Beauty

The magical effect of cold on the human body has long been known. Many centuries ago, for the purpose of treatment, rejuvenation and hardening, people dived into the hole, doused themselves with ice water and walked on the snow. At that time, hardly anyone could scientifically explain the effect of cold on the body, but the necessary result was achieved, and this again and again encouraged people to resort to “cold” procedures.

Today, individual cold treatment procedures have been transformed into a full-fledged scientific theory and medical practice and have received the general name «cryotherapy».

What it is?

Cryotherapy is the effect of cold on the human body for medical or cosmetic purposes. This therapy is widely used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, as well as for rejuvenation of the body.

Cold treatment is officially divided into four basic types:

• General cryotherapy
• Local cryotherapy
• Cryomassage
• Private cryotherapy

Let’s consider each of them in more detail:

General cryotherapy

The most famous and popular method of cryotherapy. It is a cryosauna (cryocapsule, cryochamber) in which liquid nitrogen is sprayed. The temperature in the chamber corresponds to -140-150 C. However, do not worry, the operation of the chamber is designed to cool only the surface layers of the skin without causing deep frostbite.

A session of general cryotherapy is carried out exclusively under the supervision of a specialist. The procedure lasts 2-3 minutes. Experts advise to carry out the procedure in cotton underwear, for hygiene, as well as woolen socks and mittens to avoid frostbite of the limbs.

During the procedure of general cryotherapy, the surface of the human skin cools down to 0 C. Due to the sharp temperature contrast, metabolic processes and protective functions of the body are stimulated, blood supply to all organs is enhanced.

The preventive course of general cryotherapy is 10-15 procedures. In the case of using cold to treat diseases, the number of procedures depends on the diagnosis and goals.

Local cryotherapy

Local cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen to affect specific areas of the face and body. These procedures can work in two ways:

• Activate tissue death (burning of papillomas, moles, warts, tumors)
• Stimulate a sharp narrowing of blood vessels, with the aim of inflowing a large amount of blood to a specific area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. This effect activates the regeneration of skin cells, accelerates the healing of wounds and inflammation.

Cryomassage

This type of cryotherapy involves local exposure to cold. For cryomassage, a wooden stick is used, at one end of which a cotton swab dipped in liquid nitrogen is fixed. Further, depending on the indications, the specialist drives a swab in close proximity to the skin (without touching it) to stimulate metabolic processes in the tissues.

Most often, such massages are used for cosmetic purposes and are an effective means of rejuvenating the skin of the face and body.

Private cryotherapy

Private cryotherapy involves the use of any kind of cold at home. Most often, the «tool» is cold water or ice. This therapy does not require the supervision of a specialist, but in any case, you should not ignore the advice of doctors and self-medicate.

The basic procedures in the arsenal of private cryotherapy are ice compresses, body wraps, cold baths and showers. With their help, you can relieve muscle fatigue, improve skin tone, reduce swelling, etc.

However, doing cold treatment at home, do not overdo it. After all, cryotherapy is useful in moderation, otherwise the treatment can cause colds, inflammation and more serious ailments.

Indications

Cryotherapy has many different indications. The main ones include:

• overweight, cellulite
• Early skin aging
• Skin diseases (dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea, acne)
• Gynecological diseases (infertility, menopause) and preparation for pregnancy
• Neurological diseases (migraines, pain syndromes, diseases of the nervous system)
• Respiratory diseases (bronchial asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Recovery after injuries, operations
• Fatigue, insomnia, nervous and physical exhaustion

Contraindications

Remember that before starting a course of cryotherapy, you should definitely consult a doctor, as well as take urine and blood tests, and make an ECG. Also, one should not ignore the main contraindications to cryotherapy, which include:

• Any chronic diseases in acute stages (especially cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous system)
• Severe vascular disease
• open wounds
• The presence of inflammatory processes (including SARS, temperature, etc.)
• Chronic blood diseases
• mental illness
• Claustrophobia (for general cryotherapy)
• Individual cold intolerance

Love the cold and be healthy!

Author: Natalia Kay

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