Cryosauna is a modern cryotherapy machine designed specifically for administering whole body cryogenic treatments.
Whole body cryotherapy was first introduced[1] by the Japanese scientist Professor Toshiro Yamauchi in the late 70s as an effective method of treating rheumatism. Over the course of the following decades, it gradually gained popularity in Europe and beyond. With time, cryotherapy using a cryosauna became more than pain management or anti-inflammatory tool and a treatment that helped athletes recover from physical stress, muscle tension, and minor injuries. Instead, it evolved into a mainstream method of stress relief and a part of the wellness culture.
Principles of Operation
Most cryosaunas use liquid nitrogen to create an area of extreme cold (around —140 °C) that the user walks into and remains in for 1-3 minutes. During the session, individuals are required to wear basic protective clothing to prevent cold-related injuries: dry socks and slippers, shorts for males and a combination of shorts and a top for females. The head remains outside the extreme cold area and therefore requires no protection.
The influence of extremely cold temperatures produced by cryosaunas is still being researched, but most results reveal[2] a more pronounced stimulation effect of whole body cryotherapy than that of its localized version.
The majority of today’s cryosauna models are made with comfort in mind, which includes soft cushioning in the interior, advanced security features, wireless controls, touch-sensitive information displays, and even a built-in audio system.
Difference from an ice bath and cryo chamber
Historically, treatment with cold has been associated with ice baths. These methods of treating inflammation and muscle soreness have been known for centuries. With the invention of the cryotherapy chamber in 1980, it became possible to subject individuals to whole body cryotherapy for a more profound, lasting effect.
In comparison with cryo chambers, cryosaunas have a number of advantages:
relatively compact size and low power/nitrogen consumption;
ease of operation;
the patient’s head is outside the cold zone: no need for head/face protection;
improved comfort and entertainment features;
the individual undergoing treatment can talk with staff and, potentially, other individuals in adjacent saunas;
lower temperature inside.
As for ice baths, research[3] shows that they are effective only with systematic approach when it is applied in the repeated application of 10 minutes, to avoid side effects, and prevent possible further injury. So the time of the ice treatment is much longer compared to the 3-minutes cryosauna session [4].
Ice is not commonly used prior to rehabilitation or performance because of its known adverse effects to performance such as decreased myotatic reflex and force production, as well as a decrease in balance immediately following ice therapy for 20 minutes[5]. However, most researchers tend to the idea that they know little about the effectiveness of the treatment; in particular, they do not know if the cryotherapy is more, or less, effective than ice baths[6].
Usage
The extreme cold produced by cryogenic equipment, such as a cryo chamber or cryosauna, is used for treating such conditions as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle soreness after intense physical exercise, inflammations, sport traumas, and many more.
The most typical benefits of cryogenic therapy are as follows:
Woman having cryotherapy session in cryosaunaWoman having cryotherapy session in cryosaunaanti-aging effect thanks to increased collagen production and increased blood circulation.
Manufacturers
Cryosaunas are currently manufactured and sold by dozens of companies:
^Yamauchi, Toshiro (1989). "Whole body cryo-therapy is method of extreme cold −175°C treatment initially used for rheumatoid arthritis". Z. Phys. Med. Baln. Med. Klim.: 15: 311.
