The daily search for well-being is a recurring human concern. Thus, the methods and practices used in this sense are numerous. This is the case of cryotherapy, which is based on extreme temperatures to treat the body. This is the case for example in winter where low temperatures show a positive effect on the body. Discover in this dossier all the relevant information on cryotherapy and its impact on well-being.
What are the effects of low temperatures on the body's metabolism?
Cryotherapy is a healing method that uses extreme temperature variations. Low temperatures have a significant impact on the body's metabolism. Furthermore, the effects of cryotherapy have been the subject of a study published by theBioscience Reports.
The fruits of this research have provided some understanding of how this treatment works. Thus, it should be noted that exposing the body to cold accelerates the activation of brown adipose tissue.
This phenomenon then contributes to the density of mitochondria. Also, thanks to the low temperatures, the organism assimilates oxygen more easily.
The advantages of cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, through its various effects on the body's metabolism and muscular tissues, provides many advantages. First of all, this type of treatment optimizes the metabolism.
This makes it abest solution for weight loss. Also, people who undergo cryotherapy treatment find their joints increasingly strengthened. The blood circulation and the immune system become even more improved.
Cryotherapy is also one of the most effective solutions to fight against stress, depression and anxiety. It also helps to boost intellectual capacities by increasing the level of mental concentration and attention.
Cryotherapy is also designated as a treatment well indicated for sportsmen. Indeed, they allow to recover health after an injury, but also to decrease inflammation. In addition, they help to accelerate the process of muscular and articular recovery. It is a very useful practice for its analgesic role on sprains, haematomas, tendonitis and bruises.
As regards its assets on the health plan, cryotherapy takes part in thereduction of the rate of cortisol and in theimprovement of the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. It also makes it possible to fight against the increase in the oxidative stress.
How to apply Cryotherapy?
Although cryotherapy is an interesting practice on several points, it requires a certain know-how in its application. Already, it should be specified that it isused in various ways. Nowadays, there are cryotherapy cabins set up in gyms or spas to be treated. Apart from this option, the treatment can also be implemented by thermal shocks or other alternatives. These include:
- Using an ice pack or freezer bag;
- Application of an ice towel;
- Massage with ice cubes;
- Playing sports in a cold environment with little clothing;
- Swimming in the sea when the temperature is low enough;
- A cold shower;
- Turning down the heating system in winter;
The different options mentioned above must be applied within a short time (between 10 and 20 minutes). Also, not everyone is eligible for cryotherapy treatments. For example, young children, pregnant women, people with a weak heartbeat or those with high blood pressure should not undergo this treatment.
Precautions to take
Acute vasoconstriction is one of the effects of low temperatures. It can be very dangerous for those with very poor health. For this category of people, a very short cold shower is sufficient. Also, it is necessary to listen to one's body, because by pushing the limits, it is possible to harm oneself.
Cryotherapy, a way to lose weight?
To lose weight, you have to burn as much fat as possible. And thanks to cryotherapy, which considerably increases the quantity of mitochondria in the adipose tissue, the body succeeds in eliminating fat. This treatment makes it possible to burn fat by producing heat. As a reminder, there is a local technique calledcryolipolysis. This causes the death of fat cells.
Increasing the metabolism of brown fat
Cold showers boost the metabolism of brown fat. They provide a certain sensation of tightness that allows you to warm up. The key to lasting as long as possible during a cold shower is to keep breathing. This means taking deep breaths in and out.
Are there any restrictions to using cryotherapy?
In order to apply cryotherapy in the best possible way, certain conditions must be respected. Starting from the principle that fitness exercises lead to an increase in muscle mass. The practice of cryotherapy hinders the achievement of this objective. Indeed, the low temperatures burn the fats011 and lead instead to slimming. This treatment should therefore be avoided just after training.
As cryotherapy can be contradictory to a training programme, it is recommended that athletes spend a few hours in a sauna. This alternative would bring a considerable advantage to the gaining of muscle mass. In addition, it also helps to eliminate toxins that can impair mitochondrial function.
The general health impact of cryotherapy
Firstly, cryotherapy helps to optimise the body's vital functions. By exposing oneself to this temperature condition, the state of health is increasingly improved. One of the most accessible ways of practising this therapy is to take cold showers. These show, above all, a strengthening of the mitochondria.
The mitochondria regenerate the energy of the cells and help to reduce certain ailments. This is demonstrated by the fact that when mitochondria are damaged, the risk of disease becomes even greater.
