The Health Benefits of Cryotherapy

For thousands of years, people have been using cold therapy to experience the many health benefits. But are these supposed benefits worth the discomfort and the goosebumps? Science says yes! This practice is known as cryotherapy.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, or cryogenic therapy, involves sitting or standing in a cryo-chamber in freezing or near-freezing temperatures for two to five minutes. During the treatment, individuals are exposed to liquid nitrogen in subzero temperatures, usually between -100 and -140 degrees Celsius. People are also required to wear protective clothing in the chamber, which often includes socks and gloves.

The Health Benefits of Cryotherapy

Through cryotherapy, we can take advantage of our body’s tendency to adapt to harsher conditions. As a result, our bodies can become more resistant to stress.

Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof is living proof of this method. He has “climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, ran a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, and stood in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes.” He uses the cold as an opportunity to improve his physical health. A 2018 study showed that “the method activated regions in the brain responsible for pain suppression, which could lead to a potential role for the Wim Hof Method as an endogenous painkiller.”

Some experts believe that cold temperatures can help our bodies become more resistant to stress, and in some cases, might offset depression and improve metabolism and circulation! This is possible because the cold increases endorphins and provides a sort of gentle electroshock therapy to your body’s system!

Other Benefits Include:

• Pain relief
• Muscle healing
• Weight loss
• Reduced inflammation
• Eases Migraines
• Helps treat mood disorders
• Reduces arthritis
• Helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s

Takeaway

It may seem strange stepping into a cold tank, but after some getting used to it and working your way up, it will become easier in no time! You can start by trying 1 minute and slowly increase the amount of time in the tank to a maximum of 5 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, this can be used as a treatment to invigorate and enhance your overall well-being, and it is worth incorporating into a regular health routine!

Related Content:

• Health Benefits of Cold Weather and Foods
• Simple Guide to Wim Hof Breathing Method For Improved Health
• The Health Benefits of Forest Bathing, A Mindful Way to Connect with Nature
• The Benefits of Cold Showers

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