Cryotherapy: Benefits and Risks of Using Cryogenic Chambers for Body Healing
Cryotherapy: Benefits and Risks of Using Cryogenic Chambers for Body Healing
One way of doing cryotherapy is with a cryogenic chamber. Although this method can be fantastic, it has its risks. This article will cover why such a device can be beneficial and what you should be mindful of.
What is a Cryogenic Chamber?
Cryotherapy is using extreme cold to improve your physical and mental health. However, there are lots of ways of doing it. Taking a cold shower, standing outside in the cold, or having an ice-pack rubbed over your body.
But one way that's gaining popularity is the cryogenic chamber. This contraption is an electric chamber that gets extremely cold when switched on, usually powered by electricity. In many cryogenic chambers, the head sticks out at the topic, so it remains at room temperature while the rest of the body plummets into the extreme cold.
Benefits of using a cryogenic chamber.
#1 It reduces pain and inflammation.
One of the key reasons people undergo cryotherapy is that it reduces the amount of pain they experience. As explained in a previous article, this happens for several reasons. Firstly, because blood vessels constrict, they slow down nerve signals. It also helps to improve blood flow, meaning that damaged body tissue can more easily access the nutrients needed for repair delivered via the blood.
Many people with conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis claim that cryotherapy helped relieve some symptoms.
#2 It Improves mental health.
Another reason you may choose to use a cryo chamber is if you're struggling with a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.
During cryotherapy, the Vagus Nerve becomes less active. This nerve is responsible for controlling heart rate and blood pressure and releasing hormones that cause us to become stressed. With the Vagus Nerve less active, we naturally become calmer.
#3 It's great for sports recovery
Many athletes use cryotherapy to recover after an intense day of training or playing. Ronaldo even has his own cryogenic chamber in his house.
By doing cryotherapy, Ronaldo is reducing inflammation by encouraging the excess white blood cells to move out of the way. He's also reducing recovery time, improving his flexibility, and speeding up muscle repair.
Risks of using a cryogenic chamber
#1 Frostbite
Frostbite is when extreme cold damages the skin. It can limit mobility and be extremely painful in essential parts, such as the hands or feet.
Before undergoing cryotherapy, it's vital to understand the risks and how to prevent them. Don't stay in the cryogenic chamber for longer than necessary. And make sure you have somewhere warm to go to when you get out.
#2 Asphyxiation
Essentially, this means being deprived of oxygen. In some cases, plummeting from average temperature to extreme cold can cause your body to panic and use up oxygen quicker than it takes it in.
We advise that if you're new to cryotherapy, don't do it alone. Make sure you're doing it in a professional facility, such as ours, so you will have a professional to help you in the unlikely event something goes wrong.
#3 Don't enter a cryogenic chamber if you have high blood pressure
Although cryotherapy has been proven to work well for many people, those with certain medical conditions should avoid it.
For example, those with high blood pressure are far more likely to suffer from the risks due to their body's vulnerability.