Experience a Historical Russian Bathhouse | National Geographic

Now, Russians didn't come up with the idea of public baths; the Romans did that. But Russians did take the bathing ritual to a whole new level. Today, we're here in St. Petersburg at the old Cossack baths. They were built in 1879 and since then have seen customers ranging from regular people like you and me to the infamous mystic, Grigori Rasputin, even Vladimir Lenin himself.

The Cossacks were like the special forces protecting the bazaar. They lived nearby, and they bay here. Now, the bathing ritual itself is not for the faint of heart. You start in a scalding hot room of 200 degrees, then you get beaten by oak and birch branches. And then, just when you can't take it anymore, you plunge into ice-cold water. Why? Let's ask the experts.

There are Lazy Beit, Nikolas, Carotenoids, I see, I'm Silver Condition. Yes, better yet, parachute, Laser Cutter should negotiate in Europe. Rest assured of a cheese que deberían stationer. Sergei will promote a to be Buddhism among the elements. Trust in each other and I see, there's an exact science to Russian baths.

First, you gather the steam from above and gently guide it to the skin to open up the pores. Then, the branches hit harder to get the blood flow going. The fragrance of the pillow made of fresh birch leaves, the rhythm of the branches, and the prickling massage with juniper needles stimulate the senses and the lymphatic flow.

That was hot but incredibly pleasant, actually. And surprisingly relaxing. You know, the aromas of the other branches and the way he hits you when he gets into the rhythm; it's so hypnotic. And now for the cult much; good, amazing, that's the contact bass for you. I'm certain, Ard, we're National Geographic.