The History of Cryotherapy

Posted by ReSet Lounge
Posted on: Apr 6, 2022 4:27:40 PM

 cryotherapyCryotherapy–while it sounds like a modern treatment, it's actually quite ancient. Cryotherapy refers to the use of cold therapy to treat various conditions. The earliest reference to the use of cryotherapy is from an Egyptian papyrus that dates to 1501 BC. Hippocrates, the traditional father of Western medicine, prescribed the use of cold treatment to alleviate swelling and pain in 400 BC. Over time, cryotherapy has evolved to treat a myriad of health conditions. Let’s take a look at this versatile treatment through history and uncover how it's used today.

Early Uses of Cryotherapy

The earliest uses of cryotherapy focused on pain and inflammation relief. In fact, we still readily run to our home freezers to grab ice or a cold pack to reduce inflammation or pain after a fall or minor injury. The Egyptians used cold compresses complemented by fruit and other various natural ingredients to treat skin irritations. While the ancients also knew that cold treatments had powerful fever-reducing potential, they also were aware that the use of cold therapies had to be moderated in order to avoid its negative effects. For instance, excessive exposure to cold could cause gangrene or fits of shivering.

Later, physicians began to prescribe cold bathing for the treatment of aches and pains. During Jane Austin's early 19th century era, ‘taking the waters' came into vogue among those in the higher tiers of society, and spa culture developed in various parts of Europe as part therapy, part holiday.

In 1845, cold therapy took a definitively modern turn when Dr. James Arnott discovered that it could alleviate migraines and symptoms of neuralgia. Shortly after, he discovered that cold temperatures could actually shrink tumors. His work paved the way to new advances and ideas about using ‘cryotherapy' to treat various types of health conditions.

Modern Uses of Cryotherapy

Arnott's cold therapy discoveries led to crucial developments in technology. Scientists created new inventions for developing and handling liquid gas like vacuum flasks. Just before the end of the 19th century, commercialized liquefaction of air took its place in medicine as well as various other industries. These advances led to what we know today as modern cryotherapy, which is used to treat everything from abnormal cervical cells to rheumatoid arthritis.

One of today's new advances is the use of cryotherapy to promote weight loss. Known as Cryo Thermal T-Shock treatment, this form of cryotherapy targets fat cells, freezing them so that the body can then naturally process and remove them. For stubborn fat pockets and cellulite, Cryo T-Shock treatment offers individuals an effective and non-invasive means for getting rid of unwanted fat. Plus, there's no pain involved in this innovative treatment.

ReSet Lounge specializes in Cryo T-shock therapy. We help clients remove stubborn areas of fat and achieve smoother, more youthful looking skin. Interested in a cryo? We use proven methods of cryotherapy to safely and conveniently undo some of the most common signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots. Call or visit us to learn more about our holistic treatments, or, simply click the button to schedule your appointment.

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Topics: Restore, Recovery, Latest Trends, Cryotherapy, Wellness, Rejuvenate, Whole Wellbeing, Natural Personal Care, Self-care, Pain Management, Weight Loss