WHY FAR INFRARED ?

What is FAR Infrared?

Infrared light, as radiated by the Sun, lies between the Visible and Microwave sectors of the electromagnetic spectrum.
In an infrared sauna, the infrared heater produces radiant energy, which is the same as the heat from the sun, only without the harmful ultraviolet rays. Most of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical. The experience of a far infrared sauna is similar to sunbathing, which gives you the radiant heat that is all your own. The far infrared heat penetrates your skin, giving you that wonderful natural warmth. Unlike sunbathing, Infrared heat therapy is completely healthy and safe. You can relax in a far infrared sauna and it will never cause your skin to burn. Far infrared heat is completely healthy and safe for all living things. In fact, far infrared heat is so safe it is used in hospitals to warm newborn infants.

 
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IS IT SAFE TO USE?

Infrared saunas use safe and effective radiant heat just like the sun's soothing warmth. Radiant heat is more efficient because it warms you, not the air around you. Your body directly absorbs as much as 93% of the heat generated by our Carbon Fibre heaters.
Far infrared radiation (FIR) is considered harmless for human. Infrared heaters are even used to heat premature babies in hospitals incubators. But some people with certain illnesses and conditions should not use an infrared sauna or should use it with great caution.
The infrared radiant waves penetrate the body's tissues to a depth of over one and one half inches. Its energy output is tuned to correspond very closely to the body's own radiant energy that our bodies generate. There are many recorded health benefits that you can view in our Health Benefits section.

Saunas and Contraindications

Saunas and 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 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.
Saunas and 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. Consult with the child's Paediatrician before using the sauna.
Saunas and 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.
Saunas and 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 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.
Saunas and Alcohol
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 realize 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.
Saunas and Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated With A Reduced Ability To Sweat Or Perspire
Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumours and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating.
Saunas and Haemophiliacs / Individuals Prone To Bleeding

The use of Infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
Saunas and Fever
An individual that has a fever should not use any type of sauna.
Saunas and Insensitivity to Heat
An individual that has insensitivity to heat should not use any type of sauna.
Saunas and Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using any type of sauna because foetal damage can occur with a certain elevated body temperature.
Saunas and Menstruation
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.
Saunas and 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 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 contra-indicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in joints or in any other tissues.
Saunas and Implants
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 an Infrared Sauna must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. Silicone does absorb Far infrared energy. Implanted silicone or silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed by the Far infrared waves. Since silicone melts at over 200°C (392°F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of Infrared saunas. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be certain.
Saunas and Pacemaker / Defibrillator

The magnets used to assemble our Luxury series 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, you experience pain and/or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.