Hot liquids can relieve some cold and flu symptoms, and so it would make sense applying heat in an infrared sauna would work similarly. Is it safe to use a sauna when you’re sick – for the most part, yes.
Traditional dry heat saunas are used to reduce symptoms of everything from arthritis to asthma, chronic fatigue, and more. They’ve been around for centuries and within the past decade, scientific research has supported the idea saunas can help minimize cold symptoms as well as reduce recovery time. Why this happens is because saunas improve drainage, and some researchers suspect the high temperature may also actually weaken cold and flu viruses. Used regularly, research has found sauna can also reduce the amount of colds a person receives. Scientists don’t know why this is although some believe it’s attributed to infrared saunas, steam rooms, and similar high heat environments strengthening the immune system.
All in all, it’s very recommended to use a sauna if you’re sick from a cold or flu. That said, an infrared sauna for sickness is not always safe. If you have heart issues, it’s best to speak to a physician prior to getting started on regular sauna visits. If you have circulation problems, it’s the same thing. Also, pregnant women are also a demographic which shouldn’t be in an infrared sauna at any time. For these people, saunas can be hazardous. Will they make a person sicker – probably not however there are risks, including it worsening some heart conditions and having a negative impact on circulation for people with these conditions. Ultimately, unless you’re close to peak health with no major health conditions, always speak to your family doctor prior to starting in on any sauna routine.
Going into a sauna, there are two things you want to focus on – heat and sweat. As heat has been explored a little here already, sweat is now what we want to highlight. A person sweats either from heat, exercise, or anything that makes our heart rate go up. When we sweat, it’s our bodies cooling down. Many people with colds and flus turn to sweating in an infrared sauna to help them overcome the symptoms. In several ways, sweat is successful at minimizing symptoms like congestion as it helps to loosen nasal mucus. In a sauna setting, the exposure to warm and moist air assists with this. Needless to say, sweating is not a bad thing if you are sick as it can help turn your body’s systems on.
For those that will use a sauna to cure a cold or flu, you’ve got to follow some safety tips. Don’t stay in a sauna longer than 30 minutes maximum. Before, during, and after, do not drink or eat anything which could dehydrate you. Rehydrate immediately after your sauna with water.
If you’re looking to get your very own steam room, traditional Finnish sauna, or infrared sauna installed in your home or place of business, call Steam Sauna. It’s a safe and effective method at treating cold and flus, in addition to several other conditions such as chronic pain. For some, regular sauna use has helped with a wide variety of health conditions and illnesses, and this is among the reasons why some doctors and scientists are arguing in favor of saunas. Take in a few sessions yourself to see what we mean. A representative would be happy to provide more information.