Infrared Sauna Use & Contraindications

Whereas traditional saunas use hot rocks and steam to heat the air, thus warming the body indirectly, infrared saunas, or far-infrared (FIR) saunas, use infrared heaters, which warm the body directly by mimicking the effect of sunlight without the harmful UV rays. While infrared sauna use is generally deemed safe and is associated with certain health benefits, including detoxification and alternative pain management, certain contraindications do apply, which means that infrared sauna use is not recommended in certain situations.

Medication

• Some drugs, such as diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and barbiturates, may impair the body's natural heat-loss mechanisms; there are both prescription and over-the-counter drugs that fall into this category. As infrared saunas typically operate at temperatures of between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important that the body can dissipate heat normally to prevent the onset of heat stroke. If you take any type of medication, you should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist to find out if sauna use is safe for you.

Heart Conditions

• Infrared sauna use is inadvisable for people with any type of heart condition, including hypertension or hypotension, congestive heart failure and impaired coronary circulation. If you have such a condition, exposing yourself to prolonged heat can be dangerous, as the heart rate can increase by up to 30 beats per minute for each degree of body-temperature increase. This contraindication also applies to those taking blood-pressure medication and those with pacemakers; many infrared saunas contain magnets that may affect the way a pacemaker works.

Children and the Elderly

• Children and the elderly are two groups for which the advice of a medical professional is necessary before using an infrared sauna. Sauna proponents, such as the North American Sauna Society, believe that sauna use is safe and even beneficial for children; however, many sauna manufacturers warn that the child's pediatrician should be consulted first. Possible benefits for children are similar to those for adults--specifically, that the heat will have a detoxifying effect. However, the core body temperature of children rises much faster than that of adults, and children are unable to regulate their body temperature through sweating to the same degree as adults can. Similarly, the ability to maintain optimal core body temperature and the functioning of the sweat glands decrease in old age. Infrared sauna use may help with conditions, such as aching joints and muscles, common in the elderly, but extreme care and medical advice should be taken by older people wishing to use an infrared sauna.

Joint Issues

• Infrared sauna use has been known to ease joint pain, including the pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. For centuries, health practitioners have treated various types of pain with heat. Heat allows blood to flow more freely to injured areas, thus aiding the body's natural healing processes. However, any sauna use is contraindicated within 48 hours of suffering an acute joint injury, or until the swelling has eased. In some cases in which joints are chronically swollen, it is possible that they may not respond well to heat therapy.

Pregnancy

• Medical professionals and infrared sauna manufacturers advise against sauna use while pregnant. As a pregnant woman's core body temperature rises, there is a risk that the amniotic fluid may also heat up, which could potentially cause birth defects. It is also far easier for a woman to become overheated and faint when pregnant. The woman's heart and blood vessels are already working harder to support the developing baby, and if her body overheats, the demands on her heart and blood vessels increase further. This results in decreased blood flow to the internal organs, including the brain, which may induce fainting.

Other Considerations

• Infrared sauna use is contraindicated for those with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, central nervous system tumors or diabetic neuropathy, which affect the ability to sweat effectively. Hemophiliacs or people prone to bleeding also should not use infrared saunas, as the heat causes widening of the blood vessels. Those with fevers or who are heat-sensitive should not use saunas. Metal pins, rods and artificial joints generally reflect far-infrared waves, meaning that they do not heat up, but anyone with any type of surgical implant should consult his surgeon prior to using an infrared sauna. Sauna manufacturers stress that vigorous heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed infections, be they dental, in the joints or in any other tissues. Infrared saunas should not be used by those who have used alcohol or other drugs, as these substances can inhibit a person's awareness of a bad reaction to heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by the effects of heat. If you experience any pain or discomfort in the sauna, immediately discontinue use.