For a long time, the traditional ofuro bathhouse has been used in Japan not only for its intended purpose, but also to simply keep warm in the cold season. Its difference from a Russian or Finnish bath is that the body is affected not by dry or wet steam, but by contact heat. First, this is hot water, and then heated sawdust. However, with the development of new technologies, the exotic procedure also interested residents of other countries.
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Ofuro device and rules for receiving procedures
Initially, the Japanese bath was a spacious wooden barrel into which hot water was poured. All family members plunged into it one by one, and by the time it reached the last of them, the water had already cooled down considerably. The modern design consists of two parts: a round, but more often oval-shaped barrel (furako) and ofuro proper: a box filled with linden, oak or cedar sawdust. A wood-burning stove or electric heater is attached to the structure in order to maintain a constant temperature in both parts of the complex.
Inside, along the walls of the barrel, there are low seats so that those receiving the procedure can recline. Hot water (45-50 ° C) significantly increases the heart rate, so the heart should be above its level. The duration of stay in the font is no more than 5-7 minutes. In case of poor heat tolerance, it is advisable to cover the head with a damp felt hat.
After the bath, you should wipe yourself dry with a towel and lie in the ofuro for 20-25 minutes, burying yourself up to your neck in moistened sawdust heated to 50-60 ° C. Sometimes crushed aromatic herbs and roots are added to them. Through the pores opened after hot water, slags come out, the skin is cleared of dirt and rashes, it becomes smoother. The body quickly becomes covered with sweat, but it is immediately absorbed by the sawdust.
The height of the furaco is 110-120 cm, the diameter depends on the number of bathers for which it is designed. In a container for 3-4 people, it must be at least 160 cm. To fill such a font, you will need 1300 liters of water. A barrel that is too large will require a large investment in heating its contents. However, excessive savings on dimensions will only lead to the fact that it will be impossible to relax in a cramped tank.
Ofuro is rectangular in shape. Its walls are at least 4 cm thick, 80-100 cm deep, 180-200 cm long, and 80-100 cm wide. Font boards are up to 5 cm thick. Both parts of the bath are made of thermal wood, which withstands high temperatures, does not dry out or swell. Connections in the form of special spikes allow you to assemble the structure without the use of glue. For production we use oak, ash, coniferous wood. The inner lining is made of linden, aspen or poplar.
How spas improve ofuro
It is suggested to take a shower before immersion in the barrel, as well as before visiting the pool. Sometimes the water in the container is heated only up to 38 ° C, which makes it possible to increase the residence time in it up to 12-15 minutes. Some wellness centers have an outdoor Japanese bath. Then, to keep warm, the top is partially covered with a lid. Instead of sawdust, sea pebbles can be poured into the box, which is heated to 45 ° C.
Traditional procedures are combined with aromatherapy, adding a decoction of medicinal herbs, essential oils, rose petals, sea salt to the water. They are alternated with short-term cooling in tanks with cold water, and the hot tub is equipped with equipment for hydromassage. If desired, wraps can be made in furako, and stone massage in ofuro. To achieve complete relaxation, after the end of the complex of procedures, you need to lie down on the couch, spending at least an hour at rest.
The Japanese bath is indicated for rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory system and joints. It complements the therapeutic treatment of certain diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system. However, for people with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases before visiting the bath be sure to consult a doctor, as for them a strong increase in heart rate may be dangerous.
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