🇷🇺 🛀 The Russian bath, also known as a banya, is a traditional bathing ritual in Russia. It involves a combination of steam, heat, and cold water treatments to promote relaxation and cleansing. The banya typically consists of a heated room, called a parilka, where water is poured over hot stones to create steam. Bathers then use birch or oak branches to lightly beat themselves, which improves blood circulation and exfoliates the skin. The experience is often followed by plunging into a cold pool or rolling in the snow, providing a refreshing contrast. The Russian bath is not only a hygienic practice but also a social and cultural tradition deeply rooted in Russian history.