The Venik can easily stir up mixed emotions and pique curiosity when trying out the Russian Bathhouse ritual. After all, it is not every day that one gets whipped by a bundle of leafy tree branches!
Anyone who is brave enough to experience a Venik massage will tell you about the unimaginable relaxation it brings. The Venik is more than just an apparatus for a massage but is a symbol for the Russian bathhouse and is deeply rooted in the South-Western culture.
What is a Venik?
In MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY / MASSAGE THERAPY a Venik is a bunch of leafy tree twigs used to massage, by means of flogging your body, commonly consisting of oak, ( a natural astringent, anti-inflammatory, due to tannins and flavonoids) birch, (contains a high level of ascorbic acid – Vit C, this is a great exfoliant and brightens the skin, reduces the appearance of scars and age spots) eucalyptus, (the leaves contain a substance called alpha-pinene, a proven decongestant with anti-bacterial properties) linden (has a sedative effect on humans, it improves blood circulation and is anti-inflammatory due to the Quercetin and Rutin substances) and juniper (has the same benefits as the eucalyptus but is harsher than the other Veniks, so get ready for some serious exfoliation).
Preparing for the Massage
Fill a bucket with warm to hot water, douse your Venik in the water, and leave it for approximately 15 min, while the Venik soaks, you will sit in a steam or sauna room before starting your Venik massage. After your body has warmed up a therapist will then tap your body in light whipping tapping motions all over your body with the Venik, or if you prefer you can perform this yourself in the sauna. Directly after, it is time to cool down and relax, you can either head straight to the cold plunge pool or shower or better yet, jump in the snow as the Russians would typically do.
The rapid temperature change tightens pores, leaving your skin feeling clean and taut, and improves blood circulation. This is also a great way to strengthen your immune system, as the extreme change in temperature tricks the body into believing it has a fever and triggers the production of white blood cells. After the cool down your muscles will feel loose, you will feel lighter, and breath easier, in other words, total and complete relaxation. In MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY / MASSAGE THERAPY, this process can be repeated several times for an invigorating effect. After the treatment, you can then relax with a nice cup of herbal tea in the relaxation area and enjoy the benefits of this unique massage experience.
Offer this European MASSAGE THERAPY/ MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY technique in your spa to provide variety to your treatment menu and you are guaranteed to entice clients into your spa.
We offer a variety of MASSAGE THERAPY / MASSAGE TECHNOLOGY COURSES, these can be done on a part-time or full-time basis.