The science
Since time immemorial, humans have used the cold as a form of health treatment. Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) which was developed in Japan in the 1970’s, involves the exposure of the whole body to a very dry and intense cold (between -80c and -120c) for a couple of minutes. This invigorating but surprisingly pleasant treatment, takes place in a Cryocabin, which is electrically cooled to the required temperature.
Drop in skin temperature
Exposure to such extreme cold, creates a thermal choc which produces a series of beneficial effects in the body. These include an analgesic one (or reduction of pain), by the slowing down of nerve impulse conductivity and an anti-inflammatory one, via the reduction in the temperature of the tissues. In addition the superficial blood vessels contract throughout the body, meaning that the blood drains away from the skin and superficial tissues and is redirected towards the vital organs. This results in the oxygenation and detoxification of all the blood.
The nervous system
In addition the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated in association with an increase in the synthesis of adrenalin. These changes combined stimulate a powerful analgesic effect reducing both acute and chronic pain. The generalised survival reflex activated against the extreme cold, also produces vasomotor changes as well as anti-infectous and anti-inflammatory effects.
After a session
When you leave the Cryocabin, your oxygen enriched blood, returns to your tissues and muscles to nourish and warm them. At the same time, your body releases endorphins, relaxes, de-toxifies and repairs itself. For all these reasons Cryotherapy is highly apreciated by the medical profession, sportspeople and the general public.