Give Your Immune System a Boost with Cryotherapy

When it’s -17°F outside, voluntarily stepping into a cryotherapy chamber might sound…questionable. But we say, what’s a few more degrees when your immune system could use some backup?

Between colds, flu, COVID-19, and even diseases we thought were long gone (like measles) making a return, it’s the season of illness. That’s why it’s a smart time to show your immune system some extra love.

Of course, we’ll always back the basics. Eating well, sleeping well, staying active, and managing stress are all foundational to staying healthy. But even when you’re doing all the “right” things, your body can still benefit from some added protection. Luckily, at Western, you can get that boost in less than three minutes.

What is cryotherapy?

In the simplest terms, cryotherapy is cold therapy—the same kind of cold therapy people have been practicing for centuries. Yes, centuries. Humans have relied on ice, snow, and cold water to reduce pain, support healing, and enhance their body’s performance for hundreds of years. Cryotherapy refines the concept of cold therapy, making it shorter, colder, and more controlled, which delivers optimal results with less discomfort. 

Whole-body cryotherapy involves stepping into a chamber filled with ulta-cold nitrogen-cool air for up to three minutes. Using advanced cooling technology to safely expose the body to extreme cold, cryotherapy chambers reach temperatures far colder than anything Mother Nature can throw at us (even in Wisconsin). We’re talking between roughly −200°F and −300°F. 

When your body encounters that level of cold, it reacts fast. Blood flow pulls toward your core to protect vital organs, your nervous system springs into action, and your body releases hormones designed to help you adapt and recover. Once the session ends and you warm back up, circulation rebounds, delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. 

How cryotherapy supports your immune system

Cryotherapy acts as a controlled stressor. If you’re wondering why you would want to put more stress on your body, don’t worry, there’s science to back it up!

Studies show that when we expose our bodies to controlled stressors in a safe environment, it trains our bodies to respond more efficiently when a real threat shows up. That short burst of cold activates a short-term “emergency” response, prompting the release of hormones that help your body respond to stress more efficiently. Over time, controlled exposures can help strengthen immune resilience and reduce factors that interfere with immune function, like chronic inflammation and stress.

Here’s how that plays out inside your body:

White Blood Cell Activity

Regular cryotherapy sessions have been shown to stimulate the production of important immune cells, including lymphocytes and monocytes. These cells play a critical role in identifying and responding to foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, while also supporting the body’s natural healing and repair processes. More efficient immune cells mean your body is better prepared to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Circulation and Nutrient Delivery

During a cryotherapy session, blood flow shifts toward your core to protect vital organs. Once the session ends and your body warms back up, circulation rebounds and blood rushes back to the extremities. This post-session surge helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, supporting cellular health, metabolic function, and overall immune performance.

Hormones and Stress Response

Cold exposure encourages the release of endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones also triggered by laughter, exercise, and chocolate. At the same time, cryotherapy helps lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is commonly known as the “stress hormone,” but we promise, it isn’t the villain! It actually helps to regulate energy, blood pressure, and metabolism. The problem happens when cortisol levels stay elevated for too long.

Chronic stress and immunity are closely linked. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can weaken the body’s defenses and make you more susceptible to inflammation and illness. Cryotherapy supports relaxation, better sleep, and improved mood, helping interrupt the stress–inflammation cycle. When stress levels come down, your immune system can shift its focus back to what it does best—keeping you healthy.

What to expect during a cryotherapy session?

It may look a little sci-fi at first, but we promise, cryotherapy is quick, easy, and straightforward. You wear minimal clothing, typically socks, gloves, and either athletic shorts, a swimsuit, or underwear. Before stepping into the chamber, Western’s Renew staff will make sure your skin is dry and that you’ve removed things like watches and jewelry, before walking you through the process.

Sessions last no longer than three minutes, and you’re free to step out at any time. While shorter sessions can offer some benefits, three minutes is generally considered the sweet spot. That’s when the body experiences the most significant circulation shift and recovery response. 

Like most things that affect our health and wellness, consistency matters. One or two sessions can feel great, but for long-term immune and recovery support, two to three sessions a week are recommended. Think of it like an exercise routine. You’re training your immune system with small, repeated challenges that make it stronger over time.

Embrace the chill & support your health

Cryotherapy has made the leap from ancient wellness practice to elite sports facilities and now into everyday wellness spaces, and for good reason. It supports recovery, helps regulate stress, improves circulation, and gives your immune system a helping hand, especially during the winter months when it’s working overtime.

At Renew at Western, we offer both whole-body and localized cryotherapy, along with a variety of integrative wellness services designed to help you feel your best year-round. 

Ready to feel better and give your body a boost? Schedule your free consultation at Renew and explore our integrative wellness services. 

Not ready to schedule a session yet, but want to learn more? Join Renew Director and Integrative Wellness Specialist Ana Kat on the first Friday of every month at 9:00am for a friendly, casual Q & A. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, learn about the world of holistic healing, and ask any questions you might have. We’re here to help!