FAQs
WHO DEVELOPED THIS TECHNOLOGY?
Whole body cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the benefits have been studied and refined since that time.
WHEN WAS WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY DEVELOPED?
Whole body cryotherapy has been used in Europe and Japan for more than three decades. Multiple research studies have been published in medical journals about the effects of whole body cryotherapy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Cryo sauna uses gasiform nitrogen to lower the client’s skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of two-three minutes. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to the regulatory functions of the body. It produces the scanning of all areas that may not be working to their fullest potential. The skin exposure to the extreme temperatures also triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. Single person direct injection and multi-person walk-in Cryo chambers have been used for the past 30+ years without any severe adverse reaction ever recorded. Problems have only arisen if a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, especially wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures. The advantage of the single person chambers is that lower temperatures can be achieved. Most studies and publications have been done with this type of chamber. The nitrogen being used to cool these chambers is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In either type of chamber, the client breathes room-air. In the single person chamber, the operator raises the platform the client stands on up so that the head is above the heavier nitrogen vapors. Here, the client breathes normal room-air. In a recent safety evaluation, we have used a pulse oximeter to record blood oxygen saturation in more than 30 clients using the single person chamber and found no drop in blood oxygen saturation throughout the treatment. For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor. In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves, which we provide. In the walk-in chambers, clients also have to wear a face-mask (to protect the nose and prevent the inhalation of cold air), as well as earmuffs or a hat covering the ears.
IS IT COMFORTABLE?
Even if you don’t like being cold, you will be amazed at how you love Cryotherapy. The treatment has a very short duration of 2-3 minutes, and the cold is completely ‘dry’, so thankfully it is very tolerable. One of the enormous benefits of Cryotherapy is that it is natural, non-invasive, and fun! While it can feel very cold, only the outer layer of skin reaches 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit and it is never painful. Once you step out of the sauna you won’t feel cold like you do from icing. If you’ve ever experienced icing for injuries, you know that the experience is extremely unpleasant during contact with your skin. Unlike Cryotherapy, with icing you only experience localized comfort while your body part is numb and briefly after it’s over. Before entering the Cryosauna, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, cotton underwear (for men), and gloves.
HOW DO I FEEL AFTER THE TREATMENT?
During each Cryo session the body releases endorphins which make you feel very good and energetic. The mood-enhancing effects from each session can last for days. People often report a noticeable increase in metabolism throughout the day as well as sleeping better. One of the powerful benefits of Cryotherapy is that you can be both energetic and very relaxed, while at the same time experiencing less pain.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS SHOULD I DO?
Depending on the condition of treatment, you should initially take 5 – 10 treatments in close succession (separated by 1-2 days — e.g. 3x/week) to maximize your results. After that you can take fewer treatment spaced further apart to maintain and improve on your results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).
CAN I CATCH A COLD BECA– USE OF THIS PROCEDURE?
No. The immediate cold impact of the Cryo session 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.
I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC. MAY I — USE WBC?
Yes, you may. The door is never locked and you may step out at any moment. The chamber is open to the top and your head is raised above the level of the upper rim of the chamber.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE OR AFTER?
No, you don’t. This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make your skin wet.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?
The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold allergy, age less than 18 years (parental consent to treatment needed), acute kidney and urinary tract diseases.
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 (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).
Whole body cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the benefits have been studied and refined since that time.
WHEN WAS WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY DEVELOPED?
Whole body cryotherapy has been used in Europe and Japan for more than three decades. Multiple research studies have been published in medical journals about the effects of whole body cryotherapy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Cryo sauna uses gasiform nitrogen to lower the client’s skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of two-three minutes. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to the regulatory functions of the body. It produces the scanning of all areas that may not be working to their fullest potential. The skin exposure to the extreme temperatures also triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. Single person direct injection and multi-person walk-in Cryo chambers have been used for the past 30+ years without any severe adverse reaction ever recorded. Problems have only arisen if a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, especially wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures. The advantage of the single person chambers is that lower temperatures can be achieved. Most studies and publications have been done with this type of chamber. The nitrogen being used to cool these chambers is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In either type of chamber, the client breathes room-air. In the single person chamber, the operator raises the platform the client stands on up so that the head is above the heavier nitrogen vapors. Here, the client breathes normal room-air. In a recent safety evaluation, we have used a pulse oximeter to record blood oxygen saturation in more than 30 clients using the single person chamber and found no drop in blood oxygen saturation throughout the treatment. For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor. In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves, which we provide. In the walk-in chambers, clients also have to wear a face-mask (to protect the nose and prevent the inhalation of cold air), as well as earmuffs or a hat covering the ears.
IS IT COMFORTABLE?
Even if you don’t like being cold, you will be amazed at how you love Cryotherapy. The treatment has a very short duration of 2-3 minutes, and the cold is completely ‘dry’, so thankfully it is very tolerable. One of the enormous benefits of Cryotherapy is that it is natural, non-invasive, and fun! While it can feel very cold, only the outer layer of skin reaches 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit and it is never painful. Once you step out of the sauna you won’t feel cold like you do from icing. If you’ve ever experienced icing for injuries, you know that the experience is extremely unpleasant during contact with your skin. Unlike Cryotherapy, with icing you only experience localized comfort while your body part is numb and briefly after it’s over. Before entering the Cryosauna, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, cotton underwear (for men), and gloves.
HOW DO I FEEL AFTER THE TREATMENT?
During each Cryo session the body releases endorphins which make you feel very good and energetic. The mood-enhancing effects from each session can last for days. People often report a noticeable increase in metabolism throughout the day as well as sleeping better. One of the powerful benefits of Cryotherapy is that you can be both energetic and very relaxed, while at the same time experiencing less pain.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS SHOULD I DO?
Depending on the condition of treatment, you should initially take 5 – 10 treatments in close succession (separated by 1-2 days — e.g. 3x/week) to maximize your results. After that you can take fewer treatment spaced further apart to maintain and improve on your results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).
CAN I CATCH A COLD BECA– USE OF THIS PROCEDURE?
No. The immediate cold impact of the Cryo session 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.
I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC. MAY I — USE WBC?
Yes, you may. The door is never locked and you may step out at any moment. The chamber is open to the top and your head is raised above the level of the upper rim of the chamber.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE OR AFTER?
No, you don’t. This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make your skin wet.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?
The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold allergy, age less than 18 years (parental consent to treatment needed), acute kidney and urinary tract diseases.
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 (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).