What is a Cryotherapy Chamber?
Cryotherapy chambers, also known as cryosaunas or whole-body cryotherapy chambers, are devices that use extreme cold temperatures to promote healing and wellness. These chambers expose the body to temperatures as low as -200 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, typically 2-3 minutes. Here at Aqua-Tox we use the Mecotec Cryo:One which reaches a temperature of –86 degrees with sessions lasting 3 minutes.
How Does a Cryotherapy Chamber Work?
The extreme cold temperatures of a cryotherapy chamber stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. When exposed to the cold, the body’s blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin’s surface. This causes blood to be redirected to the body’s core, where it is oxygenated and enriched with nutrients. Once the body is removed from the cryotherapy chamber, the blood vessels dilate, allowing the oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to flow back to the skin’s surface and throughout the body.
What to wear in a cryotherapy chamber?
Exposing as much skin as possible to the cold air will allow your body temperature to drop effectively so it’s recommended to wear just underwear or small shorts and a sports bra in the cryotherapy chamber. However, it is very important to protect your extremities, so we provide a selection of gloves, socks, slippers, headbands, hats and face masks for use in the cryotherapy chamber.
What is a Cryotherapy Chamber Used For?
Cryotherapy chambers are primarily used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and muscle recovery. They are also used to promote weight loss, improve skin health, and boost overall wellness. Some specific conditions that cryotherapy chambers are used for are:
Cryotherapy for pain relief
Cryotherapy chambers are used to relieve pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that whole-body cryotherapy was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving physical function in patients with chronic lower back pain.
Cryotherapy for inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems. Cryotherapy chambers have been shown to reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that whole-body cryotherapy reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy men.
Cryotherapy for muscle recovery
Cryotherapy chambers are often used by athletes to speed up muscle recovery after strenuous exercise. The cold temperatures help to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, allowing athletes to recover more quickly and get back to training. A study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that whole-body cryotherapy was effective in reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle recovery in athletes.
Cryotherapy for weight loss
Cryotherapy chambers have been shown to increase metabolism and stimulate the body’s fat-burning mechanisms, making them a popular tool for weight loss. It is estimated that you can loose anywhere up to 800 calories from a single whole body cryotherapy session.
Cryotherapy for skin
Cryotherapy chambers have been shown to improve skin health by increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface and stimulating collagen production. This can lead to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that cryotherapy was effective in improving skin firmness and elasticity in women.
Cryotherapy for sleep
Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) has been found to have several benefits on sleep. First, the exposure to extreme cold temperatures during the treatment causes the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are often leading causes of sleep disruption. Additionally, the cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain, leading to a more comfortable sleep experience. The rapid decrease in skin temperature during the therapy can also trigger the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to a more regulated sleep-wake cycle. Furthermore, the release of norepinephrine during WBC can help improve alertness during the day, leading to a more restful sleep at night. Overall, whole body cryotherapy can improve sleep quality, help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and reduce the symptoms that often lead to sleep disruption.
Cryotherapy Benefits
In addition to the specific benefits listed above, cryotherapy has been shown to have a number of other health benefits. These include:
Improved mood and mental health: Exposure to cold temperatures has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Increases metabolism: Whole body cryotherapy raises the bodies metabolic rate as it works to heat back up over a period of hours following the cryotherapy chamber treatment.
Boosted immune system: The cold temperatures of a cryotherapy chamber can stimulate the body’s immune system, helping to fight off infections and illnesses.
Improved sleep: Cryotherapy has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration, allowing for better overall health and wellness.
Cryotherapy Side Effects
While whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects to be aware of. Some people may experience skin irritation, such as redness or itching, as a result of the extreme cold temperatures. In rare cases, individuals may experience frostbite or burns, particularly if they have pre-existing skin conditions. WBC can also cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can be problematic for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions. In addition, some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness immediately following the treatment, although this typically resolves quickly. The use of whole body cryotherapy is not recommended for pregnant women, people with severe hypertension, or individuals with a history of seizures. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying whole-body cryotherapy if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
What’s the difference between whole body cryotherapy and local cryotherapy?
Whole body cryotherapy exposes the whole body to extreme freezing temperatures and is typically used for overall health, wellness & skin benefits. Local cryotherapy exposes small areas of the body to freezing cold air to trigger an anti-inflammatory response, speeding up the healing process for many conditions such as back pain, sports injuries, rheumatic diseases, psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases. Local cryotherapy also boosts collagen production and can reduce cellulite.
Local cryotherapy can also be used for aesthetics purposes with cryotherapy facials offering a great non-invasive anti-ageing treatment option. Cold air is applied directly to the face causing the blood vessels to contract and pores tighten. Once the skin returns to its normal temperature the blood vessels dilate quicker, causing an increase in blood flow and oxygen to the face. This process boosts collagen production, leaving radiant skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Further benefits of facial cryotherapy include; skin rejuvenation, reduction of pigmentation & scarring, skin firming and improvement of skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and rosacea.
Your individual health & wellness concerns and goals will determine whether whole body cryotherapy, local cryotherapy or a combination of the two is best for you. Many people find that the overall health and wellness benefits of whole body cryotherapy make it a worthwhile addition to their regular wellness routine.
Find out more about whole body cryotherapy >
Find out more about local cryotherapy >