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Contraindications
Medications
Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek
the advice of their personal physician or a pharmacist for
possible changes in the drug’s eect when the body is
exposed to infrared waves or elevated body temperature.
Diuretics, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the
body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Some over-the-
counter drugs such as antihistamines may also cause the
body to be more prone to heat stroke.
Children
The core body temperature of children rises much faster
than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate
per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to in-
creased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate
body temperature by sweating. Consult with the child’s
pediatrician before using the sauna.
Saunas & Older Adults
The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases
with age. This is primarily due 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. Consult your doctor
before using the sauna.
Cardiovascular Condition
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or problems
(hypertension / hypotension), congestive heart failure,
impaired coronary circulation, or those who are taking
medications, which might aect blood pressure, should
exercise extreme caution when exposed to prolonged
heat. Heat stress increases cardiac output, blood flow,
in an eort to transfer internal body heat to the outside
environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory
system. This takes place primarily due to major changes
in the heart rate, which has the potential to increase by
thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in
core body temperature.
Alcohol / Alcohol Abuse
Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to aempt to
“Sweat Out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a
person’s judgment. Therefore, they may not realize it when
the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also
increases the heart rate, which may be further increased
by heat stress.
Chronic Conditions / Diseases
Associated with a Reduced Ability
to Sweat or Perspire
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 saunas should be avoided by anyone
who is predisposed to bleeding.
Fever
Individuals should not use the sauna when they have a fever.
Insensitivity to Heat
An individual that has insensitivity to heat should not use
a sauna.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using
a sauna because fetal damage can occur with a certain
elevated body temperature.
Joint Injury
If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be
heated for the first 48 hours aer an injury or until the hot
and swollen symptoms subside. If you have a joint or joints
that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may
respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous
heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed
infections be they dental, in joints or in any other tissues.
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