Benefits to putting life on ice
Like something out of a science-fiction film, cryotherapy is catching on, writes Stephen Heard.
Stephen Heard
The basics
All the rage with celebrities and professional athletes, wholebody cryotherapy involves exposure to subzero liquid nitrogen for two to four minutes.
Using a futuristic cryo chamber, the non-invasive treatment generates air ranging from minus 120 to minus 180-degrees Celsius that circulates around the body.
It is believed to stimulate the widening of blood vessels and circulation, which promotes healing and recovery. Research suggests this may help support athletic performance, healthy metabolism, energy levels, healthy sleep patterns and collagen production.
New Zealand’s first wholebody cryotherapy centre can be found in Christchurch.
Giving it a bash
Cryotheraputics owner Anita Leney brought whole-body cryotherapy to New Zealand while seeking a cure for debilitating chronic pain – following the supercooling she has since dialled back on medication.
After signing a disclaimer, I was led to a dressing room in preparation for my first cryotherapy session.
Anita fired up the chamber. For the two-minute treatment I was required to strip down to my underwear.
A ‘‘cryo kit’’ was provided including a robe, slippers and gloves to protect my limbs from the subzero temperatures.
Like something out of a science-fiction film, the sevenfoot-tall (2.1 metre) chamber was drenched with neon lighting and billowing with vapour.
A screen sat to one side, displaying the temperature of the pod and tracking my internal engine room. Disrobing on a stool inside the chamber, my body was engulfed from the shoulders down in a cloud of liquid nitrogen.
I was instructed to walk on the spot to get the blood pumping, before moving around slowly in a circle with my hands resting on the padded lining.
Anita said the one-minute mark is when participants really start to the feel the chill factor. She reassured that the experience should be reinvigorating, not uncomfortable.
With 30 seconds to go, fullbody shivering set in and my teeth began to chatter uncontrollably. It was extraordinarily cold, but not an unbearable experience.
A fog of vapour spewed from the chamber as the door opened. After thawing out in my robe and changing back into civilian clothing, I left the treatment centre feeling refreshed and reenergised.
A strange icy sensation lingered in my kneecaps for at least 30 minutes following.
Why you should try it
Cryotheraputics says there are several benefits to spending time in a cryo chamber, including reducing inflammation and pain after exercise, easing muscle fatigue and promoting healing and recovery.
Cryotherapy has also been claimed to support athletic performance, metabolism, energy levels and sleep patterns, while anti-ageing benefits are said to include supporting the production of collagen and the appearance of cellulite.
Risk rating
Cryotherapy isn’t without its risks. Overexposure to the subzero temperatures may cause conditions like chilblains, so treatments at Cryotheraputics are limited to three minutes and can be stopped at any time.
Participants must also wear socks and underwear inside the chamber at all times.
It’s recommended to not use cryotherapy if you’re pregnant or suffer from high blood pressure, heart conditions, cold activated asthma, vascular conditions or an under-active thyroid – consult a health professional before signing up.
Find out more
cryotherapeutics.co.nz