Let’s be honest: if you’re like most people, the idea of submerging yourself in freezing temperatures is the last thing you’d consider for better health. Especially now that temperatures are dropping and fall is settling in.

But what if stepping into a cryo chamber or taking an ice bath could be the ultimate shortcut to feeling like you’ve biohacked your health?

What is Cryotherapy and Exposure to Cold?

Whole-body cryotherapy usually involves stepping into a cryo chamber where the temperature drops to between -100°C and -140°C (-148°F to -220°F) for 2-4 minutes. When exposed to such cold temperatures, the body reacts by constricting blood vessels. This helps to reduce inflammation and limits the flow of metabolic waste products. After the session, once the body warms back up, blood vessels dilate, allowing for a rush of oxygenated blood, nutrients, and healing factors to the tissues.

Exposure to cold, such as cold showers, ice baths, or outdoor cold immersion (a practice popularized by the Wim Hof Method), activates similar physiological responses. While cryotherapy is more controlled and time-efficient, these at-home methods are a more gradual way to introduce cold therapy into your routine.

6 Benefits

1. Boosted Immune Function: Regular cryotherapy or other forms of exposure to cold may help stimulate the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infection. Some studies suggest that regular exposure to cold can help the body become more resilient to illness.
   

2. Skin Health and Anti-Aging: Cold exposure triggers the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness. Additionally, localized cryotherapy can reduce inflammation and redness, promoting healthier skin.
   

3. Weight Loss and Metabolism Boost: The extreme cold forces the body to work harder to maintain a stable temperature, leading to a temporary increase in metabolism. The idea is that the body burns more calories to regulate its temperature during and after cryotherapy or cold exposure.
   

4. Mood-boosting Benefits: Cryotherapy and cold exposure trigger the release of endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good hormones. Personal insight: I feel immensely energized and mentally sharper after cryotherapy. Like I’ve hit the reset button on my body and mind.
   

5. Reduced Inflammation and Pain Relief: Cold exposure is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, which is why ice packs are often used to treat injuries. Cryotherapy takes this principle to the next level, targeting deeper tissue layers and potentially reducing chronic pain and inflammation.
   

6. Improved Recovery: Athletes have long used ice baths to help with recovery after intense physical exertion, as cold exposure helps flush out lactic acid and metabolic waste. Cryotherapy accelerates this process, enabling athletes to return to training more quickly.

Final Thoughts

The power of cold offers a natural and efficient way to enhance both physical and mental well-being. The benefits are both vast and impressive.

If you’re ready to embrace the cold, just remember to start slowly and listen to your body. And as always, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before diving in to ensure it’s right for you.

Whether you’re looking to recover faster, feel more energized, or boost your immune system this fall, cryotherapy or any other form of exposure to cold could be the wellness hack you never knew you needed. After all, who says you can’t be a "not-so-fan" of cold... and still reap the benefits?