To many people, the idea of jumping into what is essentially a giant freezer for a few minutes sounds like a questionable idea.. But as we’re about to discover, deliberate exposure to extremely low temperatures via cryotherapy can lead to a vast array of dramatic health benefits.
Before we delve deeper into what these benefits are, what exactly is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy, derived from the Greek words “cryo” (meaning cold) and “therapy” (meaning treatment), involves exposing the body to sub-zero temperatures for a short period of time, for the purpose of achieving therapeutic benefits. In this post, we’ll explore ten remarkable benefits of cryotherapy, with the supporting scientific explanations. So, let’s dive in and uncover the power of cold for optimal wellness…
- Accelerated Muscle Recovery and Reduced Inflammation
The extreme-cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict through a process called “vasoconstriction”, which reduces blood flow to the muscles and minimises inflammation and swelling, whilst simultaneously boosting circulation. Additionally, the cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins, providing a natural analgesic effect and helping you bounce back faster.
- Boosted Metabolism and Weight loss
Cold therapy increases fat burning through thermogenesis (the body’s process of generating heat). This may promote weight loss by speeding up your metabolism as your body is working much harder to protect your organs and keep you warm, in turn burning more calories. It also has an effect on adipose tissue (body fat) by tricking the body into thinking it is frozen. This causes fat tissue to break down and be expelled through the liver.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures during cryotherapy triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing and stress-reducing hormones. Additionally, cryotherapy has been found to decrease the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, which contributes to a reduction in stress and anxiety.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance
The constriction of the blood vessels caused by exposure to extreme cold temperatures leads to a reduction in inflammation and promotes faster recovery from intense exercise or competition. Additionally, cryotherapy may trigger the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and boost alertness, consequently enhancing athletic performance.
- Improved Skin Health
Cryotherapy can improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes, due to its ability to constrict the blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Additionally, exposure to extreme cold temperatures can stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer and more youthful-looking skin. Studies have also shown that cryotherapy can alleviate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pain relief
Exposure to extreme-cold temperatures forces the body to enter fight-or-flight mode. This stimulates the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones, and modulates sensory nerve transmission, which acts as a natural pain reliever.
- Increased Energy, Mood and Mental Focus
The extreme cold temperatures during a cryotherapy session stimulate your nervous system and increase blood flow. This results in an instant surge of energy, leaving you feeling revitalised focused for as long as 8-10 hours after the session. On top of that, the cold exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood circulation, which can result in improved alertness and vigour.
- Improved Sleep quality
Cryotherapy has been found to impact the regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in sleep, such as serotonin and melatonin. Additionally, cryotherapy may help reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery, leading to a more relaxed state conducive to better sleep. Studies have shown that cryotherapy sessions stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a calm and relaxed state of the body ,which encourages better sleep.
- Immune System Support
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures during cryotherapy stimulates the body’s natural defence mechanisms, triggering an increase in the production of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and neutrophils. These cells play a crucial role in fighting off infections and foreign substances. Moreover, cryotherapy can activate the body’s stress response and increase the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. In controlled amounts, these hormones can enhance immune system function and promote a healthy immune response.
- Detoxification
Cryotherapy can aid in detoxification through several mechanisms. Exposure to extreme cold temperatures during cryotherapy causes vasoconstriction, which can help flush out toxins by improving blood circulation. Additionally, cryotherapy activates the lymphatic system, promoting the removal of waste products and toxins from the body.
There you have it – cryotherapy offers an incredible range of benefits that are backed by scientific research. By subjecting the body to extreme cold temperatures, cryotherapy can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, enhance recovery, and boost athletic performance. The activation of the lymphatic system and the release of endorphins further contribute to its detoxification and mood-enhancing effects. It’s no surprise that cryotherapy continues to gain popularity in the wellness world.
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