Review: Whole Body Cryotherapy at Recovery Hub, KL

In the ever-evolving world of health and fitness, there’s always a new trend promising to revolutionise your mind and body. This time, it’s cryotherapy. As biohacking gains traction, we’re all turning to cutting-edge technology to make us faster, fitter, stronger and younger. Enter cryotherapy: the practice of subjecting your whole body to extreme cold. It’s not just for pro athletes and sports teams anymore; even your average gym-goer is diving into the icy trend.

Cryotherapy isn’t exactly the new kid on the block, but I was intrigued to discover just how impactful three minutes of frigid exposure could be. With curiosity piqued, I ventured to Recovery Hub to experience it firsthand. For the uninitiated, cryotherapy involves using intense cold to lift your mood, reduce inflammation and enhance your body’s natural recovery. Though it’s a staple for athletes, it’s a game-changer for anyone brave enough to embrace the chill.

Nestled in the sleek, modern enclave of Publika Shopping Gallery, the wellness centre exudes the kind of clinical sterility that means serious business. My therapist, Daniel, guided me to a changing cubicle and briefed me on the protective gear. I emerged nearly naked but fully accessorised in shorts, wool gloves and slippers. According to Daniel, more exposed skin means a more effective treatment. He then adjusted the CTN e°CABIN™ cryotherapy machine to my height, and I stepped onto the platform, bracing myself for the deep freeze.

The session kicked off with a temperature check, then my body was hit with a blast of cold air, plummeting my temperature to minus 110 degrees Celsius. The initial gentle tingling quickly morphed into a numbing sensation. Just as I contemplated checking the clock, the door opened, and I stepped out, frosty but exhilarated. Whether it was the endorphins or sheer relief, I felt a rush of euphoria.

In these brief sessions, your body temperature drops rapidly in a controlled cold environment, triggering your body’s natural healing abilities. According to Recovery Hub, cryotherapy promotes “rapid constriction of blood vessels, followed by robust dilation,” enhancing blood circulation, oxygenating cells and aiding detoxification.

I felt invigorated and revitalised immediately, a sensation that lingered for several hours — impressive for such a brief session. Buzzing with focus, I asked Daniel if this was typical. He explained that whole-body cryotherapy triggers hormonal responses, releasing noradrenaline, endorphins and adrenaline which make you feel alert and energetic. “Sessions can reduce downtime between training and improve athletic performance and recovery,” he added.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Cryotherapy also tackles skin issues like eczema and sagging. The extreme cold stimulates circulation and boosts oxygen delivery which encourages collagen and elastin synthesis, rejuvenating your complexion and overall skin condition.

I’ve only had one session so far, so I could not speak on the long-term benefits of cryotherapy just yet. While I felt amazing afterwards, the effects only lasted a few hours. Daniel recommended spending between two to four minutes in the chamber per session, totalling about 11 minutes per week for the best results.

However, it’s important to follow professional guidance to avoid potential side effects like frostbite, cold burns and hypoxia. These are uncommon but serve as a reminder that cryotherapy should always be done under supervision, with pre-screening for any existing health conditions or potential contraindications.

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Block A4 G1 Unit 3, Publika , Jalan Dutamas, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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