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Cryotherapy

When my friends saw this picture on Instagram and Facebook I got so many comments from my friends + strangers asking what the hell I was doing and what I was in.  Well I’m here to finally let you know! 
 
Have y’all ever heard of Cryotherapy? Yeah – me either.  But I heard it was good for you so of course I tried it.  If you’ve ever been an athlete you’re familiar with ice baths.  This on the other hand is a dry cold… like walking into a freezer.  Hence the name “Ice Box”.  It’s FREEZING! With Whole Body Cryotherapy, the chronic inflammation is reduced and in some instances, completely stopped. Thus improving circulation, reducing pain and promoting an overall better health.
 
When I searched Cryotherapy to give y’all a real definition, the google machine on the line spit out this, “Whole Body Cryotherapy is the exposure of the entire body to extreme cold (-110 to -170 degrees Celsius), lowering the client’s skin surface temperature to approximately 32 degrees F in 30 seconds. This remains nearly constant throughout the entire session (up to 3 minutes). Skin receptors sense the cold and send signals to the brain to promote regulatory functions. It basically stimulates the body’s natural response to decrease inflammation, pain, spasms and promote healing. Endorphins will be released into the bloodstream, which relax the body and toxins will be flushed out. This process puts you in a very energetic feel-good mood, that can last up to 8 hrs. Most people experience the best night of sleep after a cryo session.”-via
I live in Atlanta so I can’t speak to locations near you but I tried Cryotherapy at Ice Box Atlanta on Roswell Road ITP (that’s inside the perimeter for you non local folks). 
Want to know what to expect?  Ok, so first you walk in, sign in, and they take your vitals.  Next, you go to your dressing room and get undressed.  You’re given a robe and some super thick socks + gloves (no frost bite please).  Then you walk through your private door to the Cryo machine.  You step in and hand your robe back through a cracked door.  Finally you’re ready to freeeeeeze your assssssss off!  The whole process last 3 minutes and you’re instructed to turn several times and keep your chin up away from the nitrogen gas (cold). You can see the initial shock below.

 

According to Cryo experts.  Some benefits include:
 

* Decrease in inflammation (anti-inflammatory), pain relief and improved mobility
* Fast recovery from injuries/surgery
* Reduction of cellulite appearance
* Dramatic stimulation of the immune system, hormones and nervous system
* Instant relief of chronic joint pain
* Burn 500-800 cal; stimulation of the metabolism for weight control
* Relieves pain from over exposure to the sun
* Stimulates skin regeneration and visibly reduces the signs of aging, wrinkle reduction
* Alleviation of headaches/migraines and physical/mental stress
* Elimination of soreness through quick removal of lactic acid/toxins; fast delivery
of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
* Improvement of skin complexion and certain skin disorders
* Increased energy, improved sleep and helps with insomnia
* Improved rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
* Decreases depressive disorders, anxiety, irritability and fatigue.
* Can help reduce itching and inflammation in serious skin conditions (psoriasis/eczema)
* Enhances sports performance and increases muscular resistance to fatigue
* Fast recovery after intense exercise by ‘flushing out the muscles’
* Increases libido/sexual stamina
* Increases blood and lymph circulation/lymph drainage
* Fibromyalgia
* Stronger hair and nails
* Overall better health
* Helps with the treatment of multiple sclerosis
* Helps to provide relief from nerve pain
* Stronger, fuller Hair
* Psychological competitive edge
+ more!

 
They even do Cryotherapy Facials now!

 

Dr.Oz has apparently even endorsed it.  My mom has always said ice is a healer so in some form and fashion this is basically the same thing.  You feel great and refreshed afterwards.  You can’t beat a 3 minute recovery.  You can hop on a bike to warm up afterwards but just remember to drink water the rest of the day!  Prices at Icebox for your first session are $25 but there are so many different packages and memberships you can purchase also.  
 
I’ve been a handful of times and plan on trying to go maybe once a week for all the benefits listed above.  I’ll let you know how it goes!   I thick the Cryo facial is next on my list to try!
 
Have y’all ever done Cryotherapy?  Plan to try it?  Would love to hear what you guys think!!
 
xo  Ady