As we mentioned in a previous article entitled "
Helping your body to recover after a hike", the cold has a number of benefits for the body, so much so that there is now a treatment specially dedicated to it: cryotherapy or cold therapy.
Very much in vogue in France in recent years, cryotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures for a short period of time. This can be done in cryotherapy chambers, in pools of cold water (or even in Lake Annecy in winter) or by local application of ice or cold compresses.
Here, we outline four potential benefits of cryotherapy:
1. REDUCED INFLAMMATION & PAIN RELIEF
LCryotherapy can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for people suffering from muscle or joint pain.
2. HELPS MUSCLE RECOVERY
Cryotherapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation after an intense training session, which can promote faster muscle recovery. In fact, it's not uncommon for top sportsmen and women to bathe for a few seconds, or even a few minutes, in an icy water bath after intense sports training or during rehabilitation following an injury.
3. IMPROVED BLOOD CIRCULATION
Exposure to cold can help stimulate blood circulation, which can
promote healing and tissue regeneration. On a smaller scale, the ice fountain in our
Cristal Spa Annecy also helps to activate microcirculation. It is therefore recommended that you rub your body with ice energetically after a sauna or hammam session to tone your skin and invigorate your senses.
Finally, some people find that cold therapy can help improve their mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. So cryotherapy has many benefits for our bodies.
However, it's important to note that these benefits vary from person to person. It can present risks for some people, particularly those with circulatory problems, sensitivity to cold or certain skin conditions. It is therefore advisable to consult a health professional before using cryotherapy.
If you feel the need to be pampered after intense physical exertion, but don't feel brave enough to try cryotherapy yet, read our well-being advice in our article "
Helping your body to recover after a hike".