Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician or a pharmacist for possible changes in the drug effect when the body is exposed to far-infrared waves or elevated body temperature. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat-loss mechanisms. Some over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.

Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or problems such as hypertension/hypotension, congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, or those who are taking medications, that might affect blood pressure, should exercise extreme caution when exposed to prolonged heat. Heat stress increases cardiac output (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.

Pregnant women should consult a physician before using a sauna because foetal damage can occur with a certain elevated body temperature.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “Sweat Out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgment; therefore they may not realise it when the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by heat stress.

Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumours, and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Individuals with these conditions should avoid sauna use.

The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.

Infrared heat can exacerbate certain skin conditions, including inflamed skin, open wounds, or burns. People with active skin infections, such as psoriasis or eczema flare-ups, may also find the heat irritating.

Individuals should not use the sauna when they have a fever.

An individual that has insensitivity to heat should not use a sauna.

Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow. Some women endure this process to gain the pain relief commonly associated with their cycle whereas others simply choose to avoid saunas use during that time of the month.

If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury or until the hot and 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. Vigorous heating is strictly contraindicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in joints, or in any other tissues.

Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants generally reflect far-infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system, nevertheless, you should consult your surgeon prior to using an infrared sauna. Certainly, the usage of the sauna must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. Silicone absorbs far-infrared energy, so implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed by the infrared waves. Since silicone melts at over 200°C (392°F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of the sauna. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be certain.