In the West, people perceive a visit to the sauna (or any other bath) as an opportunity to relax, and of course, to wash. A completely different meaning is put into this ritual by a person from the east. To visit the Japanese baths ofuro and furaco for him means cleansing not only the body, but also the soul. The Japanese believe that the body and mind are one, so it is so important when cleansing to relax not only (and not so much) physically. It is necessary to direct your thoughts into the necessary, calm channel. Only in this case ofuro (Japanese bath) will give a positive result. A feeling of peace and tranquility will come to you.
A visit to ofuro is a ceremony that consists of several stages, each of which affects the body in its own way. It consists not only of water procedures, but also of several special types of massage.
How is the ofuro arranged?
This Japanese bath is quite original - a barrel that can be made of larch, oak or cedar. It has a round or rectangular shape. Its height is about eighty centimeters, the diameter (of a round container) is about a meter. If the Japanese ofuro bathhouse (photo you can see in our article) is rectangular, then its dimensions are 100 x 150 cm.
In this tank, a person reclines in hot water. Water is heated to the desired temperature by a special stove, which is most often built into the bottom of the barrel. In ancient times, hot stones were used for this or the barrel was adjacent to the furnace wall and thus heated.
What stoves are there?
Furnaces for the Japanese baths ofuro are external (they are attached to the side of the bath or set nearby) and immersed. In this case, they are mounted inside the barrel. The choice of furnace depends on the ease of use and volume of the bath.
Unlike saunas
Ofuro's Japanese bath is different from saunas in the way of heating the human body. In the sauna this happens due to the high temperature of the steam, and in ofuro - with the help of hot water. More precisely, such a bath could be called a bathhouse than a steam bath, but the water temperature is too high, so you can’t soak in it for a long time.
Bath ceremony
The ceremony begins with ablution. The attendant seats the guest on a low bench and washes him, dousing him with warm water. Then he is taken to the first font. It can be designed for one or several people. Inside the barrel are seats. Water fills the tank so that its upper level is just below the heart of a person sitting in a font.
Bath complexes in Japan are equipped not only with a furaco bath, but also with an Ofuro bathtub, a rectangular container filled with sawdust. In appearance, this design resembles the most ordinary, but with fairly thick walls box. It is made of heat-resistant varieties of wood and is equipped with an electric heating system.
Today, many craftsmen make ofuro themselves and install it in a country house, in the country, and even in a city apartment.
By tradition, chopped cedar (rarely lime) sawdust mixed with the most aromatic herbs is used for ofuro. This composition is moistened with water and heated to 60 ° C. A man is placed around the neck in fragrant sawdust for thirty minutes. The body warms up well, active sweating begins, toxins are removed, which are absorbed by sawdust instantly. The skin becomes fresh and smooth, its appearance improves, rashes disappear.
Second phase
Then the person is transferred to a second bath with hot water (45 ° C). At the same time, it is recommended to put a hat on your head, after moistening it in cold water, since such a high temperature of the water can cause heat stroke even for an ordinary person, not to mention beginners. Sea salt is sometimes added to this container to achieve a relaxing effect. At this temperature, even if desired, it is difficult to stay for a long time. That is why the second stage lasts no more than five minutes. There are amateurs who can stand up to fifteen minutes in such hot water, but you should not endure through force, as this can seriously harm the body.
Massage
Then comes the ofuro with pebbles. Immersion in this container creates a soft massage effect. After it, a real massage with bamboo is performed. It perfectly relieves spasms, relaxes muscles, relieves stress.
Restroom
After the massage, a person puts on a light bathrobe and can go to the relaxation room. After completing all the procedures, you need to remain in a state of complete rest and relaxation for some time. To do this, you can listen to quiet soft music, drink herbal or green tea. For this, special restrooms are arranged in Japanese baths.
Benefit
Ofuro is a Japanese bath with many healing properties. It improves the functioning of the kidneys, heart, heals and strengthens blood vessels, normalizes the metabolism in the body, eliminates excess weight and removes toxins. It is considered an excellent prophylactic for colds. Essential and aromatic oils, decoctions of medicinal herbs have a rejuvenating effect, soothe nerves.
Warnings
Despite the obvious advantages of such procedures, for an unprepared body this is quite serious stress. Such high temperatures often affect the body negatively. Ofuro (Japanese bath) have a much more powerful effect than traditional baths or saunas. Therefore, even if you are a big fan of such institutions, a Japanese bath should not be visited without consulting a doctor.
Hot water can cause serious harm, even if you have not previously complained about your health. Therefore, before visiting the bath, do not be too lazy to undergo the necessary examination, especially if you are going to the ofuro for the first time.
Experts believe that ofuro is an excellent analogue of Western options and a wellness center with massage. If doctors have not identified contraindications, try its relaxing effect.
Furaco and ofuro - Japanese baths, suitable for frequent visits and often part of a single complex.
Ofuro (Japanese bath) in Moscow
Japanese baths found their fans in our country. We have already said that it is not difficult to make such a design, so in many country houses it has already appeared.
And residents of the capital, who do not have summer cottages, do not have to go to Japan to experience the wonderful effects ofuro on the body. More recently, the Taiga Baths complex has opened in the capital. It is located at: Volokalamskoe highway, 89, building 1.
Here you can visit the Turkish steam room, hammam, Japanese ofuro bath, Russian bath, dry Finnish sauna , etc. The complex has six detached two-story wooden log cabins on the banks of the Moscow River, accommodating up to forty people. On the second floor there are billiard tables, table tennis, lounges. You can go through the whole magic ritual, experienced specialists will massage you and offer to relax in the tea room.
After completing the bathing ceremony, you can continue your stay in the taiga cafe and bar. You will find a modern interior in Art Deco style, a professional system Karaoke Evolution Pro, with more than seventeen thousand songs. The menu of the karaoke bar will offer you dishes of European, Japanese and Russian cuisine, a variety of drinks. Here you can celebrate a holiday with friends, hold banquets and theme parties.
On the territory of the complex is a small hotel "Taiga". It has only ten comfortable, modernly furnished rooms of various categories.
Ofuro (Japanese bath): reviews
Today, many Russians have appreciated the virtues of this unusual bath. Her first visit causes a lot of positive emotions, a sense of purity (not only physical, but also spiritual). Most people note: after visiting the ofuro there is such a surge of strength that you want to fly.
In addition, the beneficial effect of this procedure on the skin condition is quite obvious. It becomes velvety, tender, smooth. Improving health status is noted by people with some kidney diseases. And of course, women say that ofuro helps fight overweight.
As for the Taiga Baths complex, where you can visit ofuro, the opinions of visitors and their reviews were divided. Some guests are satisfied with the bathing procedure itself, the good work of the bathhouse attendants and masseurs.
At the same time, visitors have quite a few complaints about the cleanliness of the premises of the complex, the quality of dishes (cups with chips), and unreasonably high prices.
It is hoped that the administration of the complex will take into account all critical comments and eliminate the shortcomings.