Cryotherapy to combat stress due to quarantine

On today's Dispotech blog, we will talk again about cryotherapy and the increasing number of people undergoing these cold-based treatments also for stress relief. As a result of the pandemic in particular, so many people have contacted specialized centres to try the beneficial effects of cold therapy. But let's find out more about this topic thanks to an article posted on entrepreneur.com.

Did you know that cryotherapy is a great choice for those suffering from stress? The number of people devoting a part of their day to cryotherapy is steadily increasing. Especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in cryotherapy treatments. Quarantine, being forced to stay indoors, fear of the disease and uncertainty simply caused a deterioration in our mental health, undermining our mood and causing increased stress.

If we're trying to get better, why not give cryotherapy (or even hydrotherapy) a shot? After all, even Van Gogh did it!

Yes, you read that right. Vincent Van Gogh, the very famous painter, was admitted to a French psychiatric hospital in 1889 due to his severe depression. Among the therapies he underwent, hydrotherapy was one of them: the artist took hot baths (to calm the mind and body), but also ice baths (to invigorate the body and create sort of “shock”, useful for the cerebral “awakening” of the patient).

In the source article, Jim Donnelly, co-founder and CEO of Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy, explains how cryotherapy works: the benefits of cold cause better functioning of the nervous system as well as the release of endorphins, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which improve mood and gives a boost of energy. He also confirmed the benefits of cryotherapy for treating stress and anxiety. The feeling of undergoing a cryotherapy treatment is similar to having ice packs all over your body.

Cryotherapy should be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, physical activity, fairly regular sleep. The cold benefits are a great addition to this healthy lifestyle. Overall, here are 3 fun facts to be aware of when undergoing cryotherapy:

• Whether you choose a tub filled with ice water or a cryotherapy cabin, the cold you feel causes your blood vessels to constrict. Once brought back to a normal temperature, the blood vessels expand and the blood flows normally. However, the "surge" in blood flow provides the cells with nutrients and more oxygen.
• The human body is capable of enduring more than we realize. If you're afraid to undergo a treatment where temperatures are close to -150 degrees, don't be scared! The body can withstand it, you just have to acclimate and go step by step.
• After a cryotherapy session, you will simply feel better. This type of treatment is a panacea for mental health, thanks to the release of endorphins that occurs as a result of the stimulus sent to the nervous system.

Were you familiar with the benefits of cryotherapy? Would you like to undergo a session? If you already have, what is your opinion? Have your say, contact Dispotech.