Whole Body Cryotherapy is the exposure of the human body to extreme cold applied inside a cryochamber for 2 to 3 minutes. It is performed in order to achieve a more rapid and improved response to injury, long-term conditioning of the health of the body {the immune system} and for the positive aesthetic effects it has on the skin.
During a 2- to 3-minute session at -240F, blood vessels in your skin’s surface and muscle tissue constrict, forcing blood away from the peripheral tissues and toward your core. In the core, the body’s natural filtration system works to remove toxins and inflammatory properties of the blood.
After exiting the cryochamber, filtered blood flows back to the peripheral tissues. Now cleaner and enriched with oxygen, nutrients and enzymes—your blood warms and enriches skin and muscles, and range of motion increases.
Over the next 48 hours the process of restoration occurs and the body returns to a former and better state of condition with reduced pain and inflammation, and increased energy levels. Recovery times from strenuous workouts and injury are improved and shortened.
Health & Wellness:
Sports & Fitness:
Skincare & Beauty:
Pregnancy, severe hypertension (BP > 180/100), hypothyroidism, acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack: need to be cleared for exercise), narrowing of valves, crescent-shaped aorta and mitral valve, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident (stroke: must be cleared for exercise), uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, incontinence, age less than 18 years (parental consent required).
Click HERE for downloadable samples of published research from CryoUSA.
Who developed Whole Body Cryotherapy technology?
Whole Body Cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been researched and refined in Europe over the past two decades. Sports, Health and Spa professionals in U.S. have all discovered the benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy.
Is Cryotherapy a proven treatment for recovery and health?
Yes, Cryotherapy has been used in Europe and Asia for almost thirty years. There are numerous clinical studies, see our Research tab.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy work?
The client steps into the cryosauna which uses gasiform nitrogen to rapidly lower the skin surface temperature to 30°F to 32°F. The cryosauna temperature ranges between -238°F to -274°F for the two to three minutes of treatment. The brain reacts to the skin sensors by stimulating the regulatory functions of the body.
Is Nitrogen gas dangerous to human beings?
No, nitrogen is a friendly, non-toxic gas. Nitrogen composes 78% of the air that we breathe. The other components are 16% Oxygen, 1% Hydrogen and 5% other gases. Nitrogen is as common and safe as Oxygen.
What does the client wear in the cryosauna?
Dry socks with a slipper/sandal for the feet, light cotton gloves for the hands and a dry undergarment. All jewelry, watches, chains, bracelets, earrings are removed. Cryotherapy is a dry cold with no moisture and tolerable even to those who consider themselves cold-intolerant.
How does the client feel after a cryotherapy session?
Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel good and energetic. The buoyant effects from each session typically last for six to eight hours. Many clients report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy.
Can the client catch a cold from cryotherapy?
No. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.
Who should not use whole body cryotherapy?
The following conditions are contraindications for Whole Body Cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe hypertension (BP > 180/100), hypothyroidism, acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack: need to be cleared for exercise), narrowing of valves, crescent-shaped aorta and mitral valve, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident (stroke: must be cleared for exercise), uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, incontinence, age less than 18 years (parental consent required).
How many treatments are needed to achieve optimal results?
It depends upon the condition being treated. Initially the treatments should be applied with greater frequency. After this initial period, maintenance treatments should be applied.
What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks. Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolic (reverses after the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, anxiety, activation of some viral conditions (cold sores, etc.) due to stimulation of the immune system. Protective clothing (socks, gloves, undergarments) must be dry in order to avoid frostbite.
How does Cryotherapy compare to an Ice Bath?
Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments result is a very different response from the body. Three minutes of extreme, dry cold reaches only the top skin layers and receptors causing the brain to restrict blood flow to an internal cycle. Fifteen minutes of cold water therapy initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a chilled lowering of the body’s core temperature.
“Where health is the destination, wellness is the journey.”
Dr. Jim Nicolai