Where do blood clots often form?

Blood clots helpfully form at the surface of the skin to stop bleeding after a cut. However, dangerous blood clots form in the veins deep within the body which can slow or even stop the flow of blood back to the heart. Left untreated, 30% of people will pass away. Therefore, it is important to know who is at risk and how to deal with potential blood clots. Be aware of painful swelling, inflammation, itching or burning near the surface of the skin, or discoloration of the skin.

What causes risk of blood clots to rise?

There are numerous causes of blood clots. People who sit longer than 6 to 8 hours consecutively or who are immobile due to medical conditions are affected often. Severe injury or trauma to veins causes many blood clots. Heart failure, cancer, pregnancy, and smoking can all cause blood clots. A family history, genetics, and being overweight are common causes as well.

How can I prevent a blood clot?

Without symptoms, a patient might not even realize they have a blood clot. Therefore, preventative measures must be taken. Avoid sitting for long periods and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Lose excess weight and keep the heart rate up in the body. While sitting for long periods, move around, often. Walking and working lower leg muscles help push blood through the body.

Should a doctor be consulted?

Always. A blood clot is a serious business and should be treated seriously. Deep-vein thrombosis is an unexplained swelling, pain, redness, and tenderness in the legs or the pelvis. Noticeable symptoms should be shown to a doctor immediately. A doctor will perform tests to determine the type of clotting and the cause. Always consult a doctor before using a sauna as a treatment.

Is an infrared sauna a good treatment?

Always get the treatment the doctor recommends. However, the patient should consider additional treatment such as using an infrared sauna. Along with doctor’s treatment, an infrared sauna can be an aid to help lose extra weight that often contributes to clots. The weight is lost through excessive sweating from the deep penetrating heat. A second beneficial effect is an increased heart rate. High heat causes the blood to pump fast and to the extremities. The increase in blood flow is a solid preventative measure to ensure blood does not build up or pool in the veins and arteries. The higher heart rate attained in a 20-minute session is on par with a 20-minute workout. This is beneficial as the body is also relaxing at the same time. Pain and swelling are eased by the heat of the infrared sauna. The pain experienced by the patient can be severe. The beneficial heat from infrared saunas comes from invisible light waves. The heat penetrates deep into muscle and skin tissue. Unlike a steam sauna which only heats the surface of the skin. This process will open up veins like a super-highway. The rate of flow increases healing platelets to injuries and can aid in the healing process of damaged veins. This will have an additional benefit, lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common risk factor for people to develop these blood clots.

Easing symptoms of Deep-vein thrombosis.

At this point, the doctor has told the patient they have deep-vein thrombosis. A prescription has been given and treatment has begun. The symptoms and pain still exist, however. Swelling and pain are still prevalent in the body immediately after diagnosis. Use an infrared sauna to ease pain beneath the surface. The heat reduces swelling after only a 20-minute session. The redness which accompanies the swelling will be reduced as well. Any tenderness left from the deep-vein thrombosis can be eased with an infrared sauna. Pain and tenderness vanish with the heat due to the increase in blood flow. The blood carries everything the body needs to heal itself in many cases. The calming heat rushes the blood to all extremities helping ease the painful areas.

What is a pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis?

Pulmonary embolism is a dangerous blockage in the artery in the lungs. This particular blockage should always be seen by a doctor immediately. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, irregular or incredibly rapid heartbeat, feeling faint, coughing up blood, and chest pain or discomfort. If these are the symptoms experienced, dial 911 immediately. The same is true for venous thrombosis which is a clot that has formed in the arm. These two can be eased by an infrared sauna after treatment by a doctor. An infrared sauna is not the answer before treatment but can aid in recovery during and after treatment.