CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Medications: Diuretics, barbiturates and beta blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. 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. Please discuss with your physician if you are a good candidate.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or problems (hypertension / hypotension), 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. Sauna can be extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system, but we ask that you limit the length of time in the sauna and to monitor symptoms if you have the above diagnoses.
• Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated With a 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 saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
• Fever: An individual who has a fever should not use an infrared sauna until the fever subsides.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid using an infrared sauna.
• 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 swelling subsides. 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. Women with breast implants should avoid sauna use.
Ahimsa Wellness's Infrared Sauna Policy/Cautions:
● It is advised not to have a full stomach to avoid any ill feelings. A good rule of thumb is to not eat for about an hour prior to your sauna session.
● Detoxification can be sudden for some people. These effects may include dizziness, nausea and fatigue. If you experience these please get out of the sauna to cool and hydrate. Most people do not experience these symptoms.
However, we suggest if you don’t feel well during a session to do the following:
○ Get off of the mat, then drink more water
○ Add more electrolytes to your water to drink before and during your next session
○ Reduce your time the next time you use the sauna
○ Turn on ceiling fan
○ Notify Lisa if needed
● Extra hydration is important before, during, and after taking a sauna. Along with pure, fresh water, an electrolyte drink and/or mineral supplement are recommended.
● Sessions are 30 - 45 minutes. If at any point in your session you feel uncomfortable with the heat, you have complete control and should turn on the fan to cool off. This experience should be calming, rejuvenating and wonderful!
● Elderly: The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. We recommend no more than 15 minutes at a time.