The One Life Centre
CRYOTHERAPY
HOW IT WORKS
A client enters the CryoChamber, where the skin surface cools to -130’c Cryotherapy tricks the body into “fight or flight response”, triggering the release of adrenaline, endorphins and anti-inflammatory proteins. The body is not actually in hypothermia, but the brain thinks that it is. Blood rushes to the core, increasing metabolism and energy. Cryotherapy provokes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation as the body reheats. This process increases blood circulation and detoxification, enriches the blood with nutrients and oxygen and reduces inflammation.
BENEFITS
-Reduced Inflammation
-Accelerated sports recovery
-improved sleep
-Decrease muscle pain
-Slow cell aging
-Pain management
-Weight Loss
WHAT TO EXPECT
Prior to entering the CryoSauna, you must be completely DRY. Disrobe and wear DRY socks/shoes, gloves, and undergarments.
Stand in the CryoSauna for up to 3 minutes while the body is enveloped by hyper-cooled air at (-130ºC).
The cryo-technician will elevate the electronic lift so that your shoulders are even with the top of the unit.
During this session the cold air penetrates just 0.5mm into the skin, causing the skin’s surface to cool to -1’c
The timer goes off and automatically lowers the lift to allow you to exit
Get dressed, do some light stretches. Recover Faster. Play Harder!
CRYOTHERAPY
FAQ OF CRYO
WHO DEVELOPED THE CRYOSAUNA?
Whole body cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 by Dr. Yamaguchi and the benefits have been studied and refined in Europe since that time. Initially explored for the purpose of treating rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Yamaguchi found he could significantly reduce the soreness and pain his patients usually felt during manipulation of their joints, because the rapid decrease of temperature of the outer layer of skin led to the immediate release of endorphins and therefore less sensitivity to pain.
HAS WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY BEEN RESEARCHED?
Yes, Researchers in Europe have been developing and refining whole body cryotherapy for over three decade.
HOW DOES THE CRYOSAUNA WORK?
The cryosauna uses nitrogen gas to lower the client’s skin surface temperature from normal body temperature to minus 1 degrees Celsius in 30 to 45 seconds and keeps it that way for 2-3 minutes. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that stimulates the body to go into survival mode by shunting blood from the extremities to the core where the blood is enriched with oxygen, enzymes and nutrients. As the body re-warms, this nutrient rich blood is pushed back to the extremities. Enriched blood promotes internal organ regeneration, expels toxins from subcutaneous layers, initiates cell renewal process, triggers replacement of damaged cells and eliminates dead cells from peripheral tissues. Or simply put, it is rejuvenation of the body at the cellular level.
IS NITROGEN DANGEROUS FOR HUMANS?
No, it isn’t. Nitrogen is a non-toxic, natural gas. The air we breathe is made up of 20% Oxygen, 78% Nitrogen and 2% of other components.
HOW CAN I TOLERATE THE COLD?
The air is very dry, some people don’t even shiver. The cooled air flows over the skin, which in turn, creates the beneficial results. This process never freezes the skin tissues or organs. Only the sensation of being cold is perceived.
HOW DOES CRYOTHERAPY COMPARE TO AN ICE BATH?
It doesn’t. You are simply unable to achieve the same results with an ice bath. After 12-15 minutes of a shockingly cold ice bath the skin temperature only arrives at 5 degrees Celsius whereas with 2-3 minutes of whole body cryotherapy the skin temperature gets as low as minus 1 degrees, this allows for a different physiological response from the body increasing your speed of recovery and overall healing. During an ice bath, the cold actually penetrates into deeper skin tissue and can be damaging to the skin. In the cryosauna, the skin is never penetrated, yet the body responds on a deeper level, even improving the skin’s overall condition.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTERWARD?
During each session the body releases endorphins, which are your “feel good” hormones. The effects from each session last at least 6-8 hours. As with any new regimen, consistency is key and increased results will be noted with regular use. Many report a higher pain tolerance when exposure is pre-workout, and decreased inflammation is noted with post-workout exposure. You will also burn 500-800 calories or more per exposure, due to the body’s increase in metabolic rate.
CAN I WORK OUT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE OR AFTER MY EXPOSURE?
Yes. In fact, it is recommended. If you work-out before your exposure, you can expect greater recovery due to the inflammation reduction. If you work-out after your exposure, you can expect a higher pain tolerance, more energy and greater flexibility.
CAN I CATCH A COLD FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE CRYOSAUNA?
No. The immediate cold impact of the exposure will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The triggering of detoxification can actually help your body recover from a cold.
I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC. CAN I USE THE CRYOSAUNA?
Yes, you can. The chamber is open at the top and hour head is raised above the level of the upper rim of the chamber, so you are never fully enclosed. You will remain in complete control as the door is never locked and you can step out if you ever experience discomfort.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE CRYOSAUNA?
For optimum results, 2-3 times a week. It is safe for you to do two sessions a day but it is only recommended for those in heavy training or rehab.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE AND/OR AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
No, you don’t. This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make your skin wet.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?
The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP>180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumour disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anaemia, infection, cold allergy (being allergic to cold), acute kidney and urinary tract diseases. *Any client with recent history (within the last six months) of cardiac disease or episodes will be required to have a physician’s statement clearing them to try whole body cryotherapy.
IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT?
We can accommodate clients up to 160kg in our cryosaunas. *Please note: You will also have to be able to stand comfortably within the chamber without touching the sides in order to be allowed to purchase an exposure. We will assist you in accessing and measuring in the chamber for your safety.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?
Whole-body cryotherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks: Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolic (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reactions to extreme cold (rare), and activation of some viral conditions (cold sores) etc. due to stimulation of the immune system.