A recent Google search on the phrase “benefits of whole body cryotherapy” yielded more than a quarter million hits. Clearly, people are searching on the web for explanations of what cryotherapy can do for them, and just as clearly, there are people willing to supply the information. I wanted to take the time to describe what I believe to be the four strongest, most immediate benefits of whole body cryotherapy (WBC).
1. Accelerates Recovery from Athletic Activity. When you overstress your body, which is the only way to stimulate a training effect, you must wait until you heal before stressing it again. Trying to work out again before you’ve recovered from a workout can lead to overtraining, injury, even illness. But cryotherapy has been proved to stimulate healing within the cells. This page offers an informative video on the healing effect. That healing property is what has created such a cryotherapy bonanza among athletes. The faster you recover, the more you can work out. The more you work out, the faster you can improve your performance. If you want to speed recovery from a high stakes physical activity such as a big race, book a WBC session for about 48 hours after the event.
2. Fights Inflammation. Although WBC is enjoying tremendous growth among athletes, it’s worth remembering that it was created originally (in Japan in the late 1970s) to treat inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It has been known for millennia that cold fights inflammation. But today, you don’t need to endure an ice bath to realize the inflammation-fighting benefits of cold. On inflammation, WBC acts as well as an ice bath, but it’s a whole lot more convenient, more comfortable, and less time-consuming. Furthermore, current research shows that many of the scourges of modern life, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, joint pain, heart disease, insomnia, COPD, and obesity are associated with chronic inflammation. A reduction in your body’s inflammation may improve both your life and your future.
3. Helps Control Depression. Clinical depression is associated with a deficiency of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter. Research has showed that whole-body exposure to extreme cold doubles or triples the production of norepinephrine without the use of medications. The effect lasts for up to 12 weeks! In addition, both coaches and old wives have known for untold generations that physical pain can be alleviated by exposure to cold. The authors of the study cited here noted that as well: “The frequent increase in norepinephrine might have a role in pain alleviation in whole-body cryotherapy and winter swimming.” If you’re suffering from depression or from pain and don’t relish the prospect of winter swimming, consider booking a WBC session.
4. Feels Good. You haven’t lived until you have finished a WBC session and stepped from a -200 degree environment back into room temperature. It’s true that the initial feeling is one of relief, but this is quickly followed by a sort of lightness produced by a flood of endorphins. It’s like a runner’s high, only without the running. You shouldn’t stop running regularly, but it’s nice to know you can get the same spiritual uplift in three minutes without punishing your knees.
A lot of extravagant claims are being made on behalf of WBC, and that’s a shame, because it doesn’t need extravagant claims. These four benefits alone are enough to make it a blessing to nearly anyone. Book a WBC session at Peak Recovery & Health Center today and see for yourself.
