Frequently Asked Questions:
Who developed Whole Body Cryotherapy technology?
Whole Body Cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been researched and refined in Europe over the past two decades. Sports, Health and Spa professionals in U.S. have all discovered the benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy.
Is Cryotherapy a proven treatment for recovery and health?
Yes, Cryotherapy has been used in Europe and Asia for almost thirty years. There are numerous clinical studies and many are listed on this website in the About Tab - Clinical Studies.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy work?
The client steps into the cryosauna which uses gasiform nitrogen to rapidly lower the skin surface temperature to 30°F to 32°F. The cryosauna temperature ranges between -238°F to -274°F for the two to three minutes of treatment. The brain reacts to the skin sensors by stimulating the regulatory functions of the body.
Is Nitrogen gas dangerous to human beings?
No, nitrogen is a friendly, non-toxic gas. Nitrogen composes 78% of the air that we breathe. The other components are 16% Oxygen, 1% Hydrogen and 5% other gases. Nitrogen is as common and safe as Oxygen.
What does the client wear in the cryosauna?
Dry socks with a slipper/sandal for the feet, light cotton gloves for the hands and a dry undergarment. All jewelry, watches, chains, bracelets, earrings are removed. Cryotherapy is a dry cold with no moisture and tolerable even to those who consider themselves cold-intolerant.
How does the client feel after a cryotherapy session?
Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel good and energetic. The buoyant effects from each session typically last for six to eight hours. Many clients report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy.
Can the client catch a cold from cryotherapy?
No. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.
Who should not use whole body cryotherapy?
The following conditions are contraindications for Whole Body Cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe hypertension (BP > 180/100), hypothyroidism, acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack: need to be cleared for exercise), narrowing of valves, crescent-shaped aorta and mitral valve, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident (stroke: must be cleared for exercise), uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud's syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, incontinence, age less than 18 years (parental consent required).
How many treatments are needed to achieve optimal results?
It depends upon the condition being treated. Initially the treatments should be applied with greater frequency. After this initial period, maintenance treatments should be applied.
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 systolic (reverses after the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, anxiety, activation of some viral conditions (cold sores, etc.) due to stimulation of the immune system. Protective clothing (socks, gloves, undergarments) must be dry in order to avoid frostbite.
How does Cryotherapy compare to an Ice Bath?
Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments result is a very different response from the body. Three minutes of extreme, dry cold reaches only the top skin layers and receptors causing the brain to restrict blood flow to an internal cycle. Fifteen minutes of cold water therapy initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a chilled lowering of the body's core temperature.
Treatment Delivery
Resulting Skin Temperature
Treatment Time
Comfort Level
Response from Body
Blood Enrichment
Hemoglobin Increase
Blood Temperature Change
Improves Circulation
Improves Immune System
Risk of Hypothermia?
Release of Endorphins
Time before returning to exercise
Skin Health Improvement
Increased Collagen Production
Cryosauna Ice Baths
Extreme cold air (-220 deg F to -274 deg F)
32 deg F to 35 deg F
2-3 min
High
Vasodilation, Internal Blood Cycle
Yes
Yes
Increased
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Immediately
Yes
Yes
Cold water 45 deg F to 60 deg F
45 deg F to 60 deg F
15-25 min
Low
Warmed blood to peripherals
No
No
Decreased
No
No
Yes
No
12-24 Hours
No
No
How can anyone endure this extreme cold?
Cryotherapy involves hyper-cooled air flowing over the skin surface so the process never freezes skin tissues, muscles or organs. The result is only a "feeling" of being cold. The body is being tricked into believing that this extreme cold is life threatening, but it is not. Instead, the result is nutrient enriched blood flow.