RED HEAT LAMP SAUNA THERAPY

            This procedure is most helpful for healing and development for everyone.  It is not the same as sunbathing or using other types of saunas or lamps.  We don’t understand all the reasons it works, but it has multiple positive effects.
 
              When to Use a Sauna. For greatest safety and healing effects, wait one or better two hours after meals before a sauna session.  Also, first thing in the morning and the last thing at night are best for sauna use.  At these times, one is most relaxed.  This produces the greatest detoxification effect.  Activities, exercise and distractions in the middle of the day often stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and interfere with the sauna’s healing effects.   In a healing facility, any time of the day is fine as long as it is one or two hours after a meal.

              How Often to Use a Sauna. Saunas are generally very safe for most people.  However, very imbalanced tissue levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium or potassium could make sauna use more hazardous.  One could sweat out enough of a vital mineral such as potassium to cause heart arrhythmias or other metabolic problems.  I have not seen this in practice.  However, it is possible.

            The decision of how often to use saunas depends on the setting.  In the residential detoxification programs that follow the L. Ron Hubbard approach, one may spend up to five hours daily in a traditional sauna.   I recommend Mr. Hubbard’s book, Clear Body, Clear Mind for more details on this type of sauna therapy.

            The present book focuses on home use of infrared saunas without direct medical supervision.  For these programs, most people can use a sauna once or twice daily.  Weekly sauna use is more for maintenance, not therapy.  Specific cautions and contraindications are discussed at the end of this chapter. 

            If you suspect serious tissue mineral imbalances, limit the duration of sauna sessions at first to a maximum of 20 minutes until the imbalances improve.  Also, begin with fewer sessions per week and shorter sessions if very debilitated.

            If you are very ill, begin with an even milder experience by keeping the door open or sitting in front of the red heat lamps without an enclosure.

            We use hair mineral analysis from a laboratory that does not wash the hair to assess electrolyte imbalances that may affect the duration and frequency of sauna sessions.  Hair analysis is a tissue test and a much better way to assess actual stores of minerals in most cases than blood or urine tests.

How Long to Remain in a Sauna

            This depends on your health status and whether you have an acute infection.  When an acute infection is present, such as a cold, flu or pneumonia, more frequent and shorter sauna sessions are often best.  This is also a good idea during a healing or purification reaction.  Refer to the section later in this chapter titled ‘Sauna Protocol For Acute Infections’.

            The remainder of this section concerns sauna protocol when one does not have an acute infection.  The duration of a sauna session may be based on time, heart rate elevation or temperature elevation.

            Duration.  Most people can begin with 20 minutes in a sauna.  Limit the first week’s sessions to a maximum of 30 minutes per session.  This is to avoid too many healing reactions.  The duration of a session can increase up to 60 minutes total time after several weeks to several months, depending on your condition.

              The total time spent per day in a hot air sauna should not exceed three hours.  With a far infrared sauna, do not exceed three hours and do not exceed two hours daily in a red heat lamp sauna. This is important because it is possible to overdo sauna therapy.

            When beginning sauna therapy, many people do not sweat properly.  As a result, one can overheat if the body cannot adequately handle the heat.  If this occurs, one may turn red, the pulse may race and body temperature can rise quickly, making one feel uncomfortable. 

            If overheating occurs, begin with shorter sessions.  With repeated sauna sessions, the skin becomes more active.  Temperature regulation and vital mineral retention improve.  Then one can safely increase the duration of sauna sessions.

            Heart Rate.  An increase in the pulse is due to heating the body, not a sympathetic response as in exercise.  As core body temperature rises, the pulse will increase.  An increase of up to 50% above the resting pulse is safe unless a heart condition necessitates keeping it lower.

            Body Temperature.  The basal temperature will usually rise a few degrees if you stay in a sauna for 30 minutes or more.  An increase of up to 4° F is safe for most people and excellent for healing.   This much of an increase, however, is not always necessary to achieve desired results. 

              To experiment with this, take your oral temperature on entering the sauna and check it every five minutes or so.  Oral temperature will read one degree lower than rectal temperature.

            As the body acclimates to saunas, sweating can increase fourfold and temperature regulation becomes more efficient.  The core temperature may not rise quite as much, although one will still receive benefits from the sauna.  Temperature should not be allowed to rise beyond about 103° F.

Sauna Danger Signals

              If the heart starts racing, if sweating stops or if there is difficulty breathing, end the session.  If you develop persistent pain, end the session.

How Much Sauna Therapy

            Sauna therapy can often continue for 10 years or more to help remove the bulk of the toxic metals, toxic chemicals and chronic infections in the body.  For a degenerative illness such as cancer, at least two years of therapy are needed for most people.

            For more acute conditions, such as a chemical exposure, a year or less may suffice.  However, most people are carrying a large load of toxic chemicals and metals of which they are completely unaware.  When the intent is to heal a chronic condition such as an injury, continue therapy for at least two months after symptoms disappear.

Replenishing Minerals

            One will sweat out some minerals during a sauna session that need to be replaced.  Add a teaspoon or more of sea salt and up to one or two tablespoons of kelp granules to your diet.

            Those who do not like the taste of kelp may use 12-15 kelp tablets or 3-6 larger kelp capsules.   Most people can add two or three teaspoons of kelp daily to the diet for a year or even two.  This is very adequate to replace the beneficial minerals lost during sweating.

            Kelp is an excellent and inexpensive source of many minerals. Other mineral supplements do not contain as many minerals.  Most people handle kelp well.  A few who are hyperthyroid cannot take kelp and will need to use other mineral supplement.  ’Natural’ mineral supplements, including kelp, contain some toxic metals.

            Kelp, however, contains a lot of alginates, substances that bind toxic metals and prevent their absorption into the body.  I do not recommend any other seaweeds such as dulse, nori or others as they do not contain as much alginates.

            Many doctors recommend various mineral “cocktails” before or after sauna use.  We do not recommend these.  They are too yin and not required. 

            Definitely avoid drinking juices, Gatorade, Recharge or other mineral replacement drinks.  Most are very sugary, yin (cold and too expansive in Chinese medicine) and will diminish the benefits of sauna therapy.

            Instead, to acquire and replenish minerals, eat the development science diet with 2/3 of your plate filled with the preferred cooked vegetables, and do this three times daily.  Drink good quality spring water or carbon-only filtered or sand-filtered only tap water, as well, to obtain additional minerals.  Mineral retention will improve as the body acclimates to sweating.

            Mineral Replacement and Biological Transmutation.  Dr. Louis Kervan is the author of Biological Transmutations.  This is a fascinating subject that calls into question some deeply held beliefs about physical chemistry and the nature of chemical elements. 

              Dr. Kervan studied workers in the Sahara Desert who sweated out far more potassium than they replaced, with no adverse effects.  He theorized that a transmutation occurs, converting sodium to potassium in an endothermal reaction, which also helped them handle the heat.

            The same phenomenon most likely occurs in saunas, as extremely few negative health effects have been reported for sweat lodges and saunas used by millions of people for thousands of years. 

            After presenting the mathematical heat calculations, Dr. Kervan wrote: 

            “I came to the conclusion that it was sodium which, disappearing to become potassium, created an endothermal reaction, thus causing heat to be absorbed.  Hence, by instinct, one consumes more salt in dry and hot country.  This is why salt is so important in Africa, the Middle East, etc., where caravans travel up to 1000 kilometers to bring back salt.”

            “The transmutation from sodium to potassium was confirmed by another experiment made in a more arid part of the Sahara... in a physiology laboratory.  A man making a major physical effort during three hours, in a temperature of 39° C with a humidity of 60%, would experience an increase of three times his usual rate of potassium in proportion to sodium in his urine.” (Biological Transmutations, p. 28 by Louis Kervran)

Before a Sauna Session

            Wait at least one, and preferably two hours after eating, before entering a sauna.  Also, drink 8-16 ounces of preferably spring water.  Children may drink less.  Light clothing may be worn in a wood, gas-fired or electric coil-heated sauna.  No clothing is usually worn in an infrared sauna, although a skimpy bathing suit is fine.

            If using a hot air sauna, set the thermostat to about 160° F and enter when it has reached that temperature.  In a far infrared sauna, set the thermostat to about 125°F and enter as soon as one turns it on.  This allows maximum exposure to the beneficial infrared rays.  When the temperature inside reaches 120-125° F, open the ventilation louvers or open the door about 1/4" so the sauna does not get hotter.  This will keep the far infrared elements operating the entire sauna session to maximize the beneficial rays.

            In a red heat lamp sauna, follow a similar procedure.  Enter as soon as one turns on the lamps.  As the temperature reaches 110-115° F, open the door about 1/4" so the temperature remains at this level.

            One must rotate every few minutes in an infrared lamp sauna to heat the body evenly, assuming the lamps are on only one side of the sauna.  One may also preheat a far infrared or red heat lamp sauna for 10-20 minutes to start sweating faster.

During And After A Sauna Session

            Wipe off sweat with a small towel and sit on a second small towel.  Spread a large towel on the floor.  Spend the time in the sauna visualizing or relaxing. 

              Odors or sensations may occur during a session.  If an odor is objectionable, open the door for a few seconds to let in fresh air.  Most will pass quickly.

            Most bodily sensations that may occur are completely benign.  Relax, breathe deeply and attempt to continue the session unless extremely uncomfortable or faint.

            Most sensations will pass quickly as toxic substances are released and the body rebalances itself.  At times, a healing reaction can last for several days or even weeks.  However, it is often best to continue sauna therapy during the reaction to help it resolve faster. 

            We recommend exposing the palms of the hands directly to the heat and light if one is in an red heat lamp sauna.  This will enhance the effects of the session.  Many acupuncture and reflex points are close to the surface on the hands.

            When a sauna session is over, shower with cool or warm, but preferably not very hot water.  If possible, do not wait long after a sauna before showering, as some toxins will be reabsorbed.  If you cannot shower, then towel off the sweat after the session.

            Rinse off any sweat-filled towels in the shower until they do not smell and hang them up to dry or place them in a laundry hamper.  Brush the skin all over with a loofa or skin brush, including the scalp and face.  One will be very clean.

            If possible, avoid using soap or shampoo, or putting anything on the skin.  Drink 8-16 ounces of spring water and rest lying down or sitting down for at least 10 minutes before resuming daily activities.  This resting after every sauna session is very important!

            You may eat after resting.  If you are also doin coffee enemas for detoxification, it is usually best to use the sauna before doing a coffee enema.

            While resting after the sauna, one may do a short practice borrowed from Total Body Modification.  To recenter, place the fingers of the right hand on the right groin area and the left hand on the left frontal sinus on the forehead.  Hold for five seconds or until your breathing relaxes.  Then place the fingers of the left hand on the left groin area and the right hand on the right side of the frontal sinus.  Hold for five seconds or until your breathing relaxes.

            Many people also need to rest more during the day while on a sauna therapy program.  This is because the detoxification and other healing effects of red lamp sauna therapy such as inhibiting the activity of the sympathetic nervous system continue throughout the day.  You may suddenly experience fatigue, headaches, faintness or other symptoms as toxins are released.

              If this occurs, lying down for 15 to 30 minutes will help greatly, allowing the body to process the changes with less interference.  If at all possible, arrange your schedule so there is time for rest periods during the day.

            Cleaning the Sauna.  The floor of a wood sauna should be cleaned once a week to once a month to prevent or reduce rotting.  Oxiclean™, a readily available non-toxic cleaner, is excellent to remove bacteria and mold.  The walls and ceiling usually need cleaning less often.

            Those who operate detoxification centers will attest to the foul odors and at times stains that occur due to sweating.  Max Gerson, MD reported that after each patient left his cancer clinic the walls required repainting due to persistent toxic odors.

Supervision

            Supervision is essential during sauna therapy, moreso if one is ill.  This is not a do-it-yourself therapy.  As metals and organic chemicals are released, healing reactions will occur.  Even experienced physicians can become discouraged, disoriented or frightened.  It is most helpful to have someone to check with, at least by telephone, at these times.

            If at all possible, when doing sauna therapy work with a practitioner or someone familiar with healing reactions.

Relaxation

            Detoxification requires a relaxed nervous system.  Relax before entering the sauna.  If tense, a drop or two of rose, lavender or another relaxing essential oil in the sauna may be helpful.  Place it on a small plate or surface.  A diffuser should not be needed.

            One may also begin a sauna session listening to relaxing music.  Avoid working, studying or talking while in the sauna.  A massage before or after a sauna session is excellent.  A foot massager or foot roller can also be used in a sauna.

            Maintaining a relaxed lifestyle throughout a sauna therapy program will greatly assist detoxification and healing.  Avoid strenuous activity, including heavy exercise, strenuous travel or very long work hours.  Ask for cooperation from family members and friends during the program.

Sauna Therapy During Acute Infections

            Acute infections include colds, the flu, earaches, or active infection anywhere in the body.  Symptoms may include fever, aches and pains, inflammation or diarrhea.  During an acute infection, prolonged sauna therapy is less helpful.  The body is focused on resolving the infection.  Extensive detoxification or other intense sauna effects can interfere with healing the acute condition.

            It is best to have shorter sauna sessions when an acute infection is present.  Ten to fifteen-minute sessions are sufficient, repeated six to nine times per day.  Be sure to rest in between these short sessions.

            Also, if you are using a red heat lamp sauna, focus more energy on the infected area.  For a stomach flu, for instance, spend more time with the lamps focused on the front of the body.  For a sinus infection, move the front of the head closer to the lamps.  Heat is beneficial, so preheat the sauna to about 100 °F.  Once the infection passes, return to the regular sauna therapy protocol.

            A person’s regular nutritional supplements may also be unnecessary and perhaps harmful during acute infections.

Cautions and Contraindications

            One should have an attendant or friend nearby when doing sauna therapy if one is very heat-sensitive, has multiple sclerosis, diabetes, a heart condition or has used psychotropic drugs in the past.  The following conditions may require extra care when using a sauna:

            Breast Implants. No problems have been reported.  Wear a bra or bikini top if you are concerned about them, as this clothing will stop the penetration of the infrared into this area.

            Children.  Children under about six years old should avoid sauna use.  Their sweat glands are less developed than in adults.  Their bodies also have a higher water content than adults and thus they can dehydrate more easily.  Far infrared may also be harmful for children under five.

            High Blood Pressure.  Sauna use generally does not raise blood pressure.  However, begin with shorter sessions and check blood pressure every ten minutes if you are concerned.

            Dental Amalgams.  You may use a sauna even if you have silver amalgam dental fillings or other dental metals in your mouth.  We recommend having amalgams replaced when possible with safer dental materials.  The exception is while one has an active cancer condition, at which time amalgam removal can be quite dangerous.

          Past Use of LSD or other Psychedelic Drugs.  Flashbacks can occur, including full-blown LSD trips, as stored drugs are mobilized from tissue storage sites.  If at all possible, have an attendant or friend present during sauna use.

            Multiple Sclerosis.  Patients may be extremely heat sensitive.  Begin with shorter sessions and have an attendant present in case extreme weakness should occur.  However, some doctors report saunas can be very useful for multiple sclerosis.

            Respiratory Conditions.  Some experience breathing difficulty in saunas.  Often this will improve as one acclimates to sweating.  Be sure to sit up comfortably and breathe slowly and deeply.  If uncomfortable, open the door about 1/2" to let in cooler air.  One may also breathe through a 1" diameter plastic tube leading outside the sauna through a ventilation opening.

            Lymph Node Removal.  If one has had lymph nodes removed, for example during breast cancer surgery, circulation in the arms will be slightly impaired.  In our experience, sauna therapy is still excellent.  Begin with only 15 minutes in the sauna to see if there is any problem with circulation.   

            Diabetes.  Begin with less time in the sauna and observe any unusual changes in blood sugar. Saunas do not significantly increase the metabolic rate.  Nor do they tend to increase the blood sugar level or utilization of glucose.  A decrease in blood sugar in the sauna is possible as sympathetic nervous system activity is inhibited.

            Prostheses, Silicone Implants or Metallic Pins or Rods in the Body.  These could heat up excessively in an infrared sauna, although I have not observed this.  Begin with less time in the sauna, becoming aware of any unusual sensations in the area of the prostheses or pins.

            Jewelry.  Wearing jewelry is not advisable.  It might become hot enough to cause a burn.

            Medication.  Rarely, heating the body may alter the properties or effects of a medication.  This could occur with corticosteroids, for example.  Consult the prescribing physician if this is a concern.

            Menstruation.  Menstruating women may experience a temporary increase in menstrual flow due to heating the low back.  One need not avoid sauna use, but be aware that it may occur.

            Pregnancy.  To be on the safe side, if pregnant spend no more than 10 minutes at a time in a sauna and have a maximum of four sessions per week.

            Exposure to intense heat during the first trimester of pregnancy may slightly increase the risk of birth defects.  However, in a 1988 paper, Dr. K. Vaha-Eskeli and R. Ekkola of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Turku reported that:

 “Up to 90% of pregnant women in Finland regularly visit the sauna until the expected time of delivery… Finnish women are confident that the sauna and pregnancy are compatible, a view that contrasts with many opinions abroad.” (This statement refers to traditional hot air saunas.  I am unaware of studies of pregnancy and infrared saunas.)

            Saunas and Breastfeeding.  While it is probably safe, I am unaware of studies of whether toxins released during a sauna therapy program could find their way into breast milk.  Until good studies are performed, it would be prudent to reduce or avoid intense sauna therapy while one is breastfeeding a baby.  The only exception would be if it is a matter of dire importance to the mother, such as in a case of cancer or another serious condition.  In this instance, the risk of releasing some toxins into the breast milk may be worthwhile if the baby does not show any signs or symptoms of colic or other distress due to breastfeeding in this situation.

            For Men.  The testicles should remain cooler than the rest of the body.  Technically, it may be best to avoid direct infrared irradiation of the testicles if you are concerned about fertility, as the testicles are somewhat heat sensitive.  A 1988 paper from Finland reported no evidence that hot air sauna use decreases sperm count in men.  However, infrared may have a more powerful effect due to deep tissue heating.

            Young Children.  Spend no more than 20 minutes in a sauna, always accompanied by an adult.  Under age six, avoid sauna use.

            The Elderly.  Age per se is not a contraindication for sauna use.  One’s health status is far more important.  In Finland, nearly 90% of those over age 80 are reported to be using saunas regularly.  Dr. Jonathan Halperin, professor of internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York wrote: “Moderate sauna use is safe for most older people, but diabetics and anyone being treated for heart or circulatory conditions should check with their doctor, particularly if they are taking medications.” (reported by Dorothy Bernstein,  Good Housekeeping Magazine)

            Maximum Duration of Sessions.  A basically healthy person should spend no more than five hours per day in a hot air sauna, replacing water and electrolytes and taking a break at least every hour.  One can use a far infrared sauna up to three hours a day, provided one replaces water and electrolytes and takes a break every hour.  One can safely use an infrared lamp sauna up to two hours per day provided one replaces water and electrolytes and takes at least two breaks.  Two to three shorter sessions are preferable, spread out through the day.

            If one is debilitated, begin a program with less time in the sauna.

            Dangers of Mineral Imbalances.  Some authorities recommend specific electrolyte replacement drinks.  In our experience, consuming extra sea salt and kelp are usually sufficient to replace electrolytes.  Drinking quality spring water also helps replace vital trace minerals.  Use extra caution if one has very low hair tissue levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium or potassium until these levels improve. 

            Elimination of Medications.  During sauna therapy one will eliminate residues of prescription and over-the-counter medications, often taken years ago.  These medications can include stimulants, sedatives, antibiotics, novocaine, chemotherapy and many others.  Their release from storage can cause temporary effects similar to the action of the drug when first taken. 

            For example, eliminating stored antibiotics might damage the intestinal flora temporarily, causing some diarrhea or constipation.  Eliminating stored Novocaine can cause temporary numbness of the face or jaw.  Usually these effects pass quickly as the residues are excreted.

            Moving Slowly.  Sauna accidents can occur by slipping on wet floors, moving too quickly or with jerky movements, and drinking alcohol that impairs your judgment.  Always move slowly and cautiously in a sauna.  Avoid slippery surfaces by placing a towel on the floor.

            Also move slowly and cautiously in and around the shower after a sauna session.  The effects of heating will still be present and one may be light-headed and slightly faint from the sauna session. 

            Wheelchairs and Crutches.  Saunas may be used by those on crutches or in wheelchairs.  Metallic parts of wheelchairs and crutches, especially if dark-colored, may heat up excessively inside a sauna.  Exercise care not to touch them or wrap them with electrical tape.  Enclosure modifications for handicap use of a sauna are discussed in Chapter 12, Sauna Design.

            Meals.  Avoid eating for an hour or two before sauna therapy and avoid heavy meals two hours before using a sauna.  A lot of blood is required to digest a meal, particularly a large one.  The effect of a sauna is to shunt blood away from the internal organs to the skin.  This will interfere with digestion and could cause cramping.

          Also avoid sauna therapy when very hungry, although a sauna first thing in the morning is fine.  At other times of the day, it is fine to use a sauna two to five hours after eating a meal.  It is fine to eat 15 minutes after sauna therapy. 

            Alcohol.  Saunas and alcohol do not mix!  Alcohol can cause a false sensation of how hot you are, allowing you to remain in the sauna too long.  Also, you may fall asleep, which is not a good idea.  Carlton Hollander, in his book How to Build a Sauna, wrote:

 “Alcohol is definitely not recommended prior to a sauna, since it works as a depressant, with a quick flash of energy leading into a state where the blood is moving slowly and the nerve endings are literally shutting down.  The alcohol tends to detract from the total benefit of the sauna experience.”

            Talking, Reading or Working During Sauna Use.  Some people wish to use the time in a sauna for working, phoning or reading.  This can reduce the detoxification effects of the sauna by shifting the body somewhat into a more active or sympathetic state.  While okay, it is preferable to use the time during a sauna session for meditating, visualizing or just relaxing.

            Sensory Nerve Damage.  Exercise caution in a sauna if you have had an injury, illness or skin graft that caused sensory nerve damage so you do not feel heat.  Otherwise, you could stay in a sauna too long, which could cause burns or other difficulties.

            Overdoing Sauna Therapy.  Many people believe that if 20-30 minutes in a sauna is excellent, more must be better.  Others enjoy the sessions so much they extend them excessively.  Still others build saunas with more than one overhead heat lamp, which is not recommended.

            Overdoing is not likely to do permanent damage.  It will, however, cause healing reactions that can be intense.  A few have become discouraged this way. It is important to begin with sauna sessions no longer than 20 minutes.  Within a few weeks to a few months, the length of sessions may be increased.  Sauna therapy is powerful and must be approached with common sense and caution, especially when beginning.

            Pets.  Do not bring pets into a sauna, either for therapy or companionship.  Short exposure is probably fine for most animals.  However, dogs and cats do not sweat as easily and may overheat in a sauna.

            One may use a single red infrared heat lamp to treat an infection, abscess or other local condition in an animal.  Follow the instructions in Appendix F regarding single lamp therapy.  This should be safe as one is not raising the animal’s core body temperature.

            When I mentioned to a veterinarian that I was interested in infrared lamp therapy, he quickly told me he uses a red heat lamp on every animal he operates on to enhance healing after surgery.

          Danger Signals in a Sauna.  While very rare, one could experience heat stroke if one remains too long in a sauna.  Danger signals are a rapid elevation of body temperature, cessation of sweating, a racing heart, extreme redness of the skin and feeling extremely faint.  If any of these occur, end the session right away.

            Claustrophobia. A large window or even a wall made of glass helps many people who are claustrophobic.  Keeping the door slightly open reduces the heat, but may be easier to tolerate.  Finally, in our experience, many claustrophobic people can learn to tolerate and even enjoy saunas with a little practice.

            Burning From Heat Lamps.  This is unlikely, as one will feel a burning sensation before an actual burn occurs.  Some reddening of the skin normally occur with any infrared sauna and will go away within an hour.  If the lamps burn, sit further away from the lamps and rotate more often.  If your skin is very sensitive, unscrew one lamp or place a piece of metal window screen in the lamp guard to reduce the intensity of the lamp.

            Using a sauna with breast implants.  I have not had any reports of problems using a near infrared lamp sauna if one has breast implants.  If you are concerned, wear a bikini top or bra in the sauna, and this will protect the area from the penetrating infrared light.  In fact, anyone can wear a bikini bathing suit in a near infrared lamp sauna.  This reduces the benefits of the sauna very little.

            Eye sensitivity to the reddish heat lamps.  Very rarely, someone says the red light bothers their eyes.  Wear sunglasses if this occurs.

            Skin cancer.  Near infrared lamp sauna therapy does not cause skin cancer.  In fact, it may help reduce it.  However, the light may be irritating to a skin cancer.  If this occurs, cover the skin cancer with a bandage or a piece of clothing.  This will stop most of the infrared rays.

            To read the entire Sauna Therapy article, go to Sauna Therapy.