Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a procedure where the body is briefly exposed to extremely cold temperatures for therapeutic and recovery purposes. Originating in Japan in the late 1970s, this practice involves stepping into a specialized chamber for a short duration. The goal of this rapid, intense cooling is to stimulate the body’s natural physiological responses. This exposure triggers systemic reactions that supporters suggest can aid in reducing muscle soreness and inflammation.
Actual Temperatures Inside the Chamber
The defining characteristic of whole-body cryotherapy is the exceptionally low temperature achieved inside the chamber. Operational temperatures in clinical settings typically range between -110°C and -160°C (approximately -166°F to -256°F). Some specialized systems may reach temperatures as low as -170°C (-274°F).
This controlled environment is substantially colder than even the coldest natural air temperatures on Earth. The purpose of this extreme cold is to rapidly cool the skin’s surface temperature. This triggers the desired bodily response without causing a drop in the core body temperature.
The Technology Behind Extreme Cold
The ultra-low temperatures are achieved through two primary technological methods: nitrogen-based systems and electric-based systems.
Nitrogen-Based Systems
Nitrogen chambers, often called cryosaunas, utilize liquid nitrogen to cool the air or vapor surrounding the user. This method allows the system to reach extremely low temperatures very quickly. The user’s head often remains outside the chamber to prevent the inhalation of the nitrogen-cooled air.
Electric-Based Systems
Electric-based cryochambers use specialized refrigeration units, similar to large industrial freezers, to chill the air inside the walk-in room. These systems circulate refrigerated, oxygenated air that is safe to breathe, allowing for true whole-body cooling. While electric systems may take longer to reach the target temperature, they provide a more stable and consistent temperature throughout the session.
Time Limits and Safety Protocols
Due to the extreme cold, exposure time inside the chamber is strictly limited to prevent tissue damage. A typical whole-body cryotherapy session lasts no more than two to four minutes. This short duration is calculated to maximize the beneficial physiological response while preventing the skin temperature from dropping too low.
Safety protocols are mandatory and are constantly monitored by a trained operator. Users must wear protective clothing on their extremities, including:
- Thick socks.
- Slippers.
- Gloves.
- Headbands to cover the ears.
- A face mask to protect sensitive airways.
Removing all jewelry and ensuring the body is completely dry before entering the chamber is also a standard safety requirement.
What Happens to the Body During Exposure
The immediate reaction to the intense cold is a physiological defense mechanism known as vasoconstriction. This process involves the rapid narrowing of blood vessels in the skin and peripheral tissues. The body’s nervous system perceives the sudden cold as a threat and redirects blood flow from the extremities toward the core to protect vital internal organs and stabilize core temperature.
This systemic response is activated by the rapid cooling of the skin, which triggers cold sensors to signal the brain. When the user exits the chamber, the body’s thermoregulatory system immediately reverses this process. Blood vessels rapidly dilate, allowing a rush of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood back into the peripheral tissues. This subsequent increase in circulation contributes to the perceived recovery and anti-inflammatory effects of the treatment.