A cryo lounge is a specialized wellness facility offering whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), a treatment involving brief exposure to extremely low temperatures. This service is sought by athletes and others seeking physical recovery and general wellness benefits. WBC aims to stimulate the body’s natural response mechanisms through a rapid, non-invasive application of dry, sub-zero air. The experience is quick, typically lasting only a few minutes.
Defining the Cryo Lounge Experience
The WBC experience typically uses one of two specialized units: the cryosauna or the cryochamber. A cryosauna is a single-person, open-top vertical cylinder where the user stands with their head outside the cold environment. The body is exposed to extreme temperatures only from the neck down, allowing the user to communicate with an attendant.
A cryochamber, in contrast, is a walk-in room or enclosed space that exposes the entire body to the frigid air. Since the head and neck are fully immersed, users often require a respiratory mask to warm the inhaled air. The duration of either session is intentionally short, generally ranging from two to four minutes, and is monitored closely by a trained technician.
Whether in a chamber or a sauna, the cold is delivered as a dry vapor, which is a significant difference from an ice bath that uses wet cold. The technician ensures the user’s comfort and safety, guiding them through the brief exposure. They remain present to monitor the session and enforce the strict time limits of the treatment.
The Mechanics of Rapid Cooling
The extreme cold within a cryo unit is generated by one of two primary technologies: liquid nitrogen vapor or electrically cooled air. Liquid nitrogen systems, common in cryosaunas, achieve the lowest temperatures, often ranging from -230°F to -274°F (-145°C to -170°C). Electric cooling systems, more common in cryochambers, operate at warmer but still frigid temperatures, typically around -166°F to -230°F (-110°C to -145°C).
The body’s immediate physiological response to this rapid cooling is a defense mechanism called peripheral vasoconstriction. This process causes blood vessels in the skin and peripheral tissues to narrow, forcing blood away from the extremities toward the body’s core. This protects internal organs and helps maintain core temperature. Although skin temperature drops significantly, the core temperature remains largely unchanged due to the short duration of the exposure.
Upon exiting the cryo unit, the body triggers a rapid, reflexive process called vasodilation, which is the widening of the constricted blood vessels. This rush of blood back to the peripheral tissues is thought to deliver desired effects, such as reduced inflammation and pain. This systematic flushing of the circulatory system is the core principle behind the treatment’s benefits.
Preparing for a Session and Safety Considerations
Proper preparation is necessary to ensure a safe and effective cryotherapy session. Users must arrive with completely dry skin, as any moisture, including sweat or lotion, can freeze instantly and cause localized injury. All metal items, including jewelry, watches, and piercings, must be removed before entering the unit to prevent cold-related burns.
Specialized protective clothing is provided to safeguard the most vulnerable parts of the body during the session. This attire typically includes thermal socks, thick gloves, and protective slippers or clogs to cover the hands and feet. In a cryochamber, where the head is fully immersed, a headband and a mask may also be worn for additional protection.
Certain health conditions are considered contraindications, making the treatment unsafe for some individuals. People who are pregnant or have severe hypertension (blood pressure over 180/100) should not use whole-body cryotherapy. Other conditions preventing safe participation include Raynaud’s phenomenon, cold-induced hives (urticaria), and a history of recent heart attacks or severe cardiac disease.