David Samadi, MD - Blog | Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer & Generic Health Articles by Dr. David Samadi - SamadiMD.com|

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Can Freezing Yourself Relieve Stress?

Of course, freezing yourself seems extreme but the benefits of a therapy called Cryotherapy is a 2-3 minute full-body freeze in a chamber where nitrogen-iced air circulates at minus-200 degrees Fahrenheit which has showed benefits that range from stress relief to reduced inflammation, better sleep, improved skin tone and increased metabolism. 

 

Cryotherapy is an evidence-based technique according to a study conducted five years ago which showed that the freezing technique decreases histamine levels in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Earlier research also suggests that Cryotherapy has benefits with cardiovascular functioning, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative states. 

KryoLife is the leading cryotherapy center in NYC claims you burn 800 calories in one session. Many people are not familiar with ice therapy which is quite similar that basically exposes your body to extreme cold, causing the blood vessels to tighten. From there, as the body is brought to normal temperatures, the body vigorously pumps blood back to the tissues which stimulates oxygen and nutrient supply, resulting in tissue healing.. The extra work burns calories and the tissue healing means firmer, glowing skin.

Your body is exposed to ultra-low temperatures (-200 to -240 F) as you're placed in a cryogenic sauna/chamber for a short duration of 1.5-3 minutes. Your skin surface temperature decreases significantly, and then stimulates receptors. 

This therapy was first introduced in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown this therapy is great for reducing inflammation and healing injuries. Leading European doctors have advanced this therapy, and established whole body cryotherapy as a powerful treatment for inflammatory disorders and injuries. The benefits? Boosted metabolism, increased collagen production, pain relief, decreased inflammation, faster recovery from stress and anxiety relief. Sessions tend to cost around $80-$90.

It's been described as "laying in the snow naked."