Banya 5 is an elemental experience of heat and water. You enter the heavy wooden door of the banya and immediately feel the heat of 20 tons of Cascade Granite which have been heating for over a month. You wonder if your body can tolerate the 200 to 220 degree heat of the top benches. You sit down and slow your breath. You feel your blood circulating, drops of sweat forming on your face, your arms. You breathe. Muscles soften. Your eyes close and the heat sinks further into your core. It is hot but the wise part of you knows you can tolerate it, you want to be this hot. More sweat, more even measured breath.
At some point you know that you are ready to leave. You move through the banya, and without thinking you step into the cold pool and completely submerge yourself into the 55 degree water. You climb out quickly and feel an intense vitality. You are alive. You rest a moment and then repeat the cycle, knowing that with each repetition the normal gulf between your sensory experience and who you are, deep within, becomes smaller. After several cycles, you put on your robe and find a quiet place to rest.
Steam therapy has been used for thousands of years by the Romans, Greeks, Russians, Norwegians, Native Americans, Swedes, and many others. Ever wonder why? Because steam therapy is a powerful healing and rejuvenation experience, not to mention relaxing. Our parilka (brick oven) was designed and built under the direction of E. Edelson, a premier Russian expert on Banya ovens, to insure the quality and authenticity. Join us at Banya 5 and immerse yourself in this unique experience.
