Written by: Melissa Miller 
What is Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, which literally means “cold therapy,” is a technique where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes.
Cryotherapy can be delivered to just one area, or you can opt for whole-body cryotherapy. The theory for whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is that by immersing the body in extremely cold air for several minutes, you could receive a number of health benefits.
Some benefits to Cryotherapy
-Pain relief and muscle healing
Cryotherapy can help with muscle pain, as well as some joint and muscle disorders, such as arthritis. It may also promote faster healing of athletic injuries.
-Weight loss
Cryotherapy alone will not cause weight loss, but it could support the process. In theory, being cold forces the body to work harder to stay warm.
-Reduced inflammation
Inflammation is one way the immune system fights infection. Sometimes the immune system becomes overly reactive. The result is chronic inflammation, which is linked to other health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, depression, dementia, and arthritis.
-Reducing anxiety and depression
Research findings that cryotherapy may reduce inflammation suggest that it could treat mental health conditions linked to inflammation. Some preliminary research on cryotherapy and mental health also supports this claim.
-Treats atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with signature symptoms of dry and itchy skin. Because cryotherapy can improve antioxidant levels in the blood and can simultaneously reduce inflammation, it makes sense that both localized and whole-body cryotherapy can help treat atopic dermatitis.
What to expect during your treatment
If receiving whole body cryotherapy, wear dry, loose-fitting clothing. Bring socks and gloves to protect your extremities from frostbite. During your treatment, move around if possible to keep your blood flowing. You will stand in an enclosed chamber or a small enclosure that surrounds your body but has an opening for your head at the top. The enclosure will drop to between negative 200–300°F. You will stay in the ultra-low temperature air for between two and four minutes.
You can get benefits from just one session of cryotherapy, but it’s most effective when used regularly. Some athletes use cryotherapy twice a day. Others will go daily for 10 days and then once a month afterwards.
We have Cryotherapy memberships available here at L Aesthetics and Longevity. Call us to make an appointment or visit our website for more information.