Infrared saunas have been linked to a number of health benefits, including pain relief, weight loss and lowered blood pressure. However, the high heats and enclosed spaces associated with an infrared sauna puts users at risk for heat exhaustion. Some individuals are advised to avoid sauna use, including pregnant women and those with certain conditions, such as hemophilia or multiple sclerosis.
Identification
While many saunas use steam, infrared saunas use infrared radiation. These saunas may use different types of infrared energy; those with the strongest infrared energy are referred to as far infrared saunas. AltMed reports that infrared saunas require approximately 90 percent less electrical energy to operate. Infrared saunas do not have dangerous hot surfaces like steam saunas. Since they don't require cleanup or a plumbing system, infrared saunas are generally portable and easy to operate.
History
According to AltMed, infrared therapy was first used by German physicians in the early twentieth century. Later, Japanese medical practitioners began using infrared heaters for treatments. By 1979, the infrared heaters were released for public use. The United States began to market this treatment with a sauna in the 1980s.
Benefits
Infrared saunas have been used as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In "Canadian Family Physician," a study showed that infrared saunas may be effective in treating chronic pain, obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Other benefits have been marketed to a wide range of people. Dr. Mehmet Oz says infrared saunas are effective for burning calories, losing weight and eliminating toxins from the body.
Misconceptions
Although there have been a wide range of health benefits associated with the use of infrared heat therapy, few of these claims have been supported by strong clinical evidence. The study in "Canadian Family Physician" refuted the claim that infrared saunas may help lower cholesterol. Treatment claims were supported by moderate, fair or weak evidence. Therefore, individuals should not use infrared saunas as a substitution for other treatments.
Warning
A physician should be consulted before use of infrared saunas and they should not be used to treat any condition, says AltMed. Individuals with adrenal suppression, hemophilia, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematous should not use infrared saunas. Those who are pregnant, nursing or have artificial joints or silicone implants should not use infrared saunas.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two major risks of using infrared saunas. If you feel weak, nauseous, tired, if you stop sweating or if your skin becomes clammy while exposed to infrared heat, exit the sauna immediately.
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