Page 86 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 3 | February - March 2024

HOW IT WORKS:

Today, cryotherapy has become a scientifically-
backed and widely accepted wellness practice.
It involves exposing your body to temperatures
as low as -140 C to encourage muscle recovery,
manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote
restful sleep.
Cold air narrows the blood vessels, meaning that
nerve signals from anywhere you feel chronic pain
can be alleviated. Furthermore, cryotherapy sends
your body into a fight-or-flight response, diverting
blood flow to your critical organs like your heart
and brain. This in turn increases heart rate and
circulation, driving oxygen-rich blood to your
A novel journey of health and wellness muscles and speeding up recovery. Altogether,
with CRYO Thailand. expect to be able to train harder and for longer,
all while being virtually unaffected by small pains
B Y AYU SH MADAN
and aches.
My experience:

Once I arrived at the facility, I was first asked
to read a health questionnaire. Cryotherapy is
not recommended for those who have recently
undergone surgery, active cancer patients,
pregnant women, young children, or those with
uncontrolled heart disease. Next, I was directed
to the changing room, where I got myself ready
for the chamber. I changed into a pair of trunks,
and put on a mask, knee-high socks, thick comfy
slippers, and insulated gloves. These precautions
are necessary to protect my extremities and put
a buffer between the freezing cold air and my
airways.
My cryotherapist explained to me that I would
be in the chamber for three minutes total. And
since it was my first time, they would start me off
at a brisk -110 C. I walked into the chamber and
inhaled sharply as the door sealed in front of me.
In seconds, liquid nitrogen cooled breathable air
filled the chamber, shocking my body into an
adrenaline state. Shivering and teeth chattering,
I turned myself to the right every 45 seconds as
per my cryotherapist’s instructions, ensuring even
coverage across my body. It was so cold that when
I blinked I could feel the weight of my frozen
eyelashes. Each breath I took reminded me of
VIEW VIDEO: the coldest snow day I had experienced times
1000. And yet, surprisingly, it was so much easier
than an ice bath. To be honest, I was enjoying
myself, dancing to the tune of Shadow - Bleachers.
When my time was up I stepped out and let out
the biggest sigh of relief.
For the rest of the day I was flying high. I felt clear,
balanced, and relaxed. But at the same time, I
also felt energised and absolutely awake. I did
s a climber and a fitness enthusiast, I am constantly on the lookout for not experience the usual 2 pm slump at work,
the next best recovery treatment to add to my arsenal. In my previous and my energy levels remained high well into
deep dive into cold immersion therapy, I explored the many physical the evening. That night, I slept better than I had
and mental health benefits of ice baths. I also briefly touched on another form of in many days, and I woke up the next day feeling
cold immersion, which I recently became much more familiar with: cryotherapy. refreshed and rejuvenated.

86 | MASALA MAGAZINE FEB-MAR 2024