Earlier this year, I moved my office to a new location and couldn’t help but notice a cryospa across the street. It peaked my interest, so I went to check it out and talk with staff about the proposed or known benefits. I’m always on the lookout for alternative health treatments that may benefit my clients… and me. I want to share with you what I’ve learned and experienced, as it may appeal to you.
Cryotherapy is a process of cooling the body for therapeutic reasons. I learned from reading and talking with staff that cryotherapy can be conducted as a whole body or partial body treatment. For example, at Colorado CryoSpa (202 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.) here in Colorado Springs, they offer the option of a full body treatment in their cryotherapy chamber or a partial body treatment, in the form of a facial. I also learned it is offered to address a variety of health conditions, and there is quite a bit of research out there in support. Some of the health conditions included rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and muscle recovery. Working with many clients who experience chronic pain conditions, I definitely found this to be noteworthy.
So what about mental health conditions? Can it help with anxiety and depression, for example? I found a study on use of whole-body cryotherapy with patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression. This 2008 study looked at cryotherapy as an adjunct treatment, meaning the cryotherapy was not the sole form of treatment, but rather, something to supplement what a person was already doing to treat their anxiety and depression, such as therapy and medication. Almost half of those participating in the cryotherapy (daily x 3 weeks) reported significant improvement in symptoms by at least 50%, suggesting a possible role for whole-body cryotherapy as an adjunct treatment for mood and anxiety disorders.
I decided to give it a go after talking with the staff and doing my own reading, and as of today (4/25/18), I’ve gone four times. After each session, I have felt calm but simultaneously energized and motivated. I’ve also been eager to return after each session! I can’t speak for the masses on this one, and I hope to see continued research on the subject, but as for me? I’m a member of Colorado CryoSpa and go every other week now!
Regards,
Dana
P.S. As always, check with your primary care physician prior to adding additional care or services to your health regimen.
Reference
Rymaszewska J, Ramsey D, Chładzińska-Kiejna S. (2008). Whole-body cryotherapy as adjunct treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2008 Jan-Feb;56(1):63-8. PMID: 18250970
