Cryotherapy, once reserved for elite athletes and celebs alike, has become the latest (and, dare we say, greatest) trend to hit the wellness industry. But, what exactly is it and how can it help you?
What is Cryotherapy?
We’re glad you’ve asked. Full-body cryotherapy is a treatment that exposes your entire body to sub-zero temperatures for several minutes in order to unlock a host of health benefits. Liquid nitrogen is used to reduce the cryotherapy chamber, which you’ll be asked to stand inside of, to a cool –130 degrees. You step inside, chill out for up to three minutes and step out feeling brand new.
–130 degrees might not sound like your idea of a good time but trust us, if you can get past the mental hurdle of willingly exposing yourself to these kinds of temperatures, you’ll feel like a superhuman for your efforts. Yep, you’ll feel the immediate effects after just one treatment – with regular use, you’ll feel on top of the world.
Reduces inflammation
With exposure to the extremely cold temperatures of the cryo chamber, blood vessels constrict which in turn reduces blood flow to any areas of inflammation in the body. Studies have also shown that cryo also increases the presence of anti-inflammatory proteins which further reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Increases feel-good hormones
Just a few minutes of cryotherapy can actually help to stimulate feel-good hormones like serotonin and endorphins that work to boost your mood ad promote general wellbeing. What’s more, this treatment is also linked to a reduction in cortisol (your stress hormone) and therefore helps to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improves sleep
Studies suggest cryotherapy also increases the production of norepinephrine – an endorphin that functions in your brain to help your body to relax. This regulates your sleep cycles and helps to activate your REM sleep. Combined with the increase of feel-good hormones as well as the reduction in inflammation (both mentioned above), cryotherapy sets you up to access deeper REM sleep and stay asleep more easily.
Boosts your immune response
Cryotherapy has also been shown to boost your natural immune response. This treatment elevates your white blood cell count – these are the cells that help to fight infection and disease. This, paired with the reduction in cortisol, helps to strengthen the immune system and keep you feeling healthier.
There you have it – what cryotherapy is, and the four main benefits of this treatment that could help you. If you’re looking to boost your overall vitality or looking to elevate your sports recovery game, try cryotherapy as an effective solution.
If you’re based on the Gold Coast in Queensland, why not pop in to see us? Our full-body cryotherapy treatments start from just $70 per session.
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