|
|
|
Venik Massage and Techniques
|
For many centuries, Russians have congregated in communal Russian baths or saunas. A Russian bania plays an important historical role in Russian culture. They relax on benches in a room that is heated by pouring water over heated rocks. This produces a dry, hot steam that forces your body to sweat excessively. The experience may sound unpleasant, but it is actually very relaxing. A Russian bath can help your body ward off illnesses and become stronger and healthier. Please read our article on Improving Your Health with a Russian Sauna to learn more about the numerous benefits for your mind and body.
You should devote at least 2 hours to gain the full experience and healing effects of a Russian sauna. The longer you can remain in the sauna, the better you will feel. Most people stay long enough to build up a healthy sweat before taking a cold shower or heading to a cold pool for a quick dip. The truly adventurous may even go outside and roll in the snow before heading back in to the steam room. This hot and cold process is repeated 5 to 6 times during each visit. If you are a novice, you can read more about what to expect when you enter a Russian sauna.
Some bathers will wear a felt hat and felt gloves to keep their body from overheating during a sauna. Although the process may sound very familiar to anyone who has previously enjoyed a sauna, there is a different twist to the Russian sauna.
What Is A Venik
Russian bathers will often purchase a venik when they are visiting a Russian sauna. This in an essential element of the bathing process. The term refers to a fragrant and leafy bundle of dried oak or birch tree twigs. Bathers use a venik to repeatedly lash their body until the skin turns slightly pink. This will help you to enjoy more of the health benefits by warming up your body, improving your metabolism and increasing blood circulation. Essentials oils released by venik reduce premature aging of your skin and boost your metabolism. Venik leaves also release biological substances called phytoncides that eliminate or reduce the development of harmful pathogens within your body.
How To Use A Venik
Half way through a Russian sauna, bathers start the important "flogging" process. Bundles of oak or birch twigs are used to massage the body in order to further enhance the health benefits of a Russian sauna. You soak the venik in warm water for approximately 20 minutes and then another 10 minutes in hot water to soften the leaves. You may be able to re-use a venik several times, but only when it still contains many leaves and very few bare ends.
Some of the venik massage techniques include stroking, compress, waggling or rubbing and stretching. You can repeat many of these techniques in succession to achieve maximum benefit. Stroking involves gently pressing the venik against your body in a continuous long wavy line starting at your neck and moving down to your toes. The handle of your venik should also face the direction of the movement.
Compressing involves raising your venik above you where the temperature is higher, shaking it for a second and then firmly pressing it against your waist, feet, shoulders and knees for a few seconds. You can also cover the venik with your other hand to increase the pressure which is particularly effective at relieving joint and muscle pains.
You can also lightly flutter the venik just above your body letting the tips of the leaves barely graze your skin. This is called waggling, and it creates an air flow to prepare your body for some of the more intense massage techniques. You can alternate between lashing and hitting your body lightly with a venik and stroking or compressing.
After you have completed short lashing and are enjoying your second round in the steam room, you can begin rubbing. This technique involves pressing the venik against your body with the palm of your other hand and rubbing it with circular or stroking movements. Once you are finished, you should place two veniks on your waist and move them apart vertically while you press them into your body. This stretches your waist.
Types of Venik
Most veniks are created from oak or birch twigs, although some are made of fir, nettle, lime or eucalyptus. A fragrant birch venik is great for alleviating joint and muscle pain, speeding the healing of scratches or wounds and cleaning the skin. This type of venik also widens small bronchi. It will keep the lungs well ventilated and remove phlegm so it is easier to breathe. Washing your hair with a birch venik infusion is also beneficial. Vitamins A & C found in birch leaves will eliminate dandruff and strengthen your hair.
If you have oily skin, you should try using an oak venik. This type will make your skin more resilient and smooth. The fragrant oak twigs will also help to calm you and reduce stress. Oak extract can be used to treat skin problems and prevent excessive sweating in your feet. An oak venik also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
How To Make A Venik
If you don't wish to purchase a venik at a Russian sauna, you can easily make one yourself. Choose very thin twigs that contain many leaves. You should only pick the twigs on dry days during June or July when the leaves are completely grown but have not yet started to fade. You can tie up the branches and dry them until you're ready to hit the sauna! If you don't have the time or energy to make a venik yourself, you can also purchase them in a Russian bania for a few dollars. You can also find veniks in Canada and US, although the prices will usually start at $20.
|
|
