10 tips for visiting a traditional Ukrainian banya

Ukraine is the country famous for its picturesque views, delicious food, beautiful women and, of course, for a traditional Ukrainian banya. It has numerous healing features – banya brings you cheerfulness and energy, rejuvenates your body and soul and fills you with incredible sense of lightness. The Ukrainian banya is a great way to have a rest and relax, it is number one among the entertainments in Ukraine, especially in the winter.

But if you want not only to have a good time, but get all these useful features from the Ukrainian banya, you should know the rules of its proper visiting.

Here are 10 tips for visiting a traditional Ukrainian banya:

  • Don’t eat a lot before visiting banya and don’t do it on an empty stomach. You should find a middle ground;
  • Alcohol is forbidden before and during visiting the Ukrainian banya. If you don’t want to have the problems with your heart, it will be better to avoid the alcohol after visiting it too;
  • It will be good to have a little warm-up or to swim in the swimming-pool for 15 minutes. Your muscles will fill with blood and it will strengthen the useful effect of banya;
  • You should have a shower without soap before entering the steam room. But try to stay your hair dry. It will help you to avoid overheating of the head;
  • For the highest level of relaxing, it is better to lie in the steam room. You should start the visiting of the Ukrainian banya with the temperature 60 degrees Celsius and then make it higher slowly. The steam room is usually attended 2-3 times. It is better to stay there for 8-15 minutes with the breaks for 10-15 minutes;
  • Don’t use the special bath broom at once, it is better to adjust to the steam at first. Before using the broom, you should wet it in the hot water for several minutes.
  • Don’t jump into the snow bank or frozen swimming-pool after the steam room. Only experienced bath attendants can allow themselves to do such activities. Limit yourself to the cool shower;
  • You can have the session of aromatherapy in the Ukrainian banya, coniferous or woody aroma is the most appropriate for it. Just add the essential oil in water for the broom.
  • During the breaks you should drink a lot, because your body loses around 1,5 liters of water at the time of one steamy session. Herbal tea is the best choice;
  • Finally, wash yourself in the warm water and have a rest for 30 minutes.

If you follow these easy rules, the visiting of the banya can do miracles. And certainly the traditional Ukrainian banya can be your main impression of the trip to wonderful Ukraine!