I did cryotherapy one day on a whim. I had never heard of cryotherapy before my mom and sister took me to a spa that specialized in this icy treatment. The technician explained it to me as therapy that exposes the body to subzero temperatures in order to: clear toxins, boost immune system, boost metabolism, release endorphins that would improve mood, heal body of physical injury/soreness, boost energy, and a whole lot of other benefits. I remember them saying "you'll sleep better than ever before, even better than when you were a baby" and "all the celebrities are doing it." I was excited because who doesn't want to be happier and healthier???
I removed all of my clothing and was put into a body sized freezer that reached temperatures to -240 degrees Fahrenheit. I had to stay in there for only 3 minutes but it felt like 3 hours.
During the 3 minutes, there were colorful LED lights and the temperature was on the side of the freezer so I could watch as my body was being exposed to all the different temperatures. It was not as bad as I anticipated but I was shivering a lot. I could barely keep a conversation with the technicians or my family while in there! It was just cold and uncomfortable.
After my 3 minutes were up, I was left with more goosebumps than I ever had before on parts of my body I've never gotten goosebumps. I warmed up pretty quickly and I was definitely more awake just from the body shock I had just went through.
When I was finished with the full body therapy, I decided to try a cryo facial where they took a hose-like object and sprayed the cold temperatures directly onto my face for up to 10 minutes. This is supposed to make me appear brighter and feel more energized. I was put into a heavy duty massage chair, which I'll admit was very comfortable and relaxing, and they began to spray the frozen air onto my face and chest.
This was more uncomfortable than relaxing. The cold air hitting my chest was kind of painful. It left my hair frosted white.
So the question is, is it worth it?
The only benefit — which is not really a benefit, in my opinion — is it gave me temporary energy because I was freezing... the same energy I could get from a $2 cup of coffee!! I did not feel anything really after, I did not appear any brighter, and I did not sleep any better. It was not cheap and it was not worth it. I honestly think it was a waste of money and would be better off standing outside in the winter if I craved the frozen bite of this procedure. Hey, maybe it works for other people but I feel like I threw my money away...
I think there are other more efficient and effective ways to get the results that this therapy allegedly offers while being more comfortable and relaxed.
0/10 don't recommend.
