ABOUT CRYOTHERAPY
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The term Cryotherapy comes from two Greek words: cryo (cold) and therapeia (cure) and describes the practice of exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for short periods of time to stimulate a number of powerful physiological reactions.
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Traditional forms of Cryotherapy, such as the application of water and ice, have been used for thousands of years, to help reduce inflammation, swelling and to minimise pain. Until recently, the “cold cure” has been used intuitively, mainly in the form of cold plunges and ice packs. Athletes have used ice baths for years, to aid recovery, performance and support rehabilitation. But it is only in the last few decades that the exact mechanisms, by which cold benefits the body and mind, have become better understood.
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Based on the work of Japanese scientists in the mid 1970's, we have learned that the benefits of cold are in proportion to the skin temperature reduction achieved during the cold exposure. Our nervous system constantly evaluates the temperature of the world around us and adjusts our bodies accordingly. Brief, controlled applications of cold can cause the body to engage its most powerful healing systems.
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Based on these findings, modern advancements in cold therapy, involving the application of extreme cold (temperatures lower than those ever recorded on earth and perceived as not survivable) began to emerge.
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In 1978, renowned Japenese rheumatologist, Dr. Yamaguci, used extreme cold to successfully treat patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. He found rapid temperature decrease on the outer layer of the skin led to immediate release of endorphins and decreased pain sensitivity.
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Subsequent research led to the development of Whole Body Cryotherapy chambers where it was found that cryotherapy was a great form of physical therapy.
Whole Body Cryotherapy represents an evolution of technology and studies have shown that it stimulates more intense physiological reactions, in a shorter period of time, than more traditional forms of cold therapy.
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In early 1980s, this concept was brought to Europe where it has been intensively studied and applied in sports medicine and various other disciplines ever since and has been proven to help with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, as well as, support general health and well-being.
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In numerous European countries, Whole Body Cryotherapy has been accepted as a medical treatment and has become an integral part of the country’s preventative and health care regimens.
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Whole Body Cryotherapy continues to grow in popularity due to its wide range of benefits across a number of fields, and is used regularly by elite athletes, celebrities and health conscious individuals all around the world.
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We are excited and proud to be the first to offer this incredible, safe and non-invasive therapy in Sussex.
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