There's been such hype over cryotherapy and a flurry of treatment pods, chambers and cold-therapy services have landed in London.
So, if you've been watching Wim Hof semi-torture contestants on his TV show or spotted Harry Styles' new post-concert regimen of ice baths, and want to break the ice for yourself, a doctor explains the possible benefits of cryotherapy and we look into the best cryotherapy places to book in London.
The medical definition of cryotherapy is the therapeutic use of cold, from freezing warts and cancer cells to an athlete's (or rock star) recovery of choice. There are ice baths (surely you didn't miss Harry Styles' post-concert regimen? If you did – click here) and specially controlled cryotherapy chambers. One thing is for sure, cooling spa treatments, especially with a touch of frost, might be a way to up your wellness game. Here are the best places in London to find a cryotherapy chamber.
Dr Josh Axe, a doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist, says, 'While cryotherapy might seem like a novel and exciting concept, the use of very cold temperatures to reduce pain, support healing and elevate moods is actually nothing new. People worldwide have used cold packs and ice baths to promote healing for hundreds of years.'
Emilie Martinsen-Konigsfeldt agrees. Following a 15-year career as an international showjumper, Martinsen-Konigsfeldt launched Apogii, a mind and body clinic in Westbourne Grove. She says, 'I discovered the importance of wellbeing from a young age, inspiring the launch of a clinic that supports from the inside out. It's a simple philosophy and bespoke approach to specific skin and body requirements.'
She realised the benefits of cryotherapy: 'Cryotherapy has been used for centuries, and documented benefits include a release of endorphins, a boost in metabolism, a regeneration in cells and improved sleep while helping the body to heal and rejuvenate from within."
Of course, there are ongoing studies, and many people ask how to speed up healing with cryotherapy, and wonder whether cryotherapy works.
Dr Axe points out, 'While not all of these benefits have been proven in studies, proponents of cryotherapy tell us that potential benefits of cryotherapy can include:'
• Reduced inflammation
• Help with pain reduction and muscle soreness
• Improved recovery from exercise injuries and trauma
• Mood enhancement
• Increases in energy
• Help with weight loss and fat-burning
• Reductions in symptoms of MS and arthritis
• Decreased asthma symptoms
• Increased libido
Fancy the big chill? Here are the best cold-therapy chambers near you
Inspired by their restorative and engaging experience with temperature therapy, Dr Yannis Alexandrides brought the first electrically cooled cryotherapy chamber to the UK in 2016. Over 4,500 people have used the space, perhaps post-shopping marathon on the first floor? And they offer cryotherapy facials too.
From £95 per session.
There's strength, stretch and cardio, each offering resistance and interval training; Vinyasa and gravity yoga along with Body Barre and interval cycling. A perfect place to finish off your workout is a three-minute session in the stylish no-membership spa and wellness space in SW1. The lovely café is a great place to thaw with a chai latte post freeze.
From £95 per session
At the centre of the Apogii clinic is London's first medical-grade whole-body cryotherapy at -110°C to deliver a complete body restoration. Used by elite athletes and hailed as the ultimate in total body and mind rejuvenation, the ApogiiIcelab is a twin-room chamber for intense three-minute adrenaline hit to supercharge your current health and workout programme.
From £80 per session
The Fairmont's Spa and Wellness centre offers electric-powered, nitrogen-free Whole-Body Therapy (WBT) that uses air to maximise the experience. A systemic anti-inflammatory treatment involving skin exposure to ultra-low temperatures up to -110°C for a brief, controlled time, inciting vasoconstriction and leading to an array of physical and mental benefits.
BrainBody Wellness™ Signature Treatments help to synchronise body and brain.
The BrainBody Hacker: is aimed at anyone who needs to de-stress their headspace – designed to stimulate and balance the autonomic nervous system and improve brain/body connection and awareness.
The 45- or 60-minute treatment will use techniques on the body, scalp and face, including breathwork, vagus nerve toning, myofascial release massage, cryotherapy, and eye relaxation exercises. As a result, you can expect to leave relieved of stress and anxiety in both mind and body.
From £85
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