Cryo chamber and infrared sauna – what is the difference?

Diets, pills, expensive treatments, trips to doctors – all these are part and parcel of modern life. They are neither good nor bad. If there is a problem, there is a solution. However, everyone deals with challenges in their own way. Someone anticipates an issue to avoid or mitigate it well in advance; someone solves problems as they arise; someone let things slide. All these strategies have one thing in common – everyone wants to live well.

In our article, we will consider two modern ways that take your well-being to another level – cryosaunas and infrared saunas.

Cryotherapy – background

Cryosauna for whole-body cryotherapy

A cryosauna is used for conducting cryotherapy sessions, which affect the body through a negative temperature. This method has been known since the time of our ancestors who threw themselves into the snow after a hot sauna or dumped a bucket of ice water on themselves. What happens at this moment with the body? That’s right, shock!

By exposing the lymphatic system to cold, shock therapy restarts the immune system, which comes into action and begins to restore the body at the cellular level. In scientific terms, it provokes the body to a response caused by hypothermia of the skin receptors. It involves a short-term cooling of the body for three minutes under the influence of the temperatures -130°C to -170°C. The cold environment is created by chilled nitrogen vapor, which does not have a negative effect on the body.

Where cryotherapy can be used?

This method is widely used by all advanced rehabilitation centers, spas, fitness clubs, individual salons, and even private homes. This simple method is so effective that sports stars resort to cryotherapy sessions when they have muscle problems or injuries and show business stars use it is as a part of their red-carpet routine. In addition, don’t forget that the cryosauna starts the rejuvenation process.

Cryotherapy is useful for the following problems:

• skin diseases;
• rheumatism; 
• chronic pain; 
• inflammation;
• cellulite and age signs; 
• and many others. 

This therapy is prescribed for diabetes, obesity, problems with the endocrine glands. Cryo sessions can improve your sleep, reduce stress, boost the immune system, and bring many other benefits.

Infrared saunas

Infrared sauna

Compared to a Finnish sauna or a Russian bathhouse, an infrared sauna is a novelty. It appeared around ten years ago, becoming more and more popular. Every year, at least 3,000 infrared cabins are sold in Europe.  Quite a number of spas, medical facilities, fitness clubs, and private homes are equipped with these saunas. The attitude of the population towards it is ambiguous. Some consider its effect on the body to be healing, while others, especially lovers of classical saunas, are skeptical about innovation.

What are infrared saunas used for?

The supposed benefits of using an infrared sauna are similar to those experienced with a traditional sauna:

• better sleep
• relaxation
• detoxification
• relief from sore muscles
• relief from joint pain such as arthritis
• clear and tighter skin
• improved circulation
• help for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

As you can see, the benefits of using a cryo chamber or infrared sauna are nearly the same. Still, there is one BUT in using the latter – intense infrared radiation, or heat, is detrimental to the skin. Heat increases the production of melanocyte pigment within the skin, so it can worsen melasma and other skin pigmentation concerns. And indirectly can be the reason for skin cancer.  

Reasonable approach

While making a decision to attend a cryosauna or infrared sauna, please remember about a reasonable approach. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts, choose the center which collaborates with trusted manufacturers, read the reviews. This is a matter of your health and well-being, so be responsible about it.