Russian Bath

An authentic Russian room with a stove made with granite rocks heated overnight to radiate intense heat. The stove has a hole to throw the water into. By throwing water on stones heated to extreme temperatures behind metal doors, steam droplets of exceptionally small size are created; this makes breathing easy and enjoyable. The temperatures usually do not exceed 80C/180F. Here people often hit themselves or others with bunches of dried branches and leaves from white birch or other suitable trees (called venik) in order to get a message and improve the circulation. In winter, branches that have been dried and then moistened in hot water are used. Felt hats are used to protect the head from heat. Pads are used to sit on as the hot, dry wood can be uncomfortable for bare skin.