10 Reasons to Try Infrared Sauna When Sick (Is It Okay?)

Hey guys, Paul from Sauna Squad here. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve been feeling under the weather lately. A little worn down by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Maybe it’s a cold, or maybe something worse, like a virus.

You remember reading about the soothing warmth of an infrared sauna when sick and decide it’s time to try it. Wrapped in a cozy towel (Turkish Cotton of course!), you step into the warm embrace of your infrared sauna and almost immediately you feel a sense of relief enveloping your body.

But hold up… is this actually a good idea? Is it ok to use infrared sauna when sick?

The thought crosses your mind as you settle in. You’ve heard that using an infrared sauna while sick can be a double-edged sword. Some argue that infrared saunas help with sickness by easing muscle tension and opening nasal passages. Yet, medical advice should be your compass when navigating a feverish state.

So, if you’re intrigued and want to dive deeper into the potential benefits and considerations, keep reading to uncover why an infrared sauna is the soothing haven you seek when sickness looms.

How Can Infrared Saunas Aid in Sickness Recovery? 

Infrared saunas might aid in sickness recovery by promoting a form of artificial fever—a natural healing mechanism of the body. This fever stimulates the immune system, potentially increasing the production of white blood cells and aiding in combating viral infections.

It’s like gently coaxing your body into a self-healing mode. The infrared heat penetrates deep into the tissues, potentially relieving achy muscles and joint pain commonly associated with the flu and colds.

Moreover, the soothing warmth helps improve sleep quality, a cornerstone of recovery. It’s about creating an environment where your body can focus on healing. Regular, moderate sessions in an infrared sauna can also reduce stress levels, another critical factor in maintaining a robust immune system

Is it Safe to Use an Infrared Sauna While Sick?

Is it safe? The short answer is it depends. An infrared sauna while sick can offer relief, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy. 

The key is to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you’re dealing with a fever or a serious medical condition. 

Mild conditions like the common cold might improve with the gentle heat, which helps you relax and promotes mild sweating. But when it comes to more severe illnesses or if you’re experiencing a high fever, the intense heat of a sauna might do more harm than good.

The infrared sauna experience should be comforting, not overwhelming. If you try it, keep the sessions short, about 15-20 minutes, and ensure the temperature is comfortable, not scorching.

Stay hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water before and after your session. Remember, while some find solace during minor ailments, it’s crucial to approach the idea with caution and awareness of the potential risks.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Infrared Sauna When Sick

When you’re not feeling your best, turning to an infrared sauna can be a thoughtful choice. These saunas are celebrated for their subtle heat and ability to reach deeply into your tissues, possibly bringing a range of health perks. This is especially true during those challenging times when you’re dealing with a cold or the flu.

If you’re thinking about using an infrared sauna while sick, getting the green light from a medical professional is a smart move to make sure it suits your specific health situation.

Now, let’s look at why an infrared sauna might just be what you need when you’re fighting off sickness:

1. Promotes Relaxation: These saunas are fantastic for lowering stress levels and offering a peaceful spot to relax and focus on feeling better.
2. Eases Muscle and Joint Pain: The penetrating heat can relieve sore muscles and joints, common companions of colds and the flu.
3. Improves Sleep Quality: Relaxing in a sauna before bed can help calm your mind and body, improving sleep quality, a key player in getting better.
4. Supports Immune System: The heat from the sauna can mimic a fever, a natural bodily response, potentially boosting your immune system and helping in the fight against viral infections.
5. Detoxification: Sweating can help remove toxins from your body, making you feel refreshed and clean.
6. Alleviates Respiratory Symptoms: The warmth can assist in clearing up nasal passages, making breathing easier, especially when dealing with common colds or other respiratory conditions.
7. Improves Circulation: Better blood flow can speed up the healing process by delivering essential nutrients where they’re needed most.
8. Reduces the Intensity of Cold Symptoms: Using the sauna regularly and moderately might help lessen the severity and duration of your cold symptoms.
9. Promotes Hydration: Remember to drink plenty of water before and after your sauna sessions, as staying hydrated is crucial for your health.
10. Aids in Stress Reduction: The calming environment during a sauna session can significantly reduce stress levels, which are known to take a toll on your immune system.

These benefits are tempting, but the secret to a beneficial and safe experience lies in knowing your body’s boundaries, keeping up with hydration, and seeking advice from health professionals when necessary. 

Guidelines for Safely Using Infrared Saunas While Sick

Using an infrared sauna when sick can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to approach this wellness activity with care and consideration. The key to a positive infrared sauna experience lies in preparation, attentiveness during the session, and appropriate post-session care, especially when you’re not feeling well. 

Proper preparation can set the stage for a soothing session, staying mindful during the process ensures a safe experience, and taking the right steps afterward can maximize the potential benefits. 

Let’s explore how to navigate your sauna session before, during, and after to ensure a safe and potentially beneficial experience.

Steps to Prepare for Your Infrared Sauna When Sick

Before stepping into the soothing embrace of an infrared sauna, proper preparation is key, especially when battling an illness. Preparing your body and mind ensures you’re setting the stage for a comforting and secure experience. 

Here are seven essential steps to prepare for your infrared sauna session when sick:

1. Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before planning a session, seek advice from a doctor, especially if you have a fever or serious medical condition.
2. Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of water before entering the sauna to ensure your body is well-hydrated and ready for the sweat session.
3. Dress Appropriately: Opt for loose, comfortable clothing or sauna-specific attire to allow your skin to breathe and sweat freely.
4. Set a Comfortable Temperature: Ensure the sauna is not too intense; a milder warmth is preferable when you’re not feeling well.
5. Time It Right: Plan for a shorter session, about 15-20 minutes, to avoid overstressing your body.
6. Eat Lightly: Have a light, nutritious snack to fuel your body without overburdening your digestive system.
7. Prepare a Cool Down Area: Set up a comfortable space to rest and cool down after the sauna session.

Attending to Your Needs During the Infrared Sauna When Sick

Once inside the sauna, being attentive to how you’re feeling is crucial for a safe and healing experience. Recognizing your body’s signals and responding appropriately can make all the difference. 

Here are seven tips to ensure your infrared sauna session when sick is as beneficial and secure as possible:

1. Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how you feel; if discomfort arises, don’t hesitate to exit the sauna.
2. Stay Hydrated: Sip on water throughout the session to replenish fluids lost through sweating.
3. Breathe Deeply: Practice deep, calming breaths to help relax your body and ease any respiratory discomfort.
4. Rest if Needed: Sit down or lie down if you feel lightheaded or tired.
5. Monitor Session Length: Monitor the time to ensure your session doesn’t exceed the planned duration.
6. Adjust the Temperature: Don’t hesitate to lower the heat if it feels too intense or if you start feeling overwhelmed.
7. Focus on Relaxation: Use this time to clear your mind and focus on gentle, soothing thoughts to aid your recovery.

Proper Care After Your Infrared Sauna When Sick

The steps you take after your sauna session can significantly influence your recovery and the overall effectiveness of the experience. Ensuring your body gradually adjusts to its normal state is essential for reaping the potential benefits. 

Here are seven post-sauna tips to consider when you’re recovering from an illness:

1. Cool Down Gradually: Allow your body to adjust to room temperature naturally, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
2. Rehydrate: Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich drinks to restore hydration levels.
3. Rest: Give your body time to relax and recover, especially when under the weather.
4. Eat a Light Meal: Refuel with a wholesome, easy-to-digest meal to replenish your energy without overburdening your system.
5. Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel post-session and seek medical advice if your condition worsens.
6. Reflect on Your Experience: Take note of how your body responded to the sauna, which can help plan future sessions.
7. Plan for Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep to support your body’s natural healing process.

Wrapping Up – Using Infrared Saunas for Wellness During Sickness

Alright, folks, let’s wrap this article up. To summarize, the discourse around using an infrared sauna while sick is mixed. Some people are advocates for it, some are not. I tend to fall in the camp of “listen to your body”.

But based on the science, here are four key takeaways:

1. Soothing Retreat: Infrared saunas offer a gentle and potentially therapeutic environment for your body when unwell. Their comforting warmth can promote relaxation, alleviate pain, and bolster your immune system.
2. Prioritizing Your Health: Your well-being should always come first. Before considering sauna sessions while dealing with illness, it’s essential to seek guidance from healthcare professionals, especially if you have a fever or underlying medical conditions.
3. Moderation and Hydration: When contemplating sauna sessions during sickness, it’s advisable to keep them brief and comfortable. Staying well-hydrated throughout the process is crucial.
4. Post-Sauna Care: What you do after your session matters. Gradually cooling down, rehydrating, and ensuring adequate rest can maximize the potential benefits.

Your wellness journey is personal, and mindfulness plays a pivotal role. When used thoughtfully, infrared saunas can become a valuable addition to your wellness toolkit.

Thanks for reading and we hope you’ll stick around. We appreciate your support and we hope you’ll stop by again soon to join the Squad!

Note: While infrared saunas may offer potential advantages, individual experiences can vary. It’s important to consult qualified healthcare professionals before incorporating sauna sessions into your wellness routine, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions.

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