Mental Health Benefits of Frozen Air Therapy

Imagine sitting in the cold for 10 minutes and not only feeling good physically, but mentally as well. Over the years, cryotherapy in all forms, including frozen air therapy, has gained popularity for its physical benefits, especially for athletes. Frozen air therapy can also help improve sleep, thus reducing stress and boosting mood. Frozen air therapy even prompts an overall sense of well-being. 

Common mental health benefits of cryotherapy include:

1. Boosting your mood

Endorphins are released into the body when exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time. According to Rymaszewska et al., 2000. performed a study on the mental health of men after a cryotherapy session. The men all reported improvement in their mood, relaation, and a state of euphoria (Rymaszewska, et al., 2000). Another study done on both men and women by Szczepańska-Gieracha et al., 2014 showed a significant improvement in mood after a session. 

2. Enhances Sleep Quality

The cold exposure can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and balance circadian rhythms. In turn, leading to deeper and more restful sleep. Better sleep directly correlates with improved mental health and cognitive function. 

3. Anxiety and Depression

Many studies and research have shown a decrease in anxiety and depression. Rymaszewska et al., (2007) completed a study that found short term exposure to extremely low temperatures reduced overall depression and anxiety symptoms for everyone in the study. Cortisol levels drop after exposure to extremely cold temperatures, which in turn which can lead to emotional balance. 

It is important to note that cold exposure such as frozen air therapy should never become a replacement for professional mental health treatments. Frozen air therapy should only be used to complement mental health treatments by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and promoting overall well-being. 

References: 

Rymaszewska, J., Biały, D., Zagrobelny, Z., & Kiejna, A. (2000). Wpływ krioterapii

ogólnoustrojowej na psychike człowieka [The influence of whole body cryotherapy on mental health]. Psychiatria polska, 34(4), 649–653.

Rymaszewska, J., Ramsey, D., Chładzińska-Kiejna, S., & Kiejna, A. (2007).

Czy krótkotrwała ekspozycja na skrajnie niskie temperatury moze być pomocna w leczeniu zaburzeń depresyjnych i lekowych? [Can short-term exposure to extremely low temperatures be used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of affective and anxiety disorders?]. Psychiatria polska, 41(5), 625–636.

Szczepańska-Gieracha, J., Borsuk, P., Pawik, M., & Rymaszewska, J. (2014). Mental state

and quality of life after 10 session whole-body cryotherapy. Psychology, health & medicine, 19(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2013.780130