As early as 2500 BC, historical records document the Egyptians using cold compresses to treat injuries, relieve pain and help the body to recover and heal.
Fast-forward to 2020 AD, and the same scientific principle of exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures to help achieve total body health and wellness is now being applied via a highly advanced system known as cryotherapy (cold therapy).
Cryotherapy is the science of exposing the body to sub-zero temperatures in order to stimulate physical and mental health benefits.
To provide more insight into the science and how this technology can help salons and spas to attract more customers, we contacted Greg Nehrlich, Director of Sales and Market Development for ˚CRYO SCIENCE North America and the owner of sunspawellness.com.
IST: Greg, please explain how cryotherapy works.
GN: Exposure to the sub-zero temperatures inside the cryo-chamber reduces inflammation in the body by boosting production of an anti-inflammatory chemical called norepinephrine. This process also boosts blood circulation throughout the body, resulting in a higher metabolic and caloric burn-rate. The treatment also increases endorphin levels which can elevate mood and reduce stress.
IST: What makes the ˚CRYO Arctic system different from other cryotherapy systems on the market?
GN: First, the ˚CRYO Arctic is a true Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) system – meaning the entire body, including the neck and head – receive exposure to the therapeutic, super-cooled air.
The ˚CRYO Arctic uses nitrogen, an inert, non-toxic gas, to create the sub-zero temperatures – as do most cryotherapy systems. Nitrogen, in itself, is not harmful, but can be if a person breathes the gas.
With the ˚CRYO Arctic, the conversion process which transforms the nitrogen from a liquid to a gas, is conducted within a controlled outer chamber – away from the user. The supercooled, 100% breathable air created by this process is then forced into the inner chamber where the user is standing.
The ˚CRYO Arctic uses nitrogen only as a cooling medium and it does not come directly into contact with the person inside the chamber. This unique process allows the ˚CRYO Arctic to treat the entire body, including the head and neck, and deliver maximum effectiveness.
IST: How cold does it get inside the chamber and what precautions are mandated when using the system?
GN: The temperature is as low as -266 degrees Fahrenheit. While the supercooled air flows continuously over the surface of the skin, it does not freeze the skin or organs. During the treatment, gloves and socks are worn for added safety and an attendant is also present during the treatment to ensure the proper and effective use of the system.
IST: How long is the typical treatment and how often should you use cryotherapy?
GN: The session time is three minutes and we recommend 1-2 sessions per week.
IST: What are some of the benefits of cryotherapy?
GN: Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is used to promote recovery, performance, wellness, beauty and weight-loss benefits.
WBC reduces pain and speeds up the injury recovery process. During a treatment, the body slows down nerve signal transmissions and releases a neurotransmitter that reduces pain sensitivity. The treatment also speeds up the recovery process by boosting the flow of nutrient rich blood.
WBC users can train harder, longer and recover quicker, which helps them achieve maximum results from workouts. During a treatment, as temperatures rapidly cool, oxygen is pushed through the body to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and help muscles recover.
In terms of beauty benefits, cryotherapy increases collagen production, which in turn firms and tightens skin, and promotes a youthful glow.
Medical studies have shown that WBC helps battle insomnia and induces deeper sleep. The treatment also reduces stress and anxiety, and improves the immune system and organ function.
WBC promotes natural loss of weight. The treatment helps stimulate blood flow throughout the body and boost the delivery of oxygenated blood, which leads to the increase of the metabolic rate.
IST: What are some of the unique features of the ˚CRYO Arctic?
GN: The ˚CRYO Arctic is designed to deliver the industry’s easiest, safest and most effective whole-body cryotherapy treatments. The unit features a digital touchscreen control system to input treatment protocols, temperature and airflow settings. A separate, client-facing screen inside the chamber displays treatment time remaining and treatment information.
The unit features a movable window that provides added comfort and also allows for WBC or PBC treatments. Communication between operator and client, as well as music, can be played via Bluetooth and the built-in speaker system. The unit is also equipped with WiFi capabilities for world-wide service, support and communication.
IST: What other ˚CRYO Arctic systems are available?
GN: In addition to the ˚Cryo Arctic, we also offer the °CRYO Penguin and the ˚CRYO Wave. The ˚CRYO Penguin is designed for localized cryotherapy treatments on any part of the body. Localized cryotherapy can be used to firm and tone the skin on the face and neck and is highly effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite.
The ˚CRYO Wave is a device for non-invasive body-modeling, slimming and skin-rejuvenation procedures. It adds a new dimension of service to salons, spas and wellness centers. The machine contours the body through non-invasive treatments that utilize both heat and cold.
IST: Please share with us some of the facilities and customers currently using your cryotherapy systems.
GN: We are adding new customers every week, as cryotherapy is one of the fastest growing modalities being added to service menus at fitness centers, tanning salons, wellness clinics, chiropractors, recovery studios, sports teams, med spas and residences.
We’ve seen a major uptick in requests for information from the tanning industry as salon owners are looking to add a new dimension of service and profitability.
Customers include:
- Glow Sun Spa
- U.S. Air Force
- Detroit Lions
- Washington Redskins
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Phoenix Suns
- Mark Wahlberg
- Tony Robbins
- Restore Hyperwellness franchise facilities
- iCryo franchise locations
- Upgrade Labs – Beverly Hills, CA
- The Lab – Santa Barbara, CA
IST: How can salon and spa operators obtain more information on the products from ˚CRYO SCIENCE?
GN: We invite them to visit cryosc.com. I can be reached directly at 800.392.4158, 619.610.8600 and greg.nehrlich@cryosc.com. Or, contact our Director of Business Development, Alicia Botyrius, at 800.392.4158, 913.706.3891 and alicia.botyrius@cryosc.com
