Former service. This page describes a service of Hot Rock Spa (Carp) that we no longer offer — it’s kept here for reference. ALX Massage & Bodywork is now a massage & osteopathy studio at 1415 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. See our current massage menu or all former services.

Links to pages about Bania

Below we have compiled a collection of links to reports on visits to the Russian bathhouse by people from Western cultures. Some of the articles might seem curious, some might be helpful. The services we offer in Canada are adapted to Canadian culture and mentality, but they are based on the best practices from a centuries-old tradition.

http://hometoroam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/russian-banya.html – the

Blog of 21-year-old student, with pretty mystique view of the sauna ceremony

http://idoportal.blogspot.ca/2006/09/russian-sauna-and-real-presents.html – Ido’s blog with report of his visit to Russian sauna in Sept. 2006^th.

http://runawaymaggiemay.blogspot.ca/2013/05/my-first-russian-banya-experience.html – blog of American student about his visit to private bania n Russia

http://lifeinrussia.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/russian-communal-banya/ – some experience on a visit to Russian communal bania.

Please keep in mind, that communal bania is very different in many aspects from the private bania, but the essence of the ceremony is pretty similar.

Where the Hell is Rory? – http://www.travelingroundtheworld.com/russian-banya-experience-in-irkutsk/ – another story about visit to sauna in Northern Russia. A lot of freezing photos.

Russian Banya (Steam Bath) by Peter Scarselletti – http://sydneysystemablog.blogspot.ca/2013/10/russian-banya-steam-bath-by-peter.html – recommendation from Australian guy.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g298484-d667243-r158502732-Sanduny_Bathhouses-Moscow_Central_Russia.html – many review of Western tourists on the first visit to Russian Bania.

Friendly kidnapping: a Russian pastime –

http://theindependent.ca/2011/08/29/friendly-kidnapping-a-russian-pastime/ – the article in “The independence”.

More links to content about Russian bania:

http://masterrussian.com/russianculture/banya.htm – special bania proverbs, culture, history.

Health risks and benefits:

http://yoursaunaandsteamroom.co/enjoying/are-there-any-health-risks-associated-with-the-sauna/ – pretty detailed consideration of potential risks

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/sauna_health_benefits – very short review from Harvard education.

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Sauna-Safely – how to use sauna safely

We are still looking for a location with a sauna. Sauna ceremonies and hot-leaves treatments were the heart of Hot Rock Spa, and we haven’t given up on them — we hope, and quietly dream, of bringing real sauna services back to Ottawa one day. Know a property that could host a sauna? Tell us about it.