[10/21/2021] Go to Russian Banya

Well, it didn't quite end up being a RUSSIAN banya, but we tried.

Mireille and I went to Banya 5 in Seattle, and it was a good experience.

Banya 5 is a small place in the tradition of Turkish hammams, Russian banyas, Finnish saunas and Japanese bath houses. They have Parilka, steam room, salt water pool, cold plunge pool and a hot pool. Word "pool" is an overstatement - more like a big "tub" or "jacuzzi". In any case, I still highly recommend. Anything that has to do with extremes and shocking changes, does some good for your body and soul. Here are a few pictures:

• PARILKA Tons of concrete and basalt brick generate a rich, radiant heat offering an experience that far exceeds traditional saunas. The deeply penetrating heat relaxes muscles and regulates breathing to provide long lasting relief of stored tension.

• TURKISH STEAM ROOM A steam over fresh eucalyptus with moist 113 degree heat good for the skin and respiratory system. The moist heat decreases respiratory congestion to soothe, relax and ease breathing. The steam also opens skin pores to help the body expel toxins and rehydrate dry skin.

• SALT WATER TEPID POOL Mimicking the salinity of Puget Sound, the 87 degree mineral salt bath provides many benefits. This pool decreases muscle tension and increases relaxation by being “held” in the buoyant, mineral infused water. The salt water also increases the absorption of minerals lost in the sweat while increasing circulation.

• COLD PLUNGE POOL The internal organs are particularly rejuvenated by the contrast of radiant heat and invigorating cold. Cold water plunging is an important part of hydrotherapy, greatly benefiting the circulatory system. Immersion in the cold water constricts skin pores and blood vessels that have been dilated from the heat to create an invigorating pumping action of the venous system to flush metabolic wastes and toxins.

• HOT POOL 103 degree water soothes the entire body whether you appreciate it for sports medicine benefits or simple relaxation.

We went in the evening, it was dark and rainy and here is my "partner in crime" :)

I am still going to continue to search for my Russian Banya wherever I go.. I have memories of my mother taking me to one when I was a kid... those were some unforgettable memories.