Here is a list of infrared sauna contraindications. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a sauna regimen.
Clearlight Infrared Sauna Contraindications List
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 effect when the body is exposed to far 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 increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. Consult with the child’s pediatrician before using the sauna.
Saunas & The Elderly
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.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or problems (hypertension / hypotension), congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, or those who are taking medications which might affect blood pressure should exercise extreme caution when exposed to prolonged heat. Heat stress increases cardiac output (blood flow) in an effort 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 use / Abuse
Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt 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 Neuropathology 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 who 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.
Menstruation
Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow. Some women endure this process to gain the pain relief commonly associated with their cycle whereas others simply choose to avoid saunas use during that time of the month.
Joint Injury
If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after 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, within joints, or in any other tissues.
Implants
Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect far infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system; nevertheless you should consult your surgeon prior to using an infrared sauna. Certainly, the usage of an infrared sauna must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. 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 infrared saunas. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be certain.