The cryosauna uses nitrogen gas to lower your skin’s surface temperature by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit over 2-3 minutes. The skin reacts to the cold in 2 major ways:
1) Messages are sent to the brain from the nerves in the skin which then stimulate the regulatory functions of the body. This creates a positive neurological effect. 2) skin exposure to extreme temperatures triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins (feel-good chemicals).
CryoSaunas have been used for the past 30+ years without any severe adverse reactions 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 nitrogen being used to cool a single person in the CryoSauna is extremely safe. Our operator will raise the platform you stand on so that your head is above the heavier nitrogen vapors so that you will breathe the room air. For added safety, our chamber is also equipped with an oxygen monitor at the level of the mouth, which will shut off the nitrogen supply should the oxygen concentration drop by 0.5%. To protect the more temperature-sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, we will provide you with socks, slippers, and gloves.
A session is of short duration (2-3 minutes), and the cold is ‘dry’ so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the session, you may get a ‘pins and needles sensation, which disappears immediately after you step out of the chamber.
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. These endorphins are also what reduce pain and inflammation. The extreme contraction of the vessels in the skin can help to clear toxins from the body, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production, which rejuvenates and tighten the skin. In addition to cryotherapy, you may also find medical marijuana helpful to relieve your symptoms of inflammation, among other things, and you can find
more info here about whether you would be able to apply for a card to access this treatment (as it does depend on which state you are in.
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 treatments spaced further apart to maintain and improve your results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).
The immediate cold impact of the cryo session will raise the internal body temperature for a short period. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.