Tag Archives: Cryotherapy Treatment

Would You Try Any of These Sci-Fi Spa Services?

Vampires, flesh-eating fish, and frozen bodies – the next science fiction movie to hit the big screen? Guess again. These are some of the latest and trendiest spa treatments out there (and we mean ‘out there’) being used by celebrities and soccer moms alike.

Vampire Facial

What it is: A procedure that promises a more youthful and glowing look that is minimally invasive and requires little downtime. The client’s own blood is taken and the plasma from the blood is separated in a centrifuge. The plasma is then injected via hundreds of tiny punctures in different locations on the face. Some say this part is painful while some report that it is merely uncomfortable. The skin is then rinsed and the procedure is complete.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for rejuvenation of the skin and a glowing look. Those afraid of needles may not be too keen on the procedure.

Benefits: Increased collagen production of the face; no artificial fillers are used. Downtime is only a few hours making this a procedure that could be done over the weekend without anyone in the office knowing you’ve had anything done by Monday morning (if you haven’t had any side effects).

Risks: Irritation and itchiness of the skin, swelling, and bruising are potential side effects. It has been said that there is essentially no risk of allergic reaction as the procedure only involves the use of the clients’ own blood. It could be painful depending on your tolerance. How much it costs: Cost is anywhere between $800 and $1500, depending on where you are located. While a bit pricier than typical spa treatments for the face, results are said to last over a year.

Fish Pedicure

What it is: A procedure that naturally cleanses the skin of the feet, removing dead skin cells, and revealing newer healthier skin underneath. The feet are placed into a reservoir, such as those used in traditional pedicures, which is filled with hundreds of tiny fish, called Doctor Fish. In a classic pedicure, one would have the dead skin cells buffed or scrubbed off of the feet by a technician with a pumice stone, whereas in a fish pedicure, the Doctor Fish simply eat these dead cells straight from the feet. Once this portion is completed, the pedicure continues in the traditional way. The procedure dates back decades in Turkey and debuted in the United States within the past ten years.

Who it’s for: Those without ticklish feet or sensitive stomachs. Remember, these are living organisms consuming the dead skin from your feet, which may be freaky enough for some to opt for a regular pedicure.

Benefits: The procedure provides a natural way to have the dead skin from the feet removed.

Risks: Almost a dozen states have banned fish pedicures for a number of reasons, including the risk of infection.

How much it costs: Cost is anywhere between $50 and $100 depending on location.

Cryotherapy Treatment

A photo posted by Elodie (@sneakersaddict4life) on

What it is: While the cryogenic chamber looks like a tanning booth, once inside you’ll feel more like you’re in Antarctica than at the Bahamas. The booth is cooled to around -200 degrees Farenheit, but, don’t worry, you’re not completely naked in there. To protect against frostbite, you’ll be wearing socks and gloves.  An extremely short procedure, the 3 minutes spent inside the chamber are said to speed up the body’s natural healing process as the immediate and extreme cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict then expand when returned to normal levels. It is also said to provide pain relief as the body releases endorphins when you leave the chamber.

Who it’s For: You don’t have to be an olympian or a professional athlete to benefit from cryotherapy. This treatment is for anyone experiencing muscle or joint pain or inflammation and looking for a natural and quick way to encourage healing.

Benefits: Said to reduce healing time and reduce inflammation, as well as improve skin through activation of collagen.

Risks: Relatively low risk. There is the potential for fluctuation in blood pressure, claustrophobia, and skin burns (if exposed for too long to such low temperatures.)

How much it costs: Cost is around $100 a session depending on location. We even found cryotherapy sessions available from some merchants on Groupon for around $50 each.