Most of us have been using cryotherapy, or cryotherapy, since we were born. Our first ice pack was a rabbit-shaped cold towel that we kept in the freezer. Cold water immersion, or ice baths, have been used for centuries and can still be found in most spas today. But more recently Whole body cryotherapy (WBC)rooms in which the whole body is exposed to a frigid environment of minus 230 degrees Celsius for several minutes are becoming more popular.
Celebrities from Demi Moore to Will Smith have openly talked about whole body cryotherapy, and even athletes like LeBron James swear by it for post-game recovery. Not that we should do everything celebrities do, but they often have access to treatments that help them improve themselves before they’re available to everyone.
I found True North Cryo, a local company specializing in cryotherapy. After asking millions of questions like “Will the hardware from previous surgeries freeze?”, “Will it go in the chamber?”, “Can I wear contacts?” Whole body cryotherapy can now be safely received. I still have stiffness, nerve damage and pain in my left leg, so I hit a shot.
Sauna experience before cryotherapy
They suggested using the infrared sauna for 30 minutes first before entering the freezer. This sauna uses infrared rays to activate the sweat glands, expel toxins and detoxify. And wow, I was sweating! I always grew up hearing, “Girls don’t sweat, they sparkle.” Well, my body must not have taken that note, because, girl, I sweat!
But, of course, I love to sweat in the right arena. Of course, I don’t want to sweat all summer long, but I love saunas.
Once, my body was nice and hot, so I dried off and went down to my room. Most people experience the room in their underwear, so I sat outside the room with the curtains drawn and waited for the person in front of me to finish. Suddenly, I heard the music stop, smoke began to rise from under the curtains, and a chill filled the air. Well, I started to get a little nervous.
To the cryotherapy machine!
It’s time to pull the curtain aside and board what looks like a futuristic time machine or a ship that will take me to another galaxy. I’m not claustrophobic, but was I really going to step into a cramped freezer?
I was given knee high socks, boots, gloves and earmuffs. Certain extremities must be covered to avoid frostbite. After living in Los Angeles for so long, I started having flashbacks to snowy days in Chicago when I was a kid wearing winter clothes. However, I’ve never worn it with just underwear before.
Without hesitation, I asked Lizzo to provide me with some distracting music in my room. Because if there’s one thing in my life that hasn’t changed, it’s because Lizzo never stops motivating me to challenge what I fear. Refrigeration expert Natalie opens the door and more liquid nitrogen spills out, but this time I stepped directly into the source. She closes the door and rolls down the window. At least her head isn’t completely submerged in water.
Minus 170 degrees! In -170 degrees, I’m almost naked, breathing, trying to tell myself I can do anything for two minutes. The cold air whispers over my skin, so it doesn’t make me shiver, but I can feel the cold, as if I feel the coolness.
I survived the cryotherapy process!
Natalie opened the door before the “juice” finished, and at that moment the smoke cleared and I survived. It warms me up quicker than I expected, and I actually feel a little energized, but I’m not sure if that’s because of the freezing or my whole nerve. But hours later, I still feel the energy flowing through my arms and legs.
of experts say Exposure to such extreme cold temperatures activates the body’s fight-or-flight response. Instead, it diverts blood flow from extremities (arms, legs), including any inflamed or injured limbs, to vital organs and protects them from freezing. When the temperature returns to normal, the reoxygenated blood is pumped through the body. This should leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
from my researchWe found that WBC has the following benefits:
- improved sleep
- chronic pain relief
- Relieves chronic skin conditions
- anxiety relief
- reduce inflammation
- Promote muscle recovery
- uplift the mood
Although many doctors and researchers support this new trend, FDA Not yet approved. Also, as with any body treatment, consult your doctor to make sure the treatment is safe for you.
Overall, I really enjoyed my cryotherapy experience and felt rejuvenated afterwards.
I am happy to trust my body again. This is just another step in my journey of falling in love with my body as she is capable of so many adventures. The body I have now is not the body I had or would like to have, but the body I am living in this very moment.