Cryosauna is an alternative treatment that involves exposing the body to a cloud of vaporized nitrogen at temperatures below -100 ° C, for a duration of about 3 minutes.
, fight cellulite and lose weight. Whole body exposure to cryosauna has been shown to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing effects.to reactivate circulation.
Did you know that…
With the cryosauna, the body is exposed to temperatures not found in nature. To withstand such low temperatures, it is necessary to protect the extremities of the body with socks, gloves, briefs and a mask that covers the mouth and nose; the person subjected to the cryosauna remains in a strictly cotton swimsuit.
with production of catecholamines and cortisol. From the haemodynamic point of view, exposure to very low temperatures and the return to room temperature generates an effect first of vasoconstriction and, subsequently, of vasodilation with hyperemia (ie an increase in blood in a certain part of the body). Considering this phenomenon, metabolic repercussions are expected.
Cryosauna: basic principle
The cryosauna exploits the vaporization of liquid nitrogen, which becomes gaseous in the cryochamber, to bring the body to temperatures between -110 ° C and -160 ° C, in 30-45 seconds. The treatment lasts about 2-3 minutes.
This determines a vasoconstriction of the extremity of the body with an increase in the flow to the heart where it is enriched with oxygen and nutrients.
At the end of the session, the restoration of body temperature determines a vasodilation. This favors, in the following 3-6 hours, a flow of "enriched" blood from the heart to the extremities capable of:
- Replenish the tissues with oxygen and energy substrates;
- Quickly remove toxic metabolites such as lactic acid.
Cryosauna: does it make you lose weight?
The alleged benefits for the cryosauna line would be due to the restoration of blood circulation, once they return to normal temperatures. In practice, however, neither a higher basal metabolic rate in the days following the session nor a change in body weight was observed in people subjected to cryosauna. Furthermore, although the levels of cortisol in the blood increased, there was no greater lipolysis of the adipose tissue. For the moment, therefore, there are not enough elements to affirm that a change in body composition or weight loss is observed after the cryosauna.
See also: Cryolipolysis for localized fat reduction
Proven benefits
The cryosauna has shown, however, effects:
- Analgesics: cryosauna inhibits the reactivity of nerve endings, limiting the perception of local painful stimuli;
- Anti-inflammatory: by slowing down cellular metabolism, cryosauna inhibits the secretion and activity of pro-inflammatory chemical mediators.Also with regard to systemic inflammations, similar results are recorded after a cycle of sessions distributed over a month;
- Anti-edematosis: if implemented after a traumatic event, the cryosauna limits the associated tissue blood extravasation;
- Muscle relaxants: the cryosauna produces a muscle relaxant effect which results in the prevention of any muscle cramps;
- Antioxidants: cryosauna would have an effect on oxidative stress, as it strengthens the natural defense mechanism against the damaging effects of free radicals (in particular, against peroxidation, which causes premature cellular aging).
Applications in medicine
The benefits demonstrated so far and previously listed attributed to the cryosauna find application above all in the rehabilitation and management of various rheumatological, orthopedic, endocrinological and dermatological diseases, including:
- Arthritic-rheumatic diseases;
- Degenerative diseases of the skeletal system (such as osteoarthritis);
- Hyperglycemia or frank diabetes (high blood glucose levels);
- Hyperuricaemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood);
- Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (shoulder tendinopathies, achilleus tendonitis, pubalgia, muscle tears, lumbosciatalgia, etc.);
- Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis;
- Dermatological diseases characterized by itching as a symptom: eg. lichen planus, nodular pruritus etc.
The cryosauna is also proposed for dyslipidemias (high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood) and evaluations are underway for the management of depression and sleep disorders. There are also devices for partial body cryotherapy.
Cryosauna in sports
Regarding sports medicine and rehabilitation after injuries, the cryosauna can be useful in case of:
- Acute or overload tendinopathies;
- Joint injuries (capsule-ligamentous or cartilaginous).
Due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects on the muscles and skeletons, the cryosauna is also suitable for the treatment of:
- Muscle injuries;
- Painful fatigue syndromes;
- Myofascial syndromes (muscle pain with stiffness in the area, spasms and weakness).
The cryosauna is used by professional athletes to recover faster after intense workouts and to help heal sports injuries.
Please note
At present, scientific data are not yet sufficient to argue that cryotherapy can replace, in the long term, the effect of traditional treatments; it is therefore advisable not to interrupt the therapeutic protocols regularly prescribed for the management of one's pathological condition.
Absolutes to cryosauna must be scrupulously evaluated by a doctor before the start of the treatment cycle. Generally, to confirm the possibility of undergoing the cryosauna, the general state of health is considered and cardiological tests (including electrocardiogram) and spirometric tests are performed .
, diseases of the cardiovascular system, claustrophobia, pregnancy and breastfeeding, alcoholism and nutritional deficiencies. The cryosauna is not suitable for people under the age of 16 and over 65.;
Clearly, these side effects are rare if you go to facilities, public or private, with doctors who are experienced in the treatment and centers controlled by the health authorities.
