Cryotherapy and Mental Health: Benefits, Science, Risks, and Who It’s Really For

Mental health concerns need to be treated with the individual in mind and yet they’re occurring on a mass scale. New data from the World Health Organisation states that globally, more than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, and with that comes the urgent need to treat the root causes of mental health conditions. Advancements in medications are in continual development but the scientific community is also pushing the investigation of non-pharmacological mental health treatments. One such avenue being explored is the relationship between cryotherapy and mental health.

Historically, the majority of research behind cryotherapy has been based on the associated physical benefits with many studies carried out on professional athletes to assess how it impacts performance, speed and endurance. However, along with the widespread popularity of cold exposure therapy as a mood lifting wellness practice, the correlation between cryotherapy and mental health is increasingly garnering academic interest. What was once considered science fiction, is now proving an efficacious tool for stress response regulation and an alternative therapy for anxiety and depression.

What we know about cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, also known as cold exposure therapy, is a therapeutic technique whereby the body is exposed to extreme cold temperatures for a very short amount of time. A form of 'hormesis', an adaptive response whereby putting the body under short, measured and controlled amounts of stress, triggers a series of preferable cellular processes that enhance overall health.

The physiological benefits of cryotherapy have been scientifically proven to have a powerful effect on cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, promote a healing response, and optimise the body’s operative state. Cryotherapy is also responsible for a number of cold therapy mental health benefits and often used for stress response regulation and mental resilience training. There is also emerging evidence that cryotherapy’s anti-inflammatory and regenerative impact has promising anti-ageing benefits that could play an integral part in longevity.

What is whole body cryotherapy?

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) takes place in specifically designed cryotherapy chambers in professional health clinics or practices. The enclosed rooms or immersive pods contain dry ice and/or cold air exposure in the form of liquid nitrogen. The temperature is lowered to a precise and constant temperature, often around -150°C and the individual remains in the space for only a few minutes.

The science behind whole body cryotherapy and mental health

Research into cryotherapy and mental health is still an emerging field but there are standout academic studies validating the use of cryotherapy for depression and anxiety.

A 2000 preliminary report by Rymaszewska et al into the influence of whole body cryotherapy on mental health was among the first published pieces of evidence demonstrating the mental health benefits and psychology of cold exposure. The research revealed whole body cryotherapy induced relaxation, elevated mood, boosted energy levels and even showed memory enhancement.

Explaining how cold therapy benefits mental health

Cold exposure neuroscience is one of the most talked-about biohacks for optimising brain performance due to the experienced benefits of boosting mood, improving focus, enhancing neuroplasticity and long-term cognitive resilience. Science has shown that whole body cryotherapy impacts our psychology by increasing both the metabolism and concentration of adrenaline in the blood.

Cold exposure also prompts the stimulation and release of endorphins; peptides produced in the brain that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of wellbeing. The mental health benefits of cold therapy also originate from the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, norepinephrine, and β-endorphins. This cascade of natural feel-good chemicals has a powerful stress response regulation that counteracts the effects of depression and anxiety.

Under controlled conditions, cryotherapy engages the parasympathetic system via the vagus nerve, promoting calm, focus, and resilience by reducing inflammation. Exploring the topic of cold exposure neuroscience, the Huberman Lab reports that, 'Even short bouts of cold exposure can cause a lasting increase in dopamine and sustained elevation of mood, energy, and focus.'

Cryotherapy for depression

An experimental study in Poland sought to discover whether a whole-body cryo chamber could be an effective way to deliver cryotherapy for depression or cases of mixed depression and anxiety. The study involved people aged 18-65, whereby the control group received standard medication for depression and anxiety. The study group had 15 sessions of cryotherapy daily, each one lasting 2-3 minutes in addition to the same medication. Results showed over a third of participants in the study group had a 50% improvement in depression symptoms and almost half had a 50% improvement in anxiety symptoms.

This research proved WBC to be an effective, safe, and tolerable add-on intervention in patients with depressive episodes. More extensive material is required but these findings show potential for sessions of cryotherapy for depression to be included as an additional therapy, rather than a standalone cure.

Cryotherapy for anxiety

Whole body cryotherapy has also shown to be a promising short-term adjunct treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. One study showed a significantly greater reduction of anxiety symptoms within only three weeks of those undergoing cryotherapy treatment. The results suggested a positive role for cryotherapy in treating patients with anxiety.

Furthermore, research supporting cryotherapy for mental health states that extreme cold triggers physiological responses that can actually counteract anxiety. The resultant release of neurotransmitters causes a surge of endorphins critical for mood regulation and the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system can help to calm the 'fight or flight' response associated with chronic anxiety. In addition, experts also state the anti-inflammatory effects of cryotherapy support brain health in the longer term.

Risks and complications of cryotherapy

Whole body cryotherapy, when carried out by an experienced professional in a registered health and wellness organisation, carries very few risks. During cryotherapy treatment, exposure to extremely low temperatures is strictly controlled, and therefore cryotherapy does not cause any significant reactions from the circulatory system, nor affect heart rate or blood pressure. However, whole body cryotherapy should be applied with caution in susceptible individuals, such as asthmatics.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association warns against cryotherapy’s potential hazards to skin. It reports that any exposure of the skin and other tissues to extreme cold temperatures can lead to rashes, frostbite, swelling and skin discoloration.

Is cold therapy good for everyone?

Recent concerns in the media surrounding cold therapy refer to cold plunging and ice baths, rather than cryotherapy and argue that it might be far better suited to men, than women. The stress physiology of women is different, particularly in midlife and because cold exposure provokes a surge in stress hormones, experts say it can put unnecessary stress on the female body. Many argue that hormesis only works when there is sufficient reserve to respond and recover. Beyond that threshold, it becomes just another stressor.

Contrastingly, cryotherapy is widely perceived to be a good alternative to cold plunging for women as it carries less shock to the body and recovery is far quicker. Moreover, in some instances cryotherapy has proven particularly advantageous to women. One 2020 study demonstrated whole-body cryotherapy reduces abdominal obesity in menopausal women and some women report it helps with menopause symptoms.

Is cold therapy a natural alternative to antidepressants?

It’s imperative to apply extreme caution to employing cryotherapy as a somatic therapy alternative to depression. Somatic therapies focus on the mind body connection to alleviate trauma through physical therapy. In some instances, cryotherapy is being trialled as an alternative somatic therapy for mental health issues but the theory of utilising cryotherapy as a somatic therapy alternative to medication, requires much further study. It is not recommended to use cryotherapy as a natural alternative to antidepressants but many experts do view it as a helpful adjunct or composite part to somatic therapy or as part of a full mental health treatment plan.

Nervous system cold exposure can be an effective regulatory technique by impacting the vagus nerve and parasympathetic system to support and put the body in a calmer, more balanced and connected state, whereby the individual may begin more in-depth somatic therapy. Cold exposure can also be effective in mental resilience training before or during somatic practices. However, cryotherapy and cold exposure should be considered as powerful tools to calm the physiological stress response, not as a standalone somatic therapy alternatives.

Cryotherapy For Wellbeing

Even for those not intending cryotherapy for depression or anxiety, cryotherapy generates a noticeable sense of wellbeing and bolsters mental resilience against modern life.

Cryotherapy elicits a range of beneficial physiological responses, including:

• Reduced inflammation
• Improved sleep quality
• Enhanced mood regulation
• Pain relief and musculoskeletal recovery
• Metabolic and immune system support

Cryotherapy At Kusnacht Practice

In supporting the fundamental pillars of wellness and longevity, cryotherapy is a well-placed inclusion to the pioneering treatment offering at Kusnacht Practice. As part of the tailored treatment, and following careful examinations and biometric assessments, clients may be offered professional cryotherapy sessions as part of the 360 degree approach to advance their wellbeing.

Cryotherapy for anxiety and depression

Clients at Kusnacht Practice experiencing anxiety and depression, may be introduced to cryotherapy as a treatment that supports the natural release of endorphins, stabilises mood, promotes mental clarity, and enhances the sense of calm that complements the setting’s wider therapeutic approach.

Cryotherapy in improving sleep

A common challenge among clients coming to Kusnacht Practice, cryotherapy holds a valid place in supporting wellbeing through restorative sleep. By encouraging a natural drop in core body temperature following a cryo chamber session, cryotherapy helps regulate circadian rhythms and fosters deeper, more restorative sleep.

Cryotherapy in reducing inflammation

Cryotherapy’s ability to reduce inflammation at a cellular level, supports physical recovery while mitigating systemic inflammation—an effect that strengthens emotional stability and overall wellbeing.This makes it a valuable adjunct to the psychological and biochemical intervention at Kusnacht Practice.