It all started last Summer when one of my more fun loving and adventurous best friends came to visit me on Eastern Long Island …
We wanted to do some things that were “different,“ and freezing ourselves in a cylindrical tube seemed like it fit right into that category. Being naked in an ice-cold chamber sounded appealing.
I heard so many good things about cryo – from anti-aging to mood boosts to pain relieve and improved athletic performance. Cryo is touted to heal injuries, speed metabolism and improve circulation.
With all these benefits we could not wait to get started!
The term cryotherapy means the localized or general use of cold temperatures in therapy. Whole body cryotherapy originated in Japan in the 1970s as a natural therapy for alleviating the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The freezing cold air was found to rapidly reduce pain and inflammation by decreasing the skin’s external temperature, causing an influx of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers) to be released. cryotherapy is able to reduce the pain related to other inflammatory conditions.
Today, cryo chambers are now used for this sub-zero treatment and they are popping up everywhere. Cryotherapy or CRYO or as my SIRI translates – “ CRY OH “reduces pain by causing an influx of feel-good endorphins to be released and many people, especially athletes, who swear by its pain-relieving and injury healing benefits.
We did three days in a row after exercising (running some days, yoga others) and on the first day did the “cryo facial“ too.
Upon arrival we were set up with gloves, headbands, facial masks, socks, and rubber footwear to keep “warm.”
Minimal clothing is supposed to be worn to maximize the skin’s exposure to the cold, typically you are given a robe and then take it off once you are in the chamber.
NOTE – take care to make sure all body parts and clothing are dry to avoid injuries from moisture freezing (aka frostbite).
I have to say we were hooked right away. It was so much fun and we loved it.
My most noticeable effect was the huge surge I got in endorphins. I was literally high after two minutes in the chamber. Being the extremist that I am – I wanted to do the FULL three minutes in the chamber at the coldest temperature. Of course- I will add that my friend and I helped each other by holding up an ipod while the other was in the chamber with some awesome rap and coaching each other to keep it moving.
Some people like to stand still but I prefer to dance, jog in place and move about.
Once I got back into New York City I started going to Advanced Cryo NYC – very centrally located on Crosby and Houston. I love this center because it is run two Doctors and they are very cautious to follow protocol- there is always an attendant in the room with me. They also do amazing vitamin shots and IV drips with things like CQ10, Vitamin B, C and Amino Acids- after years of injecting myself with vitamin B – its nice to have a professional do it. While many Cryo centers are opening up – I believe it’s important to know the quality of the management and the attendants. And you all know I love medical professionals.
I try and do Cryo three times a week. It wakes me up, helps me sleep better, recover quicker after a run or a workout and I feel like I am melting fat off my body – I feel rejuvenated.
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Originally published at www.bethshaw.com