Frequently Asked Questions

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 since that time.

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.

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 skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to the 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.

Yes. Single person direct injection and multi-person walk-in cryochambers 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 advantage of the single person chambers is that lower temperatures can be achieved. Most studies and publications have been done with this type of chamber. The nitrogen being used to cool these chambers is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In either type of chamber, the client breathes room-air. In the single person chamber, the operator raises the platform the client stands on up so that the head is above the heavier nitrogen vapors. Here, the client breathes normal room-air. In a recent safety evaluation, we have used a pulse oximeter to record blood oxygen saturation in more than 30 clients using the single person chamber and found no drop in blood oxygen saturation throughout the treatment. For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor. In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves, which we provide. In the walk-in chambers, clients also have to wear a face-mask (to protect the nose and prevent the inhalation of cold air), as well as earmuffs or a hat covering the ears.

Before entering the Cryosauna, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks (which are provided) and underwear. You will also be provided with a robe, which you will remove once you are inside the Cryo-chamber and the door is closed. Only your hands and face are visible to the operator during the procedure, so modesty is preserved at all times.

Additionally, it is a dry, gaseous cold. Which means the treatment is tolerable even to those who may consider themselves cold-intolerant.

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.

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

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 can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.

Yes, you may. The door is never locked and you may step out at any moment. The chamber is open to the top and your head is raised above the level of the upper rim of the chamber.

No, you don’t. This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make your skin wet.

The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 180/100), 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 to treatment needed), acute kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Whole body cryohtherapy 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), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).