While saunas, whether traditional or infrared, are generally considered very safe and do provide numerous health benefits, we have listed a few points and guidelines to keep in mind whether you are embarking on your first sauna experience, or you are a seasoned sauna user.  As always, common sense is the rule.

As with any professional equipment, you may put yourself at risk if you do not fully understand how to use it, the sauna being no different. The cure or treatment of any disease by use of a Far infrared saunas or the traditional sauna is neither implied nor should be inferred.  DO NOT attempt to self treat any disease with a far infrared sauna or traditional sauna without the direct supervision of a certified physician.

If any of the items listed below apply to you, consult with your physician before using a far infrared sauna.

Prescription Drugs
Always check with your physician or pharmacist for possible changes with a drugs effect due to the use of an infrared sauna.

Certain Diseases/Chronic Conditions
Raising the core temperature may be contraindicated for individuals with adrenal suppression or systemic lupus erythematosus. Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. 

Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone To Bleeding
The use of Infrared should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.

Joint Conditions
An acute joint injury should not be heated within the first 48 hours, or until the joint erythema and swelling subsides. If you have chronically hot and swollen joints, these may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous heating is strictly contra-indicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in joints or in any other tissues.

Pregnancy
When pregnant, it is recommended to discontinue use of infrared and traditional saunas immediately, and consult your  physician before using any sauna because fetal damage can occur with a certain elevated body temperature.

Children and the Elderly
A child's core body temperature rises much faster than that of adults as children have a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. Consult with the child’s Pediatrician before using the sauna.

As you age, your body's ability  to maintain core body temperature decreases, due primarily to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature.

Cardiovascular Conditions
People with cardiovascular conditions (hypertension / hypo tension), congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, or  those taking medications which might affect blood pressure should exercise extreme caution when exposed to prolonged heat.  Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory system. This happens primarily due to major changes in the heart rate, which may potentially increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.

Alcohol
While you may have heard otherwise, it is not advisable to attempt to “Sweat Out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore they may not realize when the body has a negative reaction to high heat.  Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by heat stress.

General Considerations

An individual that has a fever should not use the Infrared Sauna or traditional sauna.

An individual that has insensitivity to heat should not use the Infrared Sauna or traditional sauna.

During a woman's menstrual period, heating of the low back area may temporarily increase menstrual flow.  Women can make a personal choice whether to endure this to gain the pain relief commonly associated with their cycle, or simply choose to avoid sauna use during that time of the month.

Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect Far infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system, nonetheless you should consult your surgeon prior to using an Infrared Sauna.  Silicone does absorb Far infrared energy.  Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed by the Far infrared waves. Since silicone melts at over 200°C (392°F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of an Infrared Sauna, however, check with your surgeon or possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be absolutely certain.

With all sauna use, good hydration is a requirement.  We recommend drinking plenty of water before and after sauna use.

Your awareness of, and adherence to the above guidelines and contraindications should ensure that your sauna experience will be as peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable, and beneficial as possible.

All clients must be 18 years of age or older and in good health to use the sauna.