SAUNAS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Our infrared saunas operate with the same efficacy in your home as in a medical facility. Like all professional equipment, you may put yourself at risk if you do not fully understand how to use the sauna. Infrared sauna use as creating a cure for or treating any disease is neither implied nor should be inferred. Drinking an electrolyte-replacing water or a sports drink is strongly recommended before and after use.
Important Safeguards
- Never sleep inside the sauna while it is on
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents on the interior of the sauna
- Do not stack or store objects on top of or inside the sauna
- Do not use during an electrical storm, as there is a remote risk of shock
- Altering or tampering with any electrical connections on the power supply is dangerous and will void the warranty
- Do not attempt a repair without consulting Sunlighten first. Unauthorized repair attempts will void the warranty
Precautions
If any of the items listed below apply to you, be certain
to consult with your physician before using an infrared sauna.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone To Bleeding
The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who
is predisposed to bleeding.
Saunas & Fever
An individual who has a fever should not use an infrared sauna until the fever subsides.
Saunas & Insensitivity to Heat
An individual with insensitivity to heat should
not use an infrared sauna.
Saunas & Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using
an infrared sauna.
Saunas & Menstruation
Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual
period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow.
Saunas & 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.
Saunas & 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 an infrared sauna.
Saunas & 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 sauna use.
EMF Levels
EMF (electric and magnetic fields) are waves of electric and magnetic energy radiating through space. High EMF levels are often associated with power lines.
EMF is everywhere in our homes and offices. The electrical appliances we use (an electric can opener at close range emits substantial EMFs), computers, monitors, keyboards and mice, wireless modems, cordless phones, clock radios, hair dryers, mobile phones, microwave ovens and more – all produce EMFs.
Despite the extensive research over the last 20 years, the general scientific consensus is that there is not sufficient evidence to show a definitive cause and effect relationship in regards to EMF exposure. Two national research organizations (the National Research Council and the National Institute of Health) have looked at the studies and have concluded that there is not strong evidence that EMF exposures pose a health risk. Currently in the U.S., there are no standards limiting exposure to EMF.
Although the current scientific evidence provides no definitive answers regarding EMF, there is enough uncertainty that some people want to reduce their exposure to EMF. For that reason, we have limited the levels of EMF from our heaters as much as possible.
The EMF levels of Sunlighten saunas are well below the threshold of what is generally considered safe, and in fact, produce less EMF than a standard hair dryer. The EMF attributable to a hair dryer at 6" away is about 300 mG. Our saunas have been measured between 0 and 10 mG. (EMFs are measured in units called milligauss (mG).)
If you are concerned at all about EMF, the EMF-cancelling technology found in our mPulse saunas reduces EMF to our lowest level yet. Our Signature and Select models have also tested at extremely safe levels due to steel conduit electrical shielding.
Should you have any questions at all about EMF and Sunlighten infrared saunas, please contact us. One of our team members would be happy to discuss all of this further with you!
See the links below for additional information about EMF:
US Center for Disease Control Fact Sheet about EMF
US Environmental Protection Agency
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