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What is CryoGold Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Who developed Whole Body Cryotherapy (“WBC”)?

Whole Body Cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the benefits have been studied and refined in Europe.

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, and in many European countries the treatments are covered by medical insurance policies. In the United States, whole body cryotherapy is considered a non-medical wellness modality, and health insurances do not offer reimbursements for the service.

How does it work?

The cryosauna uses gasiform nitrogen to lower the client’s skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of two -three minutes. The Cryochamber is cooled using liquid nitrogen but clients are not in direct contact with the gas. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to 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.

Whole Body Cryotherapy works in three ways:

  1. Remove
    The blood vessels in the skin surface and muscle tissue constrict, forcing blood away from the peripheral tissues

    • 3 minutes at -240
    • Removes toxins
    • Enhances inflammatory response
    • Helps the body’s natural filtration system
  2. Replenish
    Filtered blood flows back to the veins and muscle

    • Oxygenates blood
    • Enriches skin and muscles
    • Increases range of motion as muscles warm
  3. Recover
    Restoration or return to a former and better state of condition

    • Reduces pain
    • Reduces inflammation
    • Increases energy levels
    • Improves and shortens recovery times

How does WBC compare to an ice bath?

It doesn’t. It is simply not possible to achieve the same temperatures and effect with an ice bath. Furthermore, an ice bath is generally an excruciating 12-15 minutes or longer wet process, where cryotherapy is only a 2 1/2 to 3 minute completely dry session.

Is it safe?

Yes. Single person direct exposure Cryosaunas 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 nitrogen being used to cool the single-person cryosauna is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In the cryosauna chamber the client breathes room air. In the single person cryosauna chamber, the operator raises the platform the client stands on, so that the head is above the heavier nitrogen vapors. Here the client breathes normal room air. For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor at the level of the mouth, which will shut off the nitrogen supply should the oxygen concentration drop by 0.5%. In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers and gloves, which we provide.

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.

How do I feel after the session?

During each session the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. The mood-enhancing effects from each session can last for days.

How many sessions should I do?

Depending on your condition after the session, you should initially take 5-10 sessions in close succession (separated by 1-2 days — e.g. 3x/week) to maximize your resu Its. After that you can take fewer sessions spaced further apart to maintain and improve on your results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).

Can I catch a cold because of this procedure?

No. The immediate cold impact of the cryosession will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system may help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.

Is it comfortable?

Before entering the Cryosauna, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, underwear (for men), and gloves. A session is of short duration (2-3 minutes) and the cold is “dry” so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the session, you may get a ‘pins and needles’ sensation, which disappears immediately after the treatment.

Who should not use Whole Body Cryotherapy?

The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP > 160/100), 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 for sessions 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 systolically (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What to Expect

Throughout your entire experience, you will be paired with one of our CryoGold Technicians who will fully explain Cryotherapy and answer your questions.

After completing the form on our iPad, the technicians will check your blood pressure and lead you to the treatment room where you will begin your Cryo experience!

You will be provided with gloves, a pair of socks, and shoes to wear during your session. The technicians will re-enter the room and elevate you until your head is above the rim of the cabin. The door of the Cryo unit will not lock and you can exit at any time. Your technician stays in the room with you the entire time.

The Cryo unit will then fill with hyper-cooled air (-170° to -280°F) for up to three minutes. The extreme cold provides an epic rush!

This is a dry process, which only impacts the surface of the skin. The tissue is not actually frozen during the treatment. Most people find this to be pain-free because the dry environment allows your body to tolerate the cold more comfortably. You might just find yourself craving your next sessions!

Be sure your skin is clean and free from any lotions, chemicals or other products. Listen to your CryoGold technician while in treatment. It is very important to turn (rotate) your feet and body throughout your session to ensure even cooling and prevent over-cooling. Turning correctly and clean dry skin reduce your risk for chilblain and burn.

The best part for many people is that you are in and out in less than 15 minutes (8 minutes for the quick clothes-changers), making this easy to work into your day.

Talk to a technician to learn more, and discover the session package that’s right for you. Achieve performance you never thought possible with CryoGold.