Tree twigs massage, also called Parenie, is an essential ritual of the Russian banya. Although some of our clients have described this treatment as “torture”, they soon come to realise that Parenie can help them achieve complete bliss throughout their whole body. It increases blood flow, improves the metabolism and opens the skin pores. As … Read more

Let’s face it, we are all living hectic lives, and every day we face the prospect of experiencing anxiety and mental and physical stress. You may be wondering what any of this has to do with banya. Well, recent research has found that banya and hot steam can have a positive effect on the nervous … Read more

It is interesting to note that when we spend some time in the steam room, we think about how to escape the heat rather than the actual benefits of the banya. In fact, we need to remember that the heating and cooling we experience will activate physical, chemical and thermal processes, which will in turn … Read more

Benedict Cumberbatch’s turn as Greville Wynne – the British engineer who helped MI6 smuggle secret intel out of Soviet Russia – in The Courier has shone a light on London’s Cold War past. While the USSR and KGB might be gone, our capital still has a few souvenirs from the era – not to mention … Read more

Banya No.1 – Russian bathhouse experience! In the middle of Hoxton is a traditional Russian spa, or Banya. But it’s not like a regular spa. I know you wouldn’t think you could feel like you’ve been transported to the woods of Siberia in the UK…but I promise you, you can! Video review from Roaming Rebecca:

It can truly be said that Venik is symbolic of the Russian banya. Veniks are carefully prepared bundles of leafy twigs from various trees. These are used to bring steam to the skin and massage the body during Parenie treatment. This treatment has profound therapeutic value thanks to the medicinal compounds in the Veniks. Banya … Read more