Saunas and Safety First Precautions
Oct 9th, 2008 by admin
The use of saunas are for the vast majority of individuals, a safe and health enhancing experience, however, as with any endeavor, caution should be used at all times in certain cases. The following conditions and terms apply for safe sauna use.
In all situations, hydration is a requirement for sauna use. Drinking advanced electrolyte replacement water is recommended before and after sauna useface
Medications
Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician or a pharmacist for possible changes in the drugs 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.
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 / hypo tension), 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 / Alcohol 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
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.
Fever
An individual that has a fever should not use any type of sauna.
Insensitivity to Heat
An individual that has insensitivity to heat should not use any type of sauna.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using any type of 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 sauna 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 contra-indicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in 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 from 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. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be certain.
In the rare event, you experience pain and/or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.
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When used properly, the dangers of infrared saunas are zero. Remember, infrared light is an energy that heats up objects directly (through a process called conversion); that is, it heats the body without having to heat the air in between you and the heater. The artificial fever the FIR induces in your body is temporary and has numerous healing qualities, but you should fully understand what an infrared heat sauna does and how to avoid potentially dangerous applications.