CAN I USE THE SAUNA IF I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH VARICOSE VEINS OR OTHER VEIN DISORDERS?

KLAFS FAQ FOR WELL-BEING

All blood vessels – whether veins or arteries – expand in heat. As a result, people say you should avoid warm baths and warm climates if you suffer from vein disorders, so as not to put yet more strain on veins which are already enlarged. With a sauna, however, the brief dilatory stimulus is followed by a cold stimulus which makes veins and arteries contract suddenly. So it’s like targeted exercise for your blood vessels. This is why pregnant women with expanded veins can still use the sauna. To exercise your veins effectively, cover any large lumps with a cold, damp cloth whilst in the sauna, and make sure you cool your legs down immediately and thoroughly after leaving the sauna. Drink plenty to ensure your blood does not thicken. Overall, using the sauna improves your blood flow to such an extent that it actually reduces the risk of thrombosis, varicose veins and other vein disorders. However, if you are suffering from an acute thrombosis or acute superficial thrombophlebitis, do not use the sauna until the symptoms have been resolved.