Infrared Sauna

Sauna Protocol

• Drink a minimum of 8 oz. of water to prepare your body for an increase in core body temperature.
• Bring your bathing suit, we provide you with a body wrap or robe and a towel to place on the bench seat to absorb perspiration during your session. Wipe off sweat during your session with a wash cloth to promote your body to sweat more. There will be a towel under your feet to catch sweat drops because no sweat or oils may touch the wood.
• After your sauna session rehydrate with at least 24 oz. of water or electrolyte drink.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

If any of the below apply to you, consult your physician prior to sauna use:

•Medications – Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics such as amitriptyline may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.
•Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated With Reduced Ability To Sweat Or Perspire – Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Consult a physician.
•Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes – Individuals suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use. 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 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 & Drug Abuse – Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “sweat out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore, he/she 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. The use of alcohol, drugs or medications prior to a sauna session may lead to unconsciousness.
•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. If elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
•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. When using with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
•Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone To Bleeding – The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
•Fever & Insensitivity to Heat – Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the sauna until the fever subsides.
•Pregnancy – Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.
•Menstruation – Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow.
•Joint Injury – Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.
•Implants – Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using.
•Communicable skin diseases – warts, scabies ext. Even though the warm-up time of the sauna – before the subject enters – is said to desiccate bacteria and thereby sterilize the sauna, we would ask that if any potential participants who have any communicable skin diseases, refrain from using this sauna.
•Unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction (30 days) and severe aortic stenosis.
IN THE RARE EVENT THAT YOU EXPERIENCE PAIN OR DISCOMFORT, IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE SAUNA USE.

What to Expect

• You may not sweat much during your first 2-3 sauna sessions. This is normal for many people, as they haven’t had a recent history of sweating and it takes a few sessions to “retrain” the body to do what comes naturally. Take care not to overheat during your first few sessions. As the body continues to adjust, sweating can increase dramatically and body temperature regulation becomes more effective. An increase of up to 50% above the resting pulse is safe unless a heart condition requires keeping it lower. Over time, you will begin to sweat more quickly and at a lower temperature setting as your body adjusts to your sauna routine.
• Healing Reactions are temporary symptoms associated with eliminating toxic substances, healing chronic infections or metabolic changes in the body. They are an important function of all deep healing methods. These short lived “flare-ups” are generally short-lived and mild and are positive sign that deep healing is occurring. Symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, odors, and fatigue.
• Fat and Cellulite deposits begin to melt at 38 degrees C (101 degrees F). Massaging fatty tissue during your sauna session will help to break down these areas into smaller water clusters which can be more easily eliminated through the pores of the skin.