Introduction
Infrared saunas offer many potential benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being, but certain individuals should avoid using an infrared sauna. This guide will provide an overview of who should not use an infrared sauna and suggest alternative therapies to reap the positive effects of a sauna without the risk of harm.
Infrared saunas use a type of light that warms the body directly, penetrating below the skin to create heat deep within the body’s tissues. Because of their ability to deeply penetrate the body, infrared saunas can burn far more calories than traditional saunas that heat in the air around you, providing a host of detoxifying health benefits.
However, while some people are big fans of infrared sauna treatments and seek them out frequently, certain persons should take caution when considering them or outright avoid them altogether. We’ll look at who must pass on these types of therapy and examine what other options they might consider to alleviate pain and enhance their well-being:
- Pregnant women
- People with heart conditions
- Individuals with low or high blood pressure
- Those with diabetes
- Those with respiratory conditions
- People with skin conditions
Who Should Not Use an Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas can be a great way to relax and detoxify your body, but some people should not use them. People who are pregnant, have a fever, have heart or circulatory conditions, have a pacemaker, or have had recent surgery should not use infrared saunas. It is essential to speak to your doctor before using an infrared sauna to ensure it is safe.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should not use an infrared sauna for health and safety reasons. Infrared saunas emit high heat levels, which can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women in their first trimester. In addition to physical discomfort, the heat can raise core body temperature and adversely affect the growth of the fetus.
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to avoid using infrared saunas until they have delivered their baby. Further, pregnant women may also want to avoid taking hot baths or visiting steam rooms as well, as these activities can also lead to elevated body temperatures, which could put the fetus at risk.
No matter what sauna type a person chooses, they must use caution when heating themselves and stay properly hydrated with plenty of water during the sauna session to maintain healthy temperatures and cardiovascular functioning.
People with Heart Conditions
People with heart conditions should not use an infrared sauna. In addition, if you have pacemakers or other implanted medical devices, it is especially important to talk to your doctor before using an infrared sauna.
It’s also important to know that infrared saunas produce heat much faster than traditional hot air or steam saunas. This faster warming time, combined with the fact that you cannot cool off as quickly, creates a risk for people prone to cardiovascular issues.
Suppose you have any kind of heart condition, including but not limited to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), palpitations (irregular breathing), coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). In that case, avoiding using an infrared sauna and consulting your physician is best.
If you’re pregnant, you should also be cautious about using a near-infrared or far-infrared sauna because sharp increases in body temperature can be dangerous during the later stages of pregnancy.
People with Low Blood Pressure
People with low blood pressure should generally avoid using an infrared sauna as it can cause a further drop in their pressure. Additionally, those who are pregnant, have a fever, or have experienced a recent stroke should also not use an infrared sauna. Likewise, it is advised not to use this type of sauna if you take any medications or supplements like beta-blockers.
Before using an infrared sauna, it is highly recommended that individuals discuss the potential risks and benefits with their doctor or primary care provider. During the discussion, your doctor may recommend a lower heat setting and keeping the time spent in the sauna relatively short. It is done to reduce any risk of lightheadedness or dizziness.
Individuals should always follow the manufacturer’s advice on the following:
- How long should each session last
- What temperature should they be set at
People with Metal Implants
People with pain in their joints and muscles can benefit from an infrared sauna’s enhanced circulation and tissue warmth. However, certain individuals must exercise caution when considering infrared sauna use. For example, people with metal implants should not use this form of therapy because it could overheat the implants, resulting in painful burns. Depending on the placement and type of implant, an infrared sauna may be used but only under medical supervision to ensure safety.
In addition to individuals with implanted metals, people with acute infections, inflammation, or fever should wait for these symptoms to subside before using an infrared sauna. Pregnant women should also avoid this treatment due to the potential for increased core temperature. Though this would be unlikely if precautions are taken, pregnant women may want to use more traditional steam saunas until they have consulted their providers on whether they can safely use infrared saunas.
People with Pacemakers
Due to potential interference between the pacemaker and core infrared sauna heat sources, it is strongly recommended that people equipped with any type not use an infrared sauna. In addition, research indicates pacemakers may be affected by exposure to the EMF radiation produced by some heating elements used in core infrared saunas. Specifically, the most common form of EMF radiation associated with these heat sources is low-frequency electric fields.
Consequently, we recommend that individuals who use a pacemaker consult their medical doctor before using an infrared sauna to ensure it is safe for them to do so. It should also be noted that non-traditional types of infrared treatments are available, such as far-infrared mats and wraps, which may not produce significant enough EMF radiation to affect pacemakers. Therefore individuals who need such therapy should research thoroughly before pursuing any treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to understand that an infrared sauna offers numerous benefits and can be a great addition to any wellness routine. However, certain people should not make use of this type of sauna. Individuals with medical conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, hemophilia, pacemakers, unstable heart conditions, hypertension, and arrhythmia should always consult their doctor before use. In addition, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol should abstain from infrared saunas. Finally, staying hydrated before and after each use is essential to ensure optimal health benefits and safety.