Re:Is it safe to do infrared Sauna?

[Guest guest]

In general the sauna can be very useful, but you do want to steer

clear of it if you have lymphedema or an inflammatory cancer. I have

also seen it exacerbate pleural effusion and ascites. Be sure to

rehydrate as you sweat. Asparagus tea is useful. It is a good idea

to rest after a sauna. It is a good time for a lymphatic message or gua sha.

At our center we often use various diaphoretics (oral and topical)

along with oxygen (Von Ardenne's multistep therapy). It is quite

possible to ratchet up the core temperature, by jumping out and

taking a quick shower to cool off, dry off, and climb back into the

sauna. Temporary capillary constriction helps preserve core

temperature. When working with higher temperatures and with

hyperthermia synergists (e.g., prostaglandin J-2) you must be careful

to avoid malignant hyperthermia associated with calcium

dysregulation. The usual treatment is dantrolene.

Saunas can be done daily unless you work with the very high

temperatures in which case you wait about 4-5 days. The formation of

heat shock proteins gives no added advantage to doing it more

often. It takes several days for them to dissipate.

Always use common sense when using the sauna. You should not be

alone if you are going for high temperatures or are using oxygen. If

you are doing your sauna alone then tell a companion or staff person

and don't lock the door!! Don't attempt a Zalmanov bath on the same day.

[Guest guest]

,

I have been using my FIR sauna for 1 1/2 years 5 x a week and I have

lymphodema in my left arm (albeit not really bad). I have not had any

negatives effects from it. The lymphodema has not gotten worse nor

better. It pretty much stays the same over the past 12 years.

VGammill wrote:

" In general the sauna can be very useful, but you do want to steer

clear of it if you have lymphedema or an inflammatory cancer. I have

also seen it exacerbate pleural effusion and ascites. "