Bathhouse from a different angle: bathhouse traditions, signs and superstitions. Bath and contraindications. When and who should not take a sauna?
Baths and saunas are excellent means of healing. They are especially useful for women. The steam room reduces the number of wrinkles, helps maintain skin elasticity and helps to lose excess weight. But in some conditions the bath is contraindicated.
Sauna and heart
The sauna has the most significant effect on the cardiovascular system. The basis of its action is improving blood flow due to temperature changes. Heat promotes the expansion of the smallest blood vessels- capillaries.
The high temperature forces even those vessels that were previously empty to function. The temperature contrast when jumping into the pool helps to narrow the capillaries. And after leaving the pool, the vessels expand again and give off excess heat. This is how “vascular gymnastics” occurs.
The rapid release of fluid from the body due to intense sweating contributes to blood thickening. The blood coagulation system is activated, but at the same time the activity of the anticoagulant system “prophylactically” increases. That is, in the bathhouse the heart, blood vessels and blood are in full combat readiness.
However, this can be dangerous for those who have heart defects with severe circulatory problems. You should not visit the steam room if you have severe hypertension and blood pressure over 200 mm Hg. Art., severe coronary disease hearts and severe atherosclerosis vessels.
Those who are prone to bleeding or thrombosis, as well as those who have recently undergone surgery, should not tempt fate. You need to be very careful about steaming after 60 years. And age over 70 years is a contraindication to visiting a sauna or bathhouse.
Oxygen for the lungs
Hot air helps cleanse respiratory tract. Increases mobility of costovertebral joints and movements chest become more free. Blood circulation in the lungs improves, and the blood is more saturated with oxygen.
Meanwhile, baths and saunas are a significant burden on the body. Therefore, people with exacerbation of chronic diseases of the lungs and bronchi, active tuberculosis and severe bronchial asthma should not take a steam bath.
Heat for joints and muscles
The sauna is great for muscle pain after sports activities. Impact high temperature promotes the elimination of substances that cause discomfort in the muscles. Therefore the sauna is the best method muscle recovery.
The bath is also useful for joints. An increase in mobility and a decrease in joint pain in the sauna occurs due to increased exchange of interarticular fluid. But if arthritis worsens, you should not take a steam bath.
Kidneys and liver rest
Increased sweating reduces the load on the kidneys, and they are on a “short-term vacation.” Urine production decreases within the first minutes and remains reduced for several hours after leaving the sauna. However, when urolithiasis And serious illnesses It’s better not to risk kidneys with a steam room.
The sauna relieves not only the kidneys, but also the liver. Heat improves the secretion of bile, relieves stagnant bile gallbladder. “Relationships” in the intestines are normalized, due to increased lymph flow, the intestines are freed from toxins. The influence of high temperature has a beneficial effect on intestinal flora, preventing the development of dysbacteriosis.
But with severe inflammation of the liver, cirrhosis, exhaustion, exacerbation peptic ulcer the bath is contraindicated.
There are a number of prohibitions when skin diseases. This is all acute diseases skin or their exacerbation, scleroderma. Those who have a purulent rash, viral or fungal diseases skin, scabies.
The bath is also contraindicated in severe cases diabetes mellitus, serious disruptions in work thyroid gland, glaucoma, epilepsy, psychosis and psychopathy.
And under no circumstances should you be in the steam room in front of everyone. acute infections, fever and malignant tumors.
So women with poor health should definitely consult a doctor before going to the steam room.
The oldest Russian traditions, beliefs and signs are distinguished by incredible mysticism, which was inherent in our ancestors, and to some extent passed on to us, people of the twenty-first century. Much of our culture is literally saturated with secrets, legends and sometimes frightening supernatural features.
Even such a seemingly elementary and, one might say, everyday phenomenon as a bathhouse, in fact turns out to be filled with various beliefs. It would seem that what could be so special about a bathhouse? After all, this is nothing more than a place where a person can wash himself after have a hard day, or weeks, will be able to properly rest and relax. A bathhouse is simply the great-grandmother of a bathroom, many will say. And they will be wrong, because a huge number of beliefs and signs are associated with the traditional Russian bathhouse.
Let's start with the fact that the bathhouse itself is Slavic mythology It was considered a difficult place, but a mystical one. On the one hand, people sacredly believed that in the bath they cleansed not only their mortal body from dirt, but also their immortal soul from the sins that had accumulated in it. On the other hand, it was believed that an evil spirit lived in the bathhouse, and therefore every trip there was accompanied by certain rituals aimed at pleasing this force and incurring its wrath.
This evil spirit was far from faceless, and was called Bannik. Usually he was presented as a short old man with a beard who lived behind the stove or under a bench, so we can say with confidence that Bannik is a kind of analogue of the well-known Domovoy.
Therefore, it is not at all surprising that a lot of prohibitions were associated with visiting the bathhouse. For example, it was strictly forbidden to pray in it. Even pectoral cross IR it was necessary to take it off before going to the bathhouse, and in church holidays she was not drowned at all. Under no circumstances was it possible to visit the bathhouse alone, or leave a child in it, since it was believed that Bannik would definitely replace him. It was forbidden to even drink water! And, of course, one had to behave quietly and as politely as possible in the bathhouse, so as not to anger the owner.
One of the most important rules of Bannik was that men should always wash first. Women must wait patiently for their turn, because if a representative of the fair sex enters the bathhouse first, all her sins will inevitably be transferred to the one who follows her. So the order in this matter was observed more than strictly. First - men, then - women, and after them the bathhouse had to be left empty, because old man Bannik also needed to wash his body and soul. It was strictly forbidden to interfere with him; people firmly believed that Bannik could take revenge for this. Therefore, especially for him, pieces of soap, brooms and some water in a ladle were left in an empty bathhouse.
Explanation of why you should not take a bath at night
Another strict rule baths - do not wash after midnight. Why can't you shower after 12 midnight? Here everything was explained simply - at night various evil spirits come to visit Bannik, which he washes. And if you interfere with this action, old Bannik can steam an unwary person to death. Therefore, one should not be surprised that this rule was observed religiously.
But for the same reasons why people followed all these rules and were afraid to somehow anger the evil spirits, the bathhouse has always been a favorite place for various fortune-telling and divination. It was believed that if you behave correctly, Bannik will not only not get angry, but will also protect you from evil spirits.
Of course, these days the bathhouse has ceased to be such a mystical place, and people have not been afraid of evil spirits for a long time. Still, it’s better to be careful, because no one knows for sure what lies dormant in the dark corners of ancient Russian baths. Now you know, why can't you go to the bathhouse at night?, as well as other related signs.
Signs have prepared many surprises for those who like to take a steam bath. This is a magical, powerful place - in the baths, conspiracies have long been read and witchcraft performed. What rules need to be followed there?
Superstitions about the bannik
Bannik, like the brownie, is a good spirit. But it comes from evil spirits, which affects the character. Looks like an old man with huge claws and bath leaves instead of clothes. He was sometimes described as a naked man with thick hair on the body.
They don’t go to the bathhouse without asking. Before entering, you must knock and ask permission:
Bannik-bannik, I ask you to come to your house to protect yourself from evil. I know your rules, I conjure them! Receive the guest according to his rank and conscience. We found not troubles, but blessings! Key, lock!
The sauna spirit adheres to the old principles and men should be the first to take a steam bath. If a woman enters first, the entity will send illnesses and other troubles. According to other superstitions, those coming after her will suffer. A woman was once considered unclean creature, and the evil spirits washed off from it remain in the bathhouse.
Drunk people are not allowed, the owner of the steam room does not like them and punishes them feeling unwell and inattention during the week. Alcohol in a steam room is a bad idea, even in small doses. This is detrimental to physical and energetic health.
Do not spit indoors, especially on stones - this insults the essence. In response, you can get spitting boiling water. In the bathhouse they do not shout, quarrel or use foul language; these are manifestations of disrespect.
Like a brownie, a bannik keeps order in the premises entrusted to him. Disturbance will be severely punished. Instead of giving the spirit treats, a new bar of soap is placed in the corner once a month. After each use of the bath, leave water and a broom in the basin. An offering of sugar will improve your health. Before lighting it, it is left in the corner, and after washing it is removed behind the threshold. After a day, sugar can be taken under any tree.
Time to visit the steam room
From midnight to dawn The bathhouse completely belongs to the bannik and other entities whom he invites to visit. It is dangerous to wash at night; you cannot spend the night in the bathhouse. Evil spirits love this room because of the lack of icons.
By take about the hair- do not wash your hair on Monday to avoid going bald. It takes its roots from bathhouse beliefs, where Monday- Bannik day, when you don’t sweat so as not to part with your braid. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the spirit especially zealously looks after evil spirits, so these days are considered the best for going to the bathhouse.
Don't worry V Orthodox holidays . Firstly, for a long time the church forbade it. You can’t work on a holiday, and in order to wash, you had to bring water from the well, water the yard, and light the stove. Secondly, on a holy day, evil spirits hide in a room without icons in order to avoid God’s wrath. Bath on New Year - an old tradition, you need to be pure in soul and body.
You cannot steam the bathhouse more than three times in a row, otherwise the bathhouse will suffocate. Men go first, women come second, then children are bathed. He is the fourth and doesn’t let anyone in after him. Therefore, after three visits, they do not enter the bathhouse, so as not to become a victim of an angry entity. In some regions they do not go to the third pair. The third one takes a steam bath, and the children wash together with the adults. Anyone who breaks the rule will be doused with boiling water or strangled.
Occult meaning of the bath
In Rus' it has always had a special meaning. The most strong conspiracies, read here, related to both black and white magic. In the bathhouse you can bewitch or spoil, remove damage, and provide powerful protection from other people's witchcraft. All conspiracies that are read about water for washing or washing work faster and more efficiently. As stated above, dark forces gather in the bathhouse, invited by their inhabitant, who himself comes from the subtle world. If you remove the pectoral cross and step on it right foot, you can see the devil.
You don't have to cast a spell to feel the power of a bathhouse. Ask the water to cleanse it of negativity in your own words. You can say “Our Father” and other prayers on it or herbs, bathing salt. This is a place of physical and spiritual purification. Jumping into the snow or an ice hole not only strengthens the immune system, but also removes sins. Despite this, in the old days it was forbidden to go to the temple after washing, so as not to bring devils to the holy place when visiting the bannik.
Bath - a place with strong energy, fulfilling wishes. You need to go there with pure intentions, good mood. Step over the threshold and forget about all your worries. The desire to wash away negativity is natural, but concentrating on problems and difficulties is unacceptable, otherwise you will get even more of them.
Steam removes any negativity. If possible, before removing damage or another negative program, take a steam bath from the heart, the work will go easier. After cleansing, they wipe themselves with a new handkerchief and then burn it.
In the steam room you can not only wash away the negativity, but also recharge vital energy. In the old days they said that a person who does not even gain a little strength is not a good person. Before important events Be sure to take a steam bath - before the wedding, for example. The woman in labor was taken to the bathhouse after the baby was born in order to quickly restore her health. In a number of regions, they gave birth right there so that mother and child were strong in spirit and body.
Beliefs about soap
A sick person and a healthy person should not use the same soap so that the disease does not pass on. Especially if it is an unfamiliar person. By reading the plot to yourself, you can shift illness on soap.
You cannot use soap. Instead of wellness get in a bad mood. If the bannik is in a bad mood, he might get sick. Now the remnants are thrown away, in the old days they were buried in the ground so that sorcerers would not get them. A love spell or damage can be cast on the soap that a specific person has used. A piece made from soap remnants is only suitable as a gift to an enemy.
The soap broke into two parts - to separation from your loved one. Fell to the floor from a shelf or from your hands - to troubles, collapse of plans and quarrels. Girls tell fortunes using soap. Exactly - the husband will be rich. On the one hand, the piece has become smaller, family life will pass in need.
Signs about a bath broom
To knit bath brooms It is best during the full moon, when the energy of the night luminary is at its peak. Such brooms will increase your health and improve your mood. On Orekhovy Spas they are made from hazel; on Ivan Kupala it is customary to prepare them for the whole year.
The most common material is birch and oak. They usually take branches from different trees - the more branches you take from one, the more painful it is for him. Be sure to ask the plant for forgiveness for the pain caused.
You cannot take branches of a burning tree for a broom, especially if it has been struck by lightning. In the latter case, the devil was sitting on them - this is what superstitions say about. Trees with two trunks growing from one root are also not suitable. The broom must be strong. If it falls apart - expect failure. However, perhaps this is how the bannik plays. It is better to stop swimming, the games of evil spirits sometimes go too far.
Wedding omens advise the newlyweds to go to the bathhouse before the marriage ceremony. But few people know that the brooms of the bride and groom must be special - collected from the branches of seven willows. Then their life will be long and happy, and their union will be filled with love and devoid of betrayal and quarrels.
You cannot use someone else’s broom; you will take on other people’s sins and problems. The ancestors were especially wary of taking one that was used by an “unclean” woman. The old broom is burned. Now it is not considered a bad omen to throw it away, but you should remember: after removing the damage or evil eye in the bathhouse, the broom must be put on fire.
Superstitions about the location of the bathhouse
A house is not built on the site of an old bathhouse. This unclean territory- guests of the bathhouse spirit remember its location and can return at any time. And he himself does not leave his favorite place, he waits until he is again given the opportunity to enjoy the hot steam. Nothing is built on the site of a burnt bathhouse, not even a barn or a new bathhouse.
Baths are built away from the house, in the backyards. This is a place where sins and illnesses are washed away and where evil spirits live. A black chicken is supposed to be buried under the threshold, and coins are buried in the foundation. This is a gift to the bath spirit.
In a new bathhouse, the first thing you need to do is leave a new bar of soap for the bathhouse, and only then heat it. After a month, as described above, this piece is replaced with a fresh one. Nobody should use it. Before heating, throw salt into the firebox. After the first wash in the new bathhouse, you need to leave a treat for the bathhouse - bread and salt.
Bath - sacred place strength, which in ancient times was available in every home. Sins are washed away in it, while beingware of the tricks of the bannik and evil spirits. To protect yourself from the latter, you should follow ancient signs and do not quarrel with the bath spirit.
Visiting a steam room has a positive effect on health, general health and beauty. However, in some cases, the bathhouse is strictly prohibited.
There are several conditions that are temporary contraindications to visiting the steam room. This applies to:
- State of alcoholic intoxication.
- Feelings of extreme hunger.
- A recent hearty meal.
- The period before a night's rest.
There are quite a few permanent situations when you cannot visit the bathhouse. For the most part they are related to the state of health - the presence various diseases different localization and etiology.
Heart and blood vessels
Of course, visiting the bathhouse directly affects the functioning of cardio-vascular system:
- Activates blood circulation processes.
- Leads to the expansion of capillaries under the skin and increased peripheral circulation.
- Causes the heart to work especially intensely (frequency heart rate increases to one hundred and twenty beats per minute in healthy people).
- At the same time, the level increases cardiac output and there is a significant increase in blood flow speed.
- Muscles and internal organs actively saturated with oxygen.
- Blood pressure levels rise.
- After leaving the steam room or plunging into cold water there is a sharp narrowing of the vessels, and then they expand again - for effective disposal from excess heat.
Of course, healthy body receives only benefit from such loads. The blood vessels and heart train, become stronger and more resilient.
However, if there is various pathologies for the cardiovascular system, it is better to avoid visiting bathhouses and saunas. After all, such loads can become deadly. Relaxation in a steam room can be especially harmful for people:
- With hypertension late stages development.
- With a tendency to bleed.
- With a tendency to thrombosis.
- Having suffered an acute heart attack.
- Suffering from acute inflammatory lesions of the cardiovascular system.
- With acute thrombophlebitis, which is accompanied by venous insufficiency.
- With general atherosclerosis.
- With ischemic pathology.
In principle, doctors allow the possibility of visiting the bathhouse when initial stages hypertension, unstable angina and heart failure. But you can steam with such violations only at moderate temperatures, for a short time and without sharp temperature fluctuations.
Respiratory system
While in the steam room respiratory system are also subject to significant stress:
- Ventilation of the lungs increases, breaths become deeper and more frequent.
- The organs of the respiratory system are filled with hot air, which usually contains essential oils and other volatile compounds.
- The airways are cleared.
However, if there are any problems in the activity of the ENT organs, the steam room may be strictly contraindicated. This applies to patients with:
- Inflammatory lesions of the respiratory tract.
- Oncological diseases.
- Chronic decompensated respiratory ailments with heart overload.
- Tuberculosis.
- Bronchiectasis.
However, doctors allow visiting the bathhouse at the first symptoms of an impending cold (but only in the absence of fever and severe symptoms intoxication). If you take a good steam bath, you can avoid further development of the disease.
Liver and kidneys
A visit to the steam room affects the activity of the entire body, including the excretory system:
- Thanks to increased sweating the load on the kidneys is reduced.
- Heating activates the activity of the gallbladder.
- In the bath, the body is cleansed of various aggressive substances, which helps relieve the barrier cells of the liver.
However, doctors warn that in some conditions it is better not to visit the steam room. In particular, this procedure is not recommended for:
- Urolithiasis.
- Jades.
- Gallstone disease.
- Tumor lesions.
- Water and electrolyte disorders, etc.
Gastrointestinal organs
The digestive tract is also actively cleansed of toxins while warming up in the steam room. In addition, there is a well-known theory that being in a bathhouse helps to cure dysbiosis and helps prevent its development. However, doctors do not advise steaming for those who suffer from:
- Chronic ailments digestive tract(especially during periods of exacerbation).
- Ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Hepatitis.
Joints and muscles
The bathhouse can bring great benefit throughout the musculoskeletal system, helping:
- Correct your posture.
- Recover from injuries.
- Promote general tone muscles and improve their health.
- Improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
However, if there are certain violations, it is better not to go to the steam room. In particular, visiting the bathhouse is impossible if:
- Acute inflammatory processes.
- Acute injuries and wounds.
Skin ailments
Majority skin diseases is a direct contraindication to visiting the bathhouse. This applies to:
- Rashes of various etiologies.
- Microbial and acute eczema.
- Fungal diseases (fungus of the feet, nails, lichen, etc.).
- Skin tuberculosis, etc.
However, it is worth noting that for some skin diseases, a steam room may even be useful. In particular, it is allowed to visit it when:
- Dermatitis.
- Psoriasis.
- Atopic neurodermatitis.
- Ichthyosis.
- Hives.
- Limited scleroderma.
- Chronic and recurrent eczema during the period of regression.
Of course, it would be useful to discuss the advisability of visiting a bathhouse or sauna with a qualified doctor. He will tell you the optimal duration of the procedure and the appropriate temperature regime.
Other contraindications
There are several other conditions in which it is better not to use a steam room:
- All kinds of exacerbations of various conditions.
- High body temperature of any etiology.
- Some nervous ailments, in particular epilepsy, etc.
- Mental disorders.
- Pregnancy.
- Exhaustion (anorexia, cachexia).
- Taking certain medications (in particular, corticosteroid hormones).
Most experts agree: if you have any health problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor before visiting the bathhouse.
Wardrobe for a bath
Many people who visit the steam room wonder what they should not wear to the bathhouse. Surprisingly, doctors recommend steaming completely naked - without sheets, towels or swimsuits. This advice can be explained very simply: while staying in the steam room, the body secretes sweat very actively. And if there is clothing, it begins to be absorbed, accordingly:
- The body is not cooling as it should.
- Toxins are not removed.
But of course, if you are planning to go to the bathhouse not in a close family group, you need to be within the bounds of decency. It’s worth going to the steam room:
- In a headdress. In this case, you can only use products made from natural materials; you cannot use synthetics in the bathhouse. Give preference to special bath caps made of felt or felt.
- In a kilt or pareo made of natural fabrics.
- In rubber slippers.
You cannot go to the bathhouse in:
- Swimsuits and swimming trunks, because they are made of synthetics, can cause irritation and harm steamed skin. And if there are metal elements, they can cause burns.
- Jewelry.
- Contact lenses.
Of course, you need to bring a terry robe, several towels and a good mood to the sauna or bathhouse.
Everyone knows how much bliss and benefits a hot bath brings; however, not everyone takes into account the contraindications for visiting a steam room.
To ensure that a trip to the bathhouse does not end in disaster, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the contraindications.
But they exist, and after a steam room you can greatly harm your health. In some cases, everything ends very badly and sometimes even fatally.
How does a bath affect the body?
It is worth understanding how high temperature and steam affect the body. Then it will become clear who should refrain from visiting the bathhouse. The most huge pressure falls on the cardiovascular system. When heated, all blood vessels and small capillaries expand, blood flow increases, and the heart begins to work with increased load. Even in a completely healthy person, the heartbeat reaches 120 beats per minute, and blood pressure rises.
The duration of stay in the steam room should not exceed 15 minutes, since prolonged exposure to high temperature causes the blood to thicken and become viscous. In this case, the heart may not be able to cope with its work and simply stop.
It should be noted that when visiting a bathhouse, a huge load falls on the cardiovascular system.
For skin The sauna is a real euphoria. When heated, all the pores open and she breathes actively. As the heat increases, sweating begins. Together with sweat, toxins are removed from the body, harmful substances. A sauna works especially well for this procedure, since the steam there is drier. However, after some time, they will begin to leave the body through the pores and useful microelements and vitamins. Any recovery must know its dosage so as not to cause harm.
The nervous system in the bathhouse relaxes, and peace sets in. Due to the fact that when the body heats up, blood rushes to the periphery into small capillaries in the extremities, it flows away from the brain. The soul feels light and detached. But only sharp changes temperatures - from the steam room to cold water - excite and tone.
For the respiratory system hot temperature acts beneficially. The lungs begin to actively cool the inhaled hot air, and moisture exchange occurs. Oxygen consumption increases, intensive ventilation of the lungs begins. Excess mucus is separated and breathing becomes cleaner even in bronchial patients.
There is an old saying: “In the bathhouse, all the bones are steamed.” Indeed, the heat of the bath has a beneficial effect on bone tissue and joints. As mentioned above, blood flow increases and each cell of the body receives more oxygen, as well as nutrients. At the same time leaves excess liquid and salt deposits are removed. After the bath, all joints work as if they had been generously lubricated.
The muscles from the sauna steam pleasantly relax, tension and fatigue go away. At large physical activity Lactic acid accumulates in the tissues and it is this that creates heaviness and stiffness. The bath procedure reduces the level of lactic acid in the body. And what is important, the process continues for another 2 hours after visiting the steam room.
Absolute contraindications for baths
A clear contraindication to bath procedures is the presence of hypertension.
The steam room is strictly contraindicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system: myocardial infarction (8 weeks after the onset of the disease, unless longer restrictions are established by the doctor), hypertonic disease, thrombophlebitis with venous insufficiency, extensive atherosclerosis. You should not steam if you have a pacemaker.
You should not visit the steam room with skin diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, purulent rashes, leprosy. Extensive scars after burns, open wounds can also become a prohibiting factor. In some diseases, when sweating is impaired, the steam room is contraindicated.
Despite the fact that the steam room has a beneficial effect on the whole nervous system, and in this case there are those for whom the bath is contraindicated. With diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, impaired motor skills, thermosensory disorders, migraines, it is better to forget about the steam room.
Pregnant women who are at risk of miscarriage or other complications during pregnancy should not use the sauna. During menstrual cycle Baths are also harmful for women, as there is a risk of heavy bleeding.
The steam room is contraindicated for all people suffering from chronic diseases during their exacerbation.
Relative contraindications for the steam room
Saunas and steam rooms are incompatible with alcohol; even strong coffee and tea can be harmful to health. Traditional kvass, fruit compote or canteen mineral water will successfully replenish water balance in organism. For those who smoke, it is advisable to give up cigarettes on this day. Before going to the bathhouse, you should not eat too much, but it is also not advisable to visit the steam room on an empty stomach. The best option is 2 hours after eating.
Older people and those who are doing it for the first time should proceed with the procedure with caution. You should start warming up from the lower tiers of the steam room, gradually rising higher, where the air is hotter. It is too early for children under 1 year of age to go to the sauna: their body is not yet adapted to heat exchange and there is a high risk of overheating.
A universal recommendation for all lovers of Russian baths: do not steam alone. A steam room is a kind of stress for the body, and even completely healthy man may feel bad. You need to have a loved one nearby who will help in case of danger.
