FAQs
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 infrared waves or elevated body temperature.
Diuretics, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics such as amitryptaline 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.
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. For these reasons, no one under 16 years of age will be allowed in our suites without parental supervision.
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. When using with the elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
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 caution when exposed to prolonged heat. 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 / 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, 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.
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.
Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone To Bleeding
The use of infrared light thereapy should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
Fever
An individual who has a fever should not use infrared light therapy until the fever subsides.
Insensitivity to Heat
An individual with insensitivity to heat should not use infrared light therapy.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using infrared light therapy.
Menstruation
Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow.
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 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.
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 infrared light therapy.
Pacemakers / Defibrillators
The magnets used to assemble our saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.
In the rare event that you experience pain and/or discomfort, immediately discontinue use of infrared light therapy.
EMF Levels
If you are concerned at all about EMF, the EMF-cancelling technology found in our heaters reduces EMF to very low levels and are extremely safe due to steel conduit electrical shielding.
See the links below for additional information about EMF: US Environmental Protection Agency