Cryotherapy has taken the wellness world by storm, and you’re sure to see mention of it as you scroll through social media, flip through magazines, or visit your favorite wellness blogs. With the recent buzz, you may think that cryotherapy is a modern-day trend, however, it’s actually been around for ages.

How long, you ask? We’ll answer that question and share the history of cryotherapy in a minute, but first, let’s quickly review what cryotherapy is.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy, which means “cold therapy,” is a treatment that exposes the body to frigid temperatures for several minutes. Cryotherapy can be used on just one area of the body, or you can opt for whole-body cryotherapy.

During a cryotherapy treatment, an individual will stand in an enclosed chamber that surrounds their body, leaving their head exposed. The enclosure will drop to between negative 200-300°F. The individual will stay in the chamber for between two and four minutes.

Research suggests that whole body cryotherapy helps improve mood, reduce pain, and calm inflammation.[*][*] Other studies show that cryotherapy may even help prevent dementia and treat low-risk tumors.[*][*]

The Origins of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is not a modern-day invention. In fact, it’s been used since the beginning of recorded medical history. Cryotherapy was mentioned several times in the oldest known medical text—the Edwin Smith papyrus—which was found in Egypt and dates back to 3500 BC.[*] It discussed how cold therapy was used to treat any kind of trauma, pain, and swelling.

Another ancient text referencing the use of cold therapy was written by the Greek physician, Hippocrates, who used cold and ice to reduce hemorrhage in patients as far back as 400 B.C.[*]

In 1845, an English physician named Dr. James Arnott discovered that cold therapy was very effective for neuralgia and migraines. In other experiments, he found that cryotherapy shrank tumors.[*] Dr. Arnott is credited as the pioneer of cryotherapy.

In 1892, British chemist and physicist, James Dewar, developed the first vacuum flask, enabling the storage and handling of liquefied gases.[*] This invention opened the door to the modern cryotherapy treatments we know today.

The Beginning of Modern-Day Cryotherapy

Over the next decades, several doctors used different types of cold liquid gases to treat various health conditions, from warts to lupus.

Shortly after World War II, liquid nitrogen made its entrance on the scene and became the preferred gas for cryotherapy. Application methods continued to advance over the years.

In 1978, a Japanese doctor named Toshima Yamaguchi began treating his rheumatoid arthritis patients in an ice-cold chamber, effectively inventing modern whole-body cryotherapy.[*]

Cryotherapy Today

Over the past decade especially, cryotherapy or cryo in simpler terms has been increasing in popularity, with millions of people swearing by its benefits.

Professional and amateur athletes alike enjoy faster recovery and healing times, better endurance, and reduced pain and swelling from injuries. Health-conscious individuals enjoy improved mood, better energy, and enhanced health. Those looking to improve their skin enjoy firmer, brighter skin from cryo facials. The list goes on and on!

Adding Cryotherapy to Your Spa Services

Adding cryotherapy to their spa services has helped many esthetic professionals increase their new client database and profits. Whether you’re looking to add a cryotherapy chamber to your spa or start your own mobile cryotherapy business, The Spa Butler can help you build a successful cryotherapy empire.

Our team has over 15 years of combined experience and can provide you with unbiased advice about cryotherapy equipment, ensuring you make the right decision for your unique needs. Get in touch today!