Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the local or general use of low temperatures. Methods of lowering temperature include ice packs, ice bathing, and exposure to low environmental temperature. Some studies have shown that cold exposure can be anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and to extend life in model organisms. This may be due to hormesis and the effects of heat shock proteins and cold shock proteins. However, as most research has been conducted in animals and in healthy human controls, there is limited evidence for cryotherapy in the treatment of chronic disease.

Methods
Methods of lowering temperature include ice packs, ice bathing, and exposure to low environmental temperature.

Immune system
Cryotherapy may improve response to experimental endotoxin exposure. Hypothermic rabbits have a ten times greater resistance to bacterial endotoxins than normal rabbits. One study in humans attempted to test the effects of Wim Hof's "method" – a combination of mediation, breathing techniques and immersion in cold water to activate the sympathetic nervous system – in a group of healthy volunteers. As compared to the control group, the treatment group had improved immune response when exposed to e-coli''.

Environment
Hypothermic rodents to have a greater resistance to irradiation.

Longevity
Numerous studies of invertebrate model organisms such as Drosophilamelanogaster and C. elegans have shown colder temperatures increase lifespan. Studies of fish and amphibians in both the wild and in laboratory settings have also shown a positive correlation between colder temperature and lifespan.

In the rodent literature, there are several examples of cold increasing lifespan. Mice genetically engineered to have a reduced body temperature of 0.3 degrees to 0.5 degrees C had a greater median life span (12% increase in males; 20% increase in females) than normal mice. Rats exposed to a cool water bath four hours a day lived 10% longer than controls, despite eating 44% more calories. (Caloric restriction, which has been shown to increase lifespan in numerous studies of model organisms, may have its effects via the lowering of body temperature rather than the direct effects of reduced caloric intake. Some studies have shown the effects of caloric restriction may be attenuated in animals raised at higher room temperatures. )

Concussion and migraine
A randomized controlled trial of an icepack applied to the carotid arteries of the neck found it significantly reduced pain when used at the onset of migraine. In open label trial, a similar treatment improved the symptoms of migraine and of post-traumatic headache.

Chronic fatigue syndrome
There is no evidence for the use of cyrotherapy in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Dr. Charles Lapp and Dr. Paul Cheney have both used immersion in tepid water as a therapy for patients.

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