes up to 40 "C), tinnitus, shallow, rapid breathing. Loss of consciousness is possible.

A prolonged increase in temperature during heatstroke is very dangerous, as it can lead to irreversible consequences. It is necessary to immediately transfer the victim to a cool, well-ventilated place (if possible, to Fresh air), lay with your head raised, wrap with wet sheets, put a cold towel on your forehead, give an abundant drink.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning leads to oxygen starvation of the brain, while circulatory and respiratory disorders occur. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide gas can have the most serious consequences.

Symptoms: headache, dizziness, heaviness in the head, throbbing in the temples, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting. In more severe cases - palpitations, shortness of breath, general weakness, legs become “wadded”, in this state a person often cannot walk without help.

The victim must be immediately taken out into the fresh air, brought to the nose with a cotton ball with ammonia, rubbed with whiskey with the same alcohol, and given a glass of strong tea to drink.

First aid for burns

We have already talked about the causes of burns in the bath. Most often, first or second degree burns occur due to improper water supply, when a sharp stream of hot steam hits the body, but this rarely leads to severe burns.

Symptoms: the skin turns red, the burn site swells, blisters appear.

The victim should immediately apply a gauze bandage soaked in ammonia or in a 2% solution of potassium permanganate. Linseed and lavender oils are good for burns. If there was not a single anti-burn agent at hand, urine compresses (in other words, from urine) help perfectly. In this case, the blisters disappear very quickly and painlessly (which in no case should be punctured!), And after healing there are practically no scars.

First aid for fainting

Fainting, that is, a sudden short-term (from a few seconds to 2-3, less often up to 10, minutes) loss of consciousness, can happen not only with a sick and weakened, but also with a perfectly healthy person. Usually, fainting occurs after a long stay in a stuffy room, with a rapid change in the state of the body (therefore, after lying in the steam room, you cannot rise quickly and abruptly). An interesting detail: people of "air" signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are more likely than others to faint, they tolerate stuffiness, heavy, stale air worse than others.

Symptoms: pallor of the skin (especially of the face and lips), impaired coordination, weakness of the pulse, breathing, nausea, a feeling of suffocation, lack of air, impaired hearing, vision, short-term hallucinations are possible before loss of consciousness.

The victim must be immediately taken out into the fresh air or into a cool room, laid down, raised his legs, allowed to smell the ammonia, rub his whiskey with it. Massage your arms and legs vigorously, you can rub with alcohol. Sometimes it is recommended to put a mustard plaster on the back of the head. A cool drink works well.

Cardiac and respiratory arrest

This happens quite rarely in the bathhouse. Reason: incorrect vaping regime, neglect of medical recommendations in cases when steam room is contraindicated. Excessive hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest, complications of various diseases, mainly cardiovascular, are also possible.

Symptoms: lack of breathing, loss of consciousness, pallor or cyanosis of the skin, dilated pupils, no pulse.

First of all, you should immediately call " ambulance»And immediately begin to do artificial respiration, otherwise after 5 minutes your actions will be practically useless.

It has long been known as the beneficial effect of bath procedures on the human body.

In the bath, the body is freed from toxins, the skin also gets rid of accumulated toxins, making it possible to feel harmony, to feel the unity of body and soul.

Taking a steam bath is useful for people of any age, gender and origin.

BATH AMMUNITY AND ATTRIBUTION

You and I will not need so many bath attributes. The essentials for the bath procedure will be a broom, soap, shampoo, a washcloth, a towel, a hat, bath slippers and a change of linen. It is also advisable to take a bathrobe or sheet, mittens, a sweat scraper, bedding or small terry towels, a basin, a ladle, essential oils and herbal teas, a thermos with tea and a cup to the bathhouse. You can add massage brushes, nail scissors, pumice stone for feet, cosmetic creams, masks and scrubs to bath uniforms.

Bath or sauna scrubs

Natural scrubs from one ingredient. Surely, many have heard and have already tried to use honey, coffee, salt, clay, rubbing them from head to toe.

Today all these products are widely used in saunas and baths. Why are they so popular? Yes, because you can get them and use them without making any special efforts, they do not need any complicated preparations, that is, they are used in the simplest way - that is, you took them, smeared them and wait for the result.

Only here one rule should be remembered: it is recommended to apply scrubs at the second, or better third, entry into the steam room. Application during the first run is categorically excluded. In addition, after entering the steam room, you must take a dip in cold water. Also, you can not apply the scrub to delicate areas.

Honey (can be used with salt) - this will have an excellent diaphoretic effect. It turns out, using honey, we force our body to quickly get rid of toxins, while our skin is additionally moisturized and saturated with vitamins.

Method of application: take a ceramic dish (enamel is very hot in the steam room), mix honey and coarse salt in it. Rub the body with this mixture while you are on the shelf in the bath. Moreover, it makes sense not only to apply and wait for the result, but to rub this mixture all the time over the entire surface of the skin. Thus, we also exfoliate the hardened particles of the epidermis. After that, rinse with warm water. After applying this scrub, the skin becomes soft and velvety. As mentioned above, a mixture of honey and salt strongly stimulates perspiration, therefore, before these procedures, you should refrain from drinking plenty of fluids, as it will simply come out in the form of sweat and the desired result from using a mixture of honey and salt will not be achieved.

To enhance the effect of honey, you can experiment with adding a variety of essential oils to it. For a bath, oils of eucalyptus, sage, juniper, spruce and others are usually used, but the taste and color of a friend is not - you can add your favorite oils in any combination.

Coffee is also a very good and effective natural scrub. It also helps to deeply cleanse the surface of the skin. Coffee has earned the status of an excellent skin scrub due to substances that melt subcutaneous fat, coffee is an excellent anti-cellulite agent.

Method of application: grind coffee beans in a coffee grinder, but in such a way that they do not turn into dust, but remain more or less large particles in order for them to perform their function as a scrub well.

To use such a scrub in a bath, it is best to use coarse coffee in combination with fresh sour cream.

In the steam room, this mixture should be rubbed and heated until you feel that it becomes unbearably hot. Then you should rinse with warm water. This substance cannot be used like honey and salt, that is, you do not need to rub it all the time, as coffee particles can injure delicate skin. Coffee, enveloping you with its delicate aroma, helps to create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, and after using a mixture of coffee and sour cream, you will immediately feel the result. The skin will become velvety, very soft and delicate to the touch. The only negative is that it is not recommended for people who have problems with blood pressure.

Next, the conversation will focus on clay

Naturally about the clay, cleaned, disinfected and collected in a suitable place. Clay from a quarry located near your home is not suitable for medical and cosmetic purposes. On the contrary, you can pick up various problems from it that will have a bad effect on your skin.

Nowadays, pharmacies and cosmetic stores have no problems providing the widest choice of clays to the buyer. They all differ in color, and, accordingly, their composition and their effect on the skin. The color of the clay determines the presence of certain components in it.

Blue clay

This clay has become the most popular. She is the carrier of the most complete complex of substances and microelements necessary for our body. It contains silica, nitrogen, silver, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, aluminum, zinc, copper, iron, molybdenum, magnesium.

In addition to cleansing properties, blue clay also has disinfecting properties. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

Green clay

This clay has excellent absorbent properties.

White clay (kaolin)

It has a good antiseptic property, has long been introduced into cosmetology and is widely used mainly for flabby thin skin, although it is also treated for acne and gets rid of excess sebum.

Red clay

It is used if there is not enough iron in the body.

Yellow clay

Yellow clay is a good antioxidant, detoxifies well and enriches the skin with oxygen.

Gray clay

Gray clay is used for moisturizing and toning action. The effect is noticeable when applied to dry skin.

All these types of clays today are not difficult to find in almost any pharmacy.

Method of application: instructions for preparing a mixture from purchased clay are always on the package. Most of these powdered clays should be diluted 1: 1 in warm water and mixed thoroughly until smooth. Easy to use. In the bath, you should simply rub with the resulting mixture and steam until it gets hot, then rinse off the mask with warm water.

Nowadays, girls prefer to make masks from white or blue clay due to the fact that these clays are more saturated with a variety of minerals and the richest in composition. Masks made from these clays moisturize the skin well, and you do not need to apply cream after them.

When using all these funds in the pursuit of health and beauty, you should remember that they can be used only if you are in the bath alone or with people who will not mind these procedures, because others may be allergic to these products. or they may simply be uncomfortable.

Herbal infusions

This beauty recipe has not gained such popularity as the scrubs described above, although it is undeservedly, since herbal infusions have a wider range of applications. Especially in bath procedures.

It is very simple to prepare such an infusion: just a few minutes before entering the steam room, pour dry herbs (a couple of teaspoons per 200 ml of water) with boiling water and let it brew a little. Herbal infusions, as well as scrubs, must be applied at least the second time they enter the steam room, before that they have dipped in cool water after previous visits.

The infusion itself (water) massage movements should be applied to the skin of the face, neck, chest. And then you can rub the coarser areas of skin with grass - thighs, back, elbows and knees.

For the preparation of such infusions, absolutely all medicinal herbs are suitable. You can even prepare them yourself, collecting the ones you like and dry them in the summer, and purchase them at the pharmacy. Also, if you decide to go to the bathhouse in the summer, then you can take freshly picked herbs with you, they will be even more fragrant and more effective. For this purpose, nettle, centaury, clover, cuff, chamomile, calendula are mainly used. I also recommend trying licorice and kelp, known as seaweed.

I liked the liquorice infusion because it moisturizes and softens the skin very well, and after it there is no need to use a cream. The skin after applying this infusion becomes velvety and soft like that of a baby. And seaweed is very useful because it contains a large amount of iodine.

In the Russian baths, decoctions or infusions of medicinal herbs have long been used, which were poured onto stones to create a special aroma in each case in the steam room or to cure the patient. Inhalation of medicinal steam in a bath is one of the types of inhalation.

Beneficial substances, penetrating through the respiratory tract and enlarged pores into the body, have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system.

The most famous recipe is watering stones with infusion of steamed birch brooms. Often in steam rooms they serve beer or kvass (0.5-1 tbsp. Kvass for a bowl of water).

In addition to bath decoctions from medicinal herbs, diluted watermelon juice, honey (1/2 tablespoon honey in a basin with hot water), infusion of horseradish leaves are used, vegetable oils and other substances evaporating on hot stones.

Bath massagers

In addition to using various scrubs and masks for the skin in the bath, it is very effective to use massagers. They are used to improve blood microcirculation in the cells of the skin, remove dead cells, and help to relax.

One of the most the best massagers for a bath - a broom. However, you can only fully feel the relaxing effect on your body if an experienced bathhouse attendant soars you.

Broom from sticks

You can make such a massager yourself. To do this, you will need to cut off 10-12 branches of black currant about 40 cm long, tie them with a rope at one end, then dry them. These sticks are for tapping yourself or your partner on the back and legs. Outwardly, it may seem like a rude device, but nevertheless, such a broom from sticks beats very softly.

You can make it with your own hands: sew it from dense coarse fabric, natural, of course, or simply purchase it at the pharmacy. They rub themselves or a partner on the back and feet with a mitten.

And yet, returning to the above, I dare to assure that all the same the most the best remedy that combines the properties described above is honey and salt. So, women, going to the bathhouse, you need to purchase a pack of salt and about 200 grams of honey in advance. It is better to choose natural honey. Also, do not forget to bring the dishes with you where you are going to mix it all.

Arriving at the bathhouse, the first thing to do is to melt the honey by the stove in the steam room so that it becomes liquid. After the honey has become a suitable consistency, add salt to it. Stir all this gently with a spoon and set it to warm again. We add salt so much that there is no layer of honey left, that is, so that the layer of honey is not visible above the settled salt. Again, we leave it all on the stove.

Then we rest and steam ourselves, as usual - first we just warm ourselves, without a broom, next time we steam with a broom, rest a little and make up for the loss of liquid with warm tea, but after that, before going in to steam again, we take our mixed substance with our hands and methodically rub all over the body with massaging movements. We start to rub from the neck, finish with knees or heels, as you like. Then we apply another layer on female problem areas, or potentially problem areas. Only this should be done carefully, since hot and sticky honey is instantly absorbed into the body and if you make movements abruptly, you can pull on the delicate skin and hurt yourself or your partner.

After the performed procedure, the body will look like the body of a silver hare, since everything will be covered with salt crystals. We go into the steam room, warm up, wield a broom. After that, you should take a dip in cold water and cool down. Then everything is as usual - steam continues, massage ... The result of this procedure will exceed all expectations. The skin is tightened, velvety, soft, the result is many times greater than the effect of any spa-salons. On top of that, have a good time to chat and have a great time with your partner.

Thus, going to the bathhouse is not just steam and, at best, a broom. This is a great reason to take care of yourself, put your skin and body in order, improve the state of mind and body.

Love for baths lies in the variety of bath procedures. You will wash and steam in it, you will improve your health and rest. It has been noticed that connoisseurs and lovers of the bath look younger, their skin becomes smoother and glows with a natural blush. An ordinary bath can easily turn into a massage room and a beauty salon, it is enough to adhere to some rules. A good bath loves order and only then becomes effective.

What you need to know and remember when visiting the baths?

To begin with, understand for what purpose you are going to the bathhouse, prioritize. Some consider the bath a great way to lose weight, for others it is a means of cleaning the body and preventing diseases.
Bathing on an empty stomach is a sure way to burn extra calories and, as a result, lose weight. Taking a steam bath after dinner is harmful to the body and leads to fullness.
Ideally, bath procedures are taken 3-4 hours after meals.
The best time to visit the bathhouse is in the morning. At this time, the body is vigorous and easily tolerates heat stress.
In no case do not take a steam bath if you observe an exacerbation of any disease!
Do not overheat and protect your head from heatstroke! Brush off copious sweat with a towel, broom, otherwise you may get burned. Leave the steam room at the first sign of overheating.
The bathhouse and steam room will definitely help with poisoning, whatever it may be: alcohol, nitrates or food. Wastes and toxins actively leave the body through the pores along with sweat. Metabolic and protective processes at the cell level are rapidly getting rid of harmful substances.
The steam room is a great chance to use the entire arsenal of healing and cosmetics... Fir and cedar oils, decoction of hops and pine needles, juniper, oregano, thyme, jasmine, birch broom, bread kvass, honey and much more have proven themselves excellently for a long time. Aromatic oils and herbs magically enhance the effectiveness of bath procedures, literally working wonders.
Never take alcohol and energy drinks in the bath before visiting it!

What to take with you to the bathhouse?

Having planned a trip to the bathhouse or sauna for the first time, we think about a set of necessary things. The question of personal preference has not yet been canceled, although experienced bathers have compiled the following approximate list.

Shampoo and soap. Favorite and familiar means for washing the head and body. Shampoos, rinses and balms, shower gels or soaps in the bath will be more useful than in a standard shower or bath. Remember, soap dries out your skin. Better pre-steam the skin, and then use it.

A washcloth or sponge. The bath is ideal for effective cleansing and cosmetic procedures. Steamed keratinized skin cells can be easily removed with natural scrubs and special mittens made of hardened silk and harder fibers. Hard washcloths and mittens are excellent massagers: they restore tone to the body and normalize blood circulation. And this is very nice!

Salt. Men may not understand its significance. Gorgeous ladies appreciate the salt massage for feeling smooth skin and helping to get rid of cellulite.

Bed sheet or sheet. Indispensable in the steam room, as a sure means of protection: from hot temperatures, bacteria on the surface of shelves or seats. The fabric is amazingly absorbent of sweat. Nowadays it is fashionable to use a bath kilt skirt with Velcro.

Hat. Protect your head from heat and your hair from drying out. Under the reliable protection of a cloth or felt hat, you will forget about dizziness and will be able to stay in the steam room longer.

Broom. In the bathhouse for a freshly steamed broom, people are ready for a lot! Breathe in its aroma and start massage with a broom. Not everyone can choose the right broom and prepare it.

Honey. Nourishes, moisturizes the skin, leaving it silky and energizing aroma.

Butter. Now in pharmacies there is a huge selection of valuable oils: almond, apricot, coniferous and even exotic components. They can replace honey or supplement its useful properties. Applied to the body, washed off with warm water after a while.

Tea, fruit drink, kvass. Pleasant and helpful saviors from thirst, the best choice from a variety of drinks. Warm and hot tea will help you sweat and lose weight.

Towel. Where can we go without it after the bath?

How to properly heat a sauna and prepare steam?

To heat a bath is a complex and delicate art. If the bath is designed and built according to all the rules, then this will help to achieve the desired bath regime. The sauna is heated with wood, gas, electric ovens are used. The best and favorite birch firewood. Only they combine a special spirit and are able to flare up, effectively giving off heat. Alder firewood is also confidently in the lead. Oak and ash are too expensive, and other species are not as good at providing heat. It is important to know that there is no place for raw firewood in the bathhouse! They give off fumes and smoke, and this is unaesthetic and dangerous, and the minimum efficiency of the stove!

If the stove, the heart of the bathhouse, feeds on wood, then it is important to be able to choose them and fold them in a special way.

It is necessary to strive for uniform heating, good steam. Splash water on the rocks and gently raise your hand. Dry steam in the required condition does not burn. And never flood rocks with large amounts of water. If the water sizzles as it evaporates, the oven temperature is low. Ideally, stones will emit cotton when splashed with water.

Bath is a place where you can truly experience 33 pleasures. Let the bath procedures always bring only them!

See also:

SPA treatments for the skin in the sauna: which can be done and which can not

Body and face scrubs

Nourishing face masks

Masks for mature skin

Body and hair care after

Contraindications to visit

Birch broom

Prices for birch brooms for a bath

Oak broom

Prices for oak brooms for a bath

Linden broom

Eucalyptus broom

Prices for equalip brooms for a bath

Juniper broom

Prices for juniper brooms for a bath

Coniferous brooms (spruce, fir, cedar)

Nettle broom

Wormwood broom

Wormwood broom prices

Rowan, currant and cherry broom

How to steam properly?

What do you need to consider when going to the steam room?

Steam room preparation

Cleaning

How to dry a wet steam room

How to prepare dry steam

Stages of the bath procedure

The first stage is a warm shower

Second stage - entering the steam room

The third stage - contrast procedures

The fourth stage - broom massage

Different vaping modes

For beginners, sick and weakened people.

For relatively healthy people, children and adolescents.

For strong, seasoned people.

After active physical activity.

For those wishing to lose weight.

For those who want to get better.

Taking a sauna

Massage

Steam room exercises

Bath wash

Soap selection

Washing head

Body wash

Foot and hand care

Body rub

Soap replacement formulations

Compositions "after the pair"

Homemade hair shampoos

Wash balms for hair

First aid

First aid for heatstroke

First aid for burns

First aid for fainting

Cardiac and respiratory arrest

BATH AMMUNITY AND ATTRIBUTION

Bath or sauna scrubs

Next, the conversation will focus on clay

Blue clay

Green clay

White clay (kaolin)

Red clay

Yellow clay

Gray clay

Herbal infusions

Bath massagers

What to take with you to the bathhouse?

How to properly heat a sauna and prepare steam?

Arrows for the impending century: which are suitable, how to draw

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