John Brumbaugh, owner of “Spokane Nutrishop & Cryotherapy” joins the show to discuss the potential health benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC). Listen to John and Dr. Luke discuss the history of WBC, how it works, and the people who experience improved health with its use.
Show Notes
- The history of Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC): the use of cold therapy dates back as far as 2500 B.C., when the Egyptians used cold water to treat various injuries and inflammatory conditions. Modern-day WBC, which uses nitrogen gas instead of water, started in the 1970’s in Japan by Dr. Toshima Yamauchi, whose primary focus was helping people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- How does cryotherapy work? WBC features freezing cold nitrogen gas, which is pumped into an upright chamber. The extreme cold (as low as -300 degrees F) is sensed by your skin and essentially “tricks” your body into thinking you’re freezing. This triggers rapid vasoconstriction in the blood vessels in the extremities. As these blood vessels constrict/tighten, the blood is sent deeper into your core to conserve your body temperature. As the blood flows into your core, it passes through your body’s natural filtration system, where lactic acid, amino acid waste and inflammation are naturally metabolized.
- How long does it take? The whole process takes about 3 minutes. Once you step out of the chamber, your skin senses that you’re no longer freezing, and your filtered blood quickly returns to your extremities and skin as your blood vessels open up. Your core temperature doesn’t drop much, as the nitrogen gas is completely “dry” and isn’t able to steel much heat from your body (vs. water, which will steel your heat very rapidly).
- What does cryotherapy feel like? A WBC session is much LESS intense than an ice bath or cold tub. Depending on the setting you choose (there’s a beginner setting if you’re new to cryo), it will feel very similar to walking onto your back porch in the winter with your shirt off and the wind blowing. In other words, your skin will feel extremely cold. However, the effect on your core temperature is fairly negligible, so you experience the same benefits of an ice bath without the extreme sensation of the water and without the rapid drop in your core temperature.
- Who can benefit from cryotherapy? While the “evidence” is still largely anecdotal, several groups of people are reporting benefits from WBC. This includes athletes, people with metabolic issues, and people with autoimmune/inflammatory issues. Many people also report improved energy and improved sleep. Weight loss may also be a secondary benefit, although this is not the main focus of cryotherapy.
- Who should AVOID cryotherapy? People with heart conditions, especially related to high or low blood pressure, should exercise caution before starting WBC. As stated above, your blood vessels will rapidly constrict during the session, followed by rapid dilation when you exit the chamber. This can have a mild effect on your blood pressure. If you have any concerns about your safety, it’s always best to consult your physician before starting.
- Would you like to try cryotherapy for FREE? Simply mention the “Stay Healthy Spokane” podcast to receive your first cryotherapy session absolutely free! No strings attached, and no obligation in order to claim your free session. Simply call John or visit his social media platforms (listed below).
- Phone: (509) 413-1601. Website: https://www.spokanenutrishopandcryotherapy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneNutrishopAndCryotherapy/ Instagram: spokanenutrishopcryotherapy.
- Thank you for listening to the “Stay Healthy Spokane” podcast! If you have any comments/questions or ideas for future topics, please reach out to Luke at Luke@GordonPhysicalTherapy.com
