An "Ice Bath On Steroids"? Comparing Cryotherapy, Cold Water Immersion, The Latest Cold Therapy Tech & More With Maria Ensabella.

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Apr 26, 2025

Maria Ensabella, co-author of 'ReInventing Cool' and founder of London Cryo, dives into the transformative powers of cold exposure. She explains how cryotherapy triggers a fight-or-flight response that boosts circulation and floods the body with endorphins. The discussion reveals how cryotherapy compares to cold water immersion for pain relief and inflammation, highlighting their unique advantages. Maria offers practical tips on incorporating cold therapy into daily life and shares fascinating insights about its benefits for sleep, stress reduction, and even cognitive function.

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INSIGHT

How Cryotherapy Works

Cryotherapy exposes the body to extremely cold air, triggering a survival response.
Blood rushes to the core, oxygenating blood and flushing toxins for recovery and inflammation reduction.

INSIGHT

Cryotherapy's Superior Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Research indicates cryotherapy reduces systemic inflammation more effectively than cold water immersion.
Multiple sessions (8-10 over weeks) enhance benefits like sleep, pain reduction, and stress lowering.

INSIGHT

Cold Water Immersion vs Cryotherapy

Cold water immersion and cryotherapy trigger opposite physiological responses.
Immersion causes the body to freeze and blood to rush outward; cryotherapy induces survival mode and centralizes blood flow.

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My guest on today’s show, Maria Ensabella, is the co-author of ReInventing Cool: How to Make COLD Your Best Ally Against Inflammation, Pain, and Aging, written alongside Antra Getzoff. This groundbreaking new book explores how strategic cold exposure can radically transform your health. In this episode, you'll get to explore what really happens when your body is exposed to sub-zero temperatures—and how that intense, brief burst of cold triggers a powerful fight-or-flight response that boosts circulation, oxygenates your blood, flushes out toxins, and floods your system with endorphins. You’ll also learn how these effects can lead to reduced inflammation, faster recovery, and even better mental clarity. Additionally, we'll break down how cryotherapy compares to cold water immersion, answering your burning questions about which method is better for pain relief, inflammation, and overall rejuvenation. Plus, Maria shares practical tips, client stories, and surprising benefits of cold exposure, including its role in improving sleep and reducing stress.

Whether you're a seasoned cryotherapy enthusiast or new to the concept of harnessing cold for health benefits, this episode will provide valuable information and leave you inspired to explore the chillier side of health optimization.

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/coolpodcast

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