There’s a new and cool therapy trend that’s gaining popularity. No, really, it’s actually cool. People are going into chambers that can reach 180 degrees below zero for wellness purposes.
According to therapy enthusiasts, the below-freezing temperature is said to be very beneficial. It speeds up muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, fixes joint pain, improves circulation, relieves anxiety and depression, elevates moods, boosts the immune system and even burns 500 to 800 calories per session.
This chilling form of therapy is known as cryotherapy. Japanese doctor, Toshima Yamauchi invented it in the 1970’s. The treatment grew popular in Europe and is now gaining popularity in the United States and in West Michigan, where Polar Brrr Cryo has opened.
However, cryotherapy isn’t approved by the FDA yet. In fact, they warn against frostbite, burns, and eye injuries.
The trendy therapy form is considered a form of alternative medicine. According to Chase McMillon,co-owner of Polar Brr Cyro, the theory behind cryotherapy is comparable to the old-fashioned ice bath. “We stimulate the vascular system, and when that happens, it draws all the blood in from your extremities to the core of the body to protect your organs,” said McMilllon. “When that happens, the blood is hyper-oxygenated, and over the five hours that blood is distributed to your body, and that’s when the natural healing will begin.”
Polar Brrr is the only facility that offers cryotherapy in Southwest Michigan. The next closest Cryotherapy facilities are in Detroit and Chicago.
Alex Seaver, a faithful Polar Brrr client, is very competitive in Jujitsu. He practices approximately 20 hours a week with cardio and strength training. He sometimes even has two two-hour sessions a day
“I go to morning practice, and, say I am really feeling drained: I can’t do night practice–Then you come (to Polar Brrr), and I feel brand new. And that cold just wakes you up” stated Seaver.
According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine, there isn’t much science to back up the benefits of cryotherapy just yet.