Beware of whole body cryotherapy ‘benefits’
A growing number of recreational spaces like gyms, spas and wellness centers are introducing and promoting whole body cryotherapy (WBC) with celebrities like Demi Lovato and Tony Robbins touting its benefits. Proponents say the relatively new treatment method helps with medical conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
But with the growing trend for these liquid-nitrogen chambers, and the numerous benefit claims, are these chambers actually proven to work?
Contrary to popular belief, an informal review conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says there is little to no evidence of the effectiveness of WBC when it comes to treating these medical conditions or illnesses.
So what is WBC?
Whole body cryotherapy (WBC), is the process where an individual steps into a chamber filled with liquid-nitrogen for two to four minutes, in order to boost cellular survival and decrease inflammation in the body. The chamber’s temperature normally ranges from -130 to -185 degrees Celsius. In addition to the medical conditions listed above, cryotherapy supporters claim the chamber can also treat anxiety, migraines, insomnia, depression and chronic pain, and can even help with weight loss.
But according to the FDA, users should beware, because not only are the benefits unproven, but the new trendy treatment may pose some serious health hazards. The biggest risk posed by cryotherapy is the loss of oxygen when using excessive amounts of liquid nitrogen to cool the body in a closed room. In addition, there is a potential for frostbite, burns and injury to the eyes due to the freezing temperatures inside the chamber.
“If you are still interested in trying cryotherapy, you need to understand it is not a treatment approved by the FDA,” advises Dr. Armand Krikorian, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. “Also, be sure to check with your doctor before entering one of the chambers. Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure and patients younger than 18 should stay away from cryotherapy.”
Related Posts
Comments
5 Comments
About the Author
health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Interesting… I had no idea anything like this existed for beauty purposes… I used to freeze things in liquid nitrogen to smash up in college chemistry lab. That stuff is pretty cool but I certainly wouldn’t want it anywhere near my bare skin.. yowza!
Based on this liquid nitrogen article I’m now convinced that people will do ANYTHING to improve or extend their lives. Let’s try bathing in kerosene and lighting ourselves on fire. I’ve heard it removes bacteria, viruses and dead skin cells.
Great article related to cryotherapy, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing this. I would definitely try Whole body cryotherapy. I am not sure where it is available in my location.
Good details on cryotherapy treatment. You can also find more information regarding this topic at our question and answer website.