August 15, 2016
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
PhillyVoice contributor Christie Mandia stands in a cryogenic sauna at Orange Cryo Wellness at 444 N. Fourth St.
I couldn’t have imagined a better destination on a 100-degree day, although I must admit, I had butterflies in my stomach as I approached Robin Gupta’s Orange Cryo Wellness in anticipation of my first cryotherapy session.
Cryotherapy is the exposure of the body to extremely cold temperatures (as low as -256 degrees Fahrenheit) produced by nitrogen gas, typically to reduce pain and inflammation. In fact, the treatment was initially developed in the late 1970s by a Japanese physician to treat symptoms associated with arthritis.
Tanks of nitrogen sit next to the cryogenic sauna.
The extremely cold temperatures are also said to aid in recovery (think ice baths x100) and stimulate collagen production, which is why many athletes and celebrities swear by the treatment. It seems that everyone has tried it, from Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to world-class athletes like Usain Bolt and Cristiano Ronaldo.
With them in mind, I put on my cryo robe, socks and Crocs and prepared to enter into the open-topped cryosauna. Once you enter the chamber, the platform underneath your feet is raised so that your head is exposed. I then traded in my robe for a pair of gloves, which are worn with only undergarments and socks to protect extremities for the duration of the treatment.
The first time I asked how much time I had left, I was told, “94 seconds,” so I began to do my mindful breathing (In one, out one. In two, out two).
It was cold. My hands and feet began to tingle. The fear of the unknown was freaking me out. How will my body react to this?
The cryo specialist was walking me through the treatment and telling me things like, “Your body is in fight or flight mode now. All of your blood is rushing to your vital organs at your core. When you are done and your circulation restores, you will have a euphoric feeling.” She coached me through the last 30 seconds and then finally handed me back my robe.
When the treatment was complete, I was mentally and physically relieved. It was a foreign feeling. I had just shocked my body, but it gave me a jolt of energy.
After a cryogenic sauna session, exercise bikes are available to help raise body temperature.
Feeling alert, I quickly changed back into my clothes and headed into room No. 2, where I was to try my first cryofacial. It's the exact same therapy, using nitrogen to produce cold temperatures, only via a hose that can be used to target specific areas, like the knee, shoulder or, in this case, the face and neck to stimulate collagen growth.
PhillyVoice contributor Christie Mandia receives a cryogenic facial.
I will continue to keep you posted on my health journey and would love to hear your experiences as well. Please feel free to share below or tweet me @christiemandia.
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Each week, on Mindful Mondays, Christie shares her tips and tricks toward a healthier lifestyle. Give these tips a try to improve your health, wellness and quality of life!
