Infrared Sauna - Welcome Guide & Safety Overview
Feb 18, 2025
Updated: 04-22-26
FIRST TIME USING OUR INFRARED SAUNA?
Important Things to Know Before Booking
Please familiarize yourself with this sauna welcome guide in its entirety and review all safety precautions and contraindications thoroughly. If you are unsure whether sauna use is safe for you, consult your physician before your first session. Contact us at prior to booking if you have any questions.
What to Expect
You will be greeted by a provider and shown to the private sauna area, where you will have 30 minutes to:
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Undress to your comfort level
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Relax in the dry infrared heat
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Freshen up with a provided aromatherapy towel
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Dry off and use the yoga & fitness equipment at your discretion
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Get dressed and depart
Enhance Your Experience: Consider combining your sauna session with compression therapy or somatic coaching for the ultimate recovery day!
Before Your Sauna Session
Health & Safety Checklist:
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âś“ Review the sauna safety precautions and contraindications below
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âś“ Confirm you have no contraindications with infrared sauna use
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âś“ Consult your physician if you have any health concerns
Preparation:
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Do not use topical products (lotions, oils, etc.) prior to your session—these can affect perspiration and stain the sauna wood
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Bring an extra change of clothes and your own water bottle
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Ensure you are well-hydrated before arrival
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Avoid intense exercise and large meals for at least one hour before your session
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Remove contact lenses, glasses, and jewelry for your comfort
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Place shoes, clothes, and personal items in the bins provided under the bench
Important Note: We respectfully request that regular or recent tobacco users do not use the sauna, as the wood surface absorbs tobacco odor released through the pores and can damage the sauna and cause allergic reactions for other clients.
Entering the Sauna
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The infrared sauna and music will be on and ready for you
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Enter and exit slowly and carefully to avoid slipping or falling
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You may enter in any attire you're comfortable with—swimwear, clothes, or nude (we provide a towel to sit on)
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Breathe, meditate, and enjoy the music, infrared light, and heat therapy
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Do not fall asleep in the sauna for your safety
Suggested Sauna Durations:
We suggest starting slow!
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Beginners: 10-15 minutes inside the sauna
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Intermediate: 15-20 minutes inside the sauna
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Experienced: 20-30 minutes (maximum time)
After Your Sauna Session
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Use the cool, wet aromatherapy spa towel provided in the small basket near the sauna door to cleanse and cool your skin
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Dry off with the plush bath towel
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Get dressed and place all used towels in the laundry hamper in the Recovery Room
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Take time to cool down: Breathe, meditate, and gently stretch using the yoga equipment available
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Consider adding a somatic coaching session or compression therapy for extended recovery support
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Wipe down any fitness/yoga equipment you used with the provided wipes
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Please depart at the end of your 45-minute booking to allow our team time to clean before the next client
Evidence-Based Benefits of Infrared Saunas
- Detoxification: Sweating is a natural and effective way for your body to eliminate toxins. Infrared saunas induce a deeper sweat, enabling the release of heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and other harmful substances.
- Pain Relief: Infrared heat penetrates muscles and joints, promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation. This can alleviate chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness, aiding in the recovery process.
- Improved Circulation: As your body heats up, blood vessels dilate, leading to enhanced blood flow. This can help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall circulation.
- Stress Reduction: Infrared saunas stimulate the production of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), inducing relaxation and calmness. This can effectively reduce stress and anxiety while improving sleep quality.
- Skin Health: Sweating opens pores and promotes a deep cleanse that removes dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This can lead to a clearer complexion, improved skin tone, and a healthy glow.
Sauna Safety & Health Considerations
Stay Hydrated
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Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to prevent dehydration
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Drink at least one glass of water or electrolyte replacement drink before entering the sauna
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You may bring water into the sauna, especially if you're sensitive to higher temperatures
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Avoid alcohol for at least 4-6 hours before your session, as it increases dehydration risk
Limit Session Time & Temperature
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Avoid spending excessive time in the sauna to prevent overheating and fatigue
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Follow the recommended duration based on your experience level
- Set a temperature based on recommendations from your provider, but not exceeding 150 degrees
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Start slow—especially for your first few sessions
Be Mindful During Your Session
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Always enter and exit slowly and carefully to avoid slipping or falling
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Never fall asleep in the sauna
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Discontinue sauna use during electrical storms to avoid risk of shock
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Do not place objects inside or on the roof of the sauna
Avoid These Before Your Session
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Large meals (wait at least 1-2 hours after eating)
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Intense exercise (wait at least 30 minutes)
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Alcohol or drugs (they impair judgment and increase heat-related injury risk)
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Over-the-counter medications (consult your physician first)
Post-Sauna Care
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Stand up slowly when exiting to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness
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Continue hydrating with water (at least 16 oz after your session)
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Rest appropriately before returning to intense activity
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Cool down gradually before engaging in exercise
Important: If you feel dizzy, uncomfortable, or unbearably hot at any time, stand up slowly, exit the sauna immediately but carefully, and notify a staff member.
Who Should NOT Use the Infrared Sauna
Get Medical Clearance From Your Physician Before Using the Sauna If You Have:
Cardiovascular Conditions:
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Heart disease
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High or low blood pressure
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Any other cardiovascular conditions
Chronic Health Conditions:
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Diabetes
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Obesity
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Any other chronic disease or condition
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Bleeding disorders
Nervous System or Sensory Issues:
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Any nervous system or sensory disorder that may affect perception of heat
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Medical conditions that affect heat sensitivity and/or the ability to sweat
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Heat insensitivity or inability to sweat
Surgical or Medical Implants:
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Metal pins, rods, or artificial joints
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Any other surgical implants
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Artificial implants, stents, or pacemakers
Medications & Substances:
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Currently taking any prescription medications
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Alcohol or drug abuse/dependency
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Currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Other Contraindications:
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Pregnancy (or breastfeeding/lactating)
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Recent injury or surgery (especially to legs/hips—wait 48-72 hours until swelling subsides)
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Over 55 years of age
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Currently experiencing fever or acute infection
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Any acute illness, pain, recent injury, or ongoing medical issue
Additional Cautions:
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Contact lenses (remove before use)
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Menstrual flow (your choice; some find sauna helpful, others prefer to wait)
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Recent or chronic alcohol use
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Elderly individuals and young children
Important Medical Disclaimer
Any information provided in this document is general information only and may not be construed as a substitute for medical or health advice or instruction.
You should consult appropriate physicians or health professionals on any matter relating to your health before using the infrared sauna or recovery room yoga and stretch equipment.
All specific medical and/or health questions should be presented to your own physician or health care professionals. Self-treatment of any condition with an infrared sauna is not recommended without direct supervision of a licensed physician.
If you feel ill or have a fever, wait to use the sauna until you're feeling better. If you are unsure whether sauna use is safe for you, consult your physician before your first session.
General Studio Guidelines
Respect Our Shared Space:
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Be mindful of volume levels on the sauna speaker to maintain a peaceful environment for neighbors
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Clean up after yourself and wipe down any equipment you used
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Leave the Recovery Room in the same condition you found it
Personal Belongings:
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Although you have private use of our Recovery Room during your booking, we do not provide secure lockers at our studio
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We are not liable for loss or damage to your personal belongings
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Store valuables in your vehicle or with our staff
Questions Before Your First Session?
Contact us at support@thebodyintuitive.com or call 480-999-6087 (9am–9pm US/Pacific).
We're here to help you have a safe, restorative experience!
Ready to hit the sauna for a good sweat?