What is Cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy has earned the trust of professional athletes, trainers and health practitioners worldwide. More effective than cold plunging, Cryotherapy works by exposing the entire body to sub-zero temperatures for just 2–3 minutes. At Restore, you enter a specialized chamber with professional supervision and can even pick a song to listen to during your session.
Cryotherapy has long been used to help accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation and optimize athletic performance, but did you know it can also support your immunity? Our experts explain how it works by tapping into the concept of hormesis.
What is Hormesis?
Hormesis is the biological principle that small, controlled doses of stress can trigger adaptive, beneficial responses in the body. This concept underpins many of the most effective lifestyle practices known to promote longevity and resilience, such as exercise, fasting and exposure to extreme temperatures. Rather than overwhelming the body, hormetic stressors challenge it just enough to stimulate repair, adaptation and renewal.
Whole Body Cryotherapy is a textbook example of hormesis: brief exposure to extreme cold creates a cascade of physiological and cellular responses that enhance circulation, reduce inflammation and prime the immune system for greater readiness.
Benefits of Cryotherapy: Beyond Recovery
Although Cryotherapy is often associated with athletic performance and post-exercise recovery, the benefits extend well beyond the locker room.
The body’s vascular response to cold exposure is key:
- Vasoconstriction during cold exposure limits swelling and directs oxygen- and antioxidant-rich blood toward the body’s vital organs.
- Vasodilation immediately afterward floods tissues with oxygen and nutrients, accelerating healing and metabolic efficiency.
This dynamic process has been linked to:
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Accelerated muscle and joint recovery
- Improved energy, sleep quality, and mood regulation
- Enhanced focus and cognitive performance
These effects make Cryotherapy not only a tool for recovery but also a catalyst for optimizing your entire body.
Cryotherapy & Immune Health
Perhaps the most compelling area of research is the impact of Whole Body Cryotherapy on immunity. Controlled cold exposure initiates a short-term “fight or flight” response, accompanied by the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Far from being detrimental, this acute stress appears to mobilize immune defenses:
- Increased production of white blood cells, the body’s first responders against infection
- Enhanced antioxidant activity, counteracting oxidative stress and supporting cellular health
- Accelerated recovery from viral or bacterial illnesses
In contrast to chronic, unrelenting stress, which weakens immunity, short, controlled exposures such as Cryotherapy appear to strengthen it. By nudging the immune system toward greater vigilance, Cryotherapy may provide a practical way to fortify the body’s natural defenses, particularly during cold and flu season.
Best Practices & Safety Considerations
At Restore Hyper Wellness, safety and personalization remain paramount. Each session is carefully monitored by trained operators for your comfort and safety.
And consistency is key! Weekly sessions amplify the benefits, gradually enhancing anti-inflammatory, metabolic and immune responses.
Building Your Defenses
By harnessing the science of hormesis, Cryotherapy can empower your body to adapt, repair and strengthen in response to controlled stress. In doing so, it offers a unique pathway to support your immune system.
As you prepare for cold and flu season, remember that a resilient immune system is your greatest asset during the busiest time of the year.
Book your Cryotherapy appointment today to start strengthening your resilience.
Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Services and prices may vary per location. The content on our site, blog posts, educational materials, app, promotional newsletters, and any other written content is not intended to replace an evaluation with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice.
