The City A.M. Review: Steve Dinneen Learns to Perform Parenie at Banya No.1
Award-winning City A.M. Life & Style Editor Steve Dinneen has been a loyal visitor to Banya No.1 for over a decade. In his latest feature, he went behind the scenes to learn how to perform the Parenie Ritual himself as part of our World Wellness Weekend celebrations.
Dinneen writes that for ten years, Banya No.1 has been his go-to destination for a unique mix of heat, ice and euphoria:
“It’s a spa like no other, where you’re steamed in a sauna, whipped by leaves, dunked in freezing water and then served ice cold beer and dumplings.”
He recalls how even the Apostle Andrew once described the banya as “a veritable torment” — but, as Dinneen puts it, “Andrew just didn’t get it.”
“I’ve had dozens of parenie treatments… and I’ve never left feeling anything short of elated. Not only do you end up feeling euphoric, the rapid changes in body temperature are said to boost your immune system, improve blood circulation and aid muscle recovery.”
This time, instead of being on the bench, he swapped roles — stepping into the shoes of a banya master to learn the ancient art of manipulating steam.
“It was strange to be the one standing in the sauna over the prone body of my volunteer as the steam rose around me, stinging the skin on my face. I took a bundle of oak leaves, raised my arms to infuse them with heat, and learned how to shoo and coax it from the hot ceiling to the cooler areas below.”
He describes the process as a mix between meditation and choreography:
“Performing a parenie feels a lot like learning to dance: you need to find a rhythm. You must also be aware of the flow of heat around you… take them to the very edge of pain without crossing the threshold.”
After mastering the rhythm and flow, Dinneen ended his session with a nod of approval from the banya master — proof that he’d passed his initiation into the ancient craft of steam.
“Perhaps I have a second career waiting should journalism not work out.”
The article also highlighted Banya No.1’s calendar of special events — from sound-healing ceremonies to World Wellness Weekend masterclasses — inviting readers to experience the unique mix of nature, heat and ritual that defines authentic banya culture.
