Contraindications for Infrared Sauna Therapy

In the interest of your health and safety, if you are affected by any of the following conditions, you will be required obtain a referral letter from your primary health care practitioner (ie. MD or ND) prior to commencing your Infrared Sauna sessions. Please ask us for a referral form to take to your doctor. Your doctor may call the clinic if he/she has any questions.

Current medical history:

• Pregnant or lactating
• Dehydration
• Recent (acute, within 48 hours) joint injury, chronically hot and swollen joints, enclosed infections (either dental, in joints or any other tissue).
• Multiple sclerosis
• Heat illness (heat cramp/exhaustion/stroke)
• Medication with a narrow therapeutic index, out of which is life threatening
• Unstable hypertension
• Severe hypotension
• Hemophilia and/or a predisposition to hemorrhage
• Superficial metallic implants (ie. metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implant due to the reflection of infrared rays by these articles

Currently have:

• Diabetes
  • also use insulin subcutaneous injections
  • also have neuropathy
• Neuropathy
• Acute or chronic edema or lymphedema (swelling of the wrists, ankles, etc.)
• Cholinergic urticaria, acantholytic dermatosis, malaria, severe burns/scarring/heat rash
• Am attempting to conceive (male or female)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Take street/recreational drugs (please circle either past or present) [eg. amphetamines, heroin, cocaine]
• Take medications which may predispose me to heat illnesses when exposed to heat [eg. sympathomimetics, anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, phenothiazines]
• Take medication that may reduce perspiration ability [eg. diuretics, barbiturates, ß-blockers]

Read the following carefully before starting an Infrared Sauna session.

Please remember that infrared heat is simply radiant energy in the form of a band of light that radiates heat penetrating the skin to a depth of 1½ inches or more. This radiant heat is efficient because it warms the body internally, not the air. To regulate the temperature of the infrared sauna during use, open the door for cooling.

• For optimal results, refrain from using the sauna on a full stomach.
• It is important to remain hydrated. For best results, drink water prior, during and after your sauna session.
• Do not apply excess body lotion to your body prior to a sauna session.
• Use at least 3 towels:
  • sit on one folded towel for perspiration absorption and cushioning
  • use another towel on the floor to absorb extra sweat
  • use a third towel to wipe off your body surface sweat
• At the first sign of a cold or flu, increasing sauna sessions may be beneficial in boosting the immune system and decreasing the reproductive rate of viruses and bacteria.
• As your body becomes more heat conditioned, you may want to have the sauna session increased to 45 minutes or longer. Please remember to hydrate your system with plenty of water during the full session.

Note: Many people with heavy metal, chemical or pesticide toxicity levels may find it difficult to sweat initially, for some individuals it may require 5-10 sessions before measurable sweat volume is evident, but continuous water intake will enhance detoxification. Even without measurable sweat, the infrared sauna is helping to eliminate toxins through urine, bowels and hair.

To treat your ankles and feet more effectively, elevate them while in the sauna. Any area you wish to achieve a specific deep heating effect should be placed as close to the infrared emitters as feels comfortable.