The CryoBuilt Glossary: What Every Recovery Pro Should Know

Cryotherapy might sound high-tech (and it is), but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you're stepping into a chamber for the first time or looking to bring cryotherapy into your business, understanding the terminology is key. For wellness centers, gyms, recovery studios, and medspas exploring electric cryo, knowing the difference between WBC, localized cryo, contrast therapy, and more helps you make informed decisions and communicate clearly with your clients. In this post, we’re breaking down the essential cryo terms—so you can feel confident, educated, and ready to deliver next-level recovery.

The Basics

Let’s start with the core terms—what cryotherapy is, and how it’s delivered.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, or “cold therapy,” is the use of extremely cold temperatures to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost overall wellness. It can be applied to the entire body (whole body cryotherapy) or targeted to specific areas (localized cryotherapy). The cold stimulates the body’s natural healing responses, making it a popular tool in sports recovery, aesthetics, and wellness.

Cryo Sauna

A cryo sauna is a single-person, nitrogen-cooled chamber that exposes the body (excluding the head) to ultra-cold temperatures—typically ranging from -200°F to -250°F—for 2–3 minutes. Unlike electric whole body cryotherapy chambers, cryo saunas use vaporized liquid nitrogen to create cold, which requires special ventilation and safety protocols.

Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC)

Whole body cryotherapy involves exposing the entire body, including the head and neck, to extremely cold air inside a cryochamber for 2–3.5 minutes. CryoBuilt’s electric chambers use refrigerated cold air (not nitrogen), creating a safer and more consistent cold environment ideal for athletes, wellness centers, and recovery facilities.

Localized Cryotherapy

Localized cryotherapy targets a specific area of the body using a controlled stream of cold air or nitrogen vapor. This focused approach is used to reduce inflammation, soothe pain, or accelerate healing in a particular muscle group or injury site. It's often used alongside whole body cryotherapy for more customized treatment plans.

Physiological Reactions + More

Here’s what happens inside the body when it’s exposed to extreme cold.

Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis is the process of heat production in the body. In response to cold exposure—like during cryotherapy—the body ramps up its internal heat production to maintain core temperature. This activates metabolism, increases calorie burn, and stimulates brown fat, which is especially beneficial for recovery and body composition.

Diver’s Reflex

Also called the mammalian dive response, the diver’s reflex is an instinctive reaction triggered when the face is exposed to cold. It slows the heart rate, conserves oxygen, and redirects blood flow to vital organs. This response, activated during cryofacials or full-body cryo, can contribute to a calming, parasympathetic effect.

Hormesis

Hormesis refers to a biological phenomenon where a small amount of stress (like extreme cold) triggers beneficial adaptations in the body. Cryotherapy is a form of hormetic stress—short, controlled exposure to cold that helps strengthen the body’s resilience, reduce inflammation, and support longevity over time.

The Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is a major nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system that helps regulate mood, digestion, heart rate, and more. Cold exposure has been shown to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can lower stress, reduce inflammation, and promote a state of calm—making cryotherapy a natural tool for nervous system support.

Cold Shock Proteins

Cold shock proteins are a group of proteins the body releases when exposed to sudden drops in temperature. These proteins help protect cells, improve cellular repair, and support brain health. Cryotherapy stimulates the release of these proteins, contributing to many of its neuroprotective and anti-aging benefits.

Vasoconstriction

Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold. When you step into a cryo chamber, your body reduces blood flow to the extremities to preserve core temperature. Once the session ends and the body begins to warm, vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) occurs—delivering a fresh supply of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to tissues.

Cytokines

Cytokines are signaling proteins involved in the body’s immune response. While some promote inflammation, others help reduce it. Cryotherapy helps regulate cytokine production—specifically reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and boosting anti-inflammatory ones—supporting muscle recovery and immune balance.

Key Chemicals Released

Cryo triggers a chemical shift—boosting mood, energy, and recovery from within.

Dopamine

Cryotherapy increases dopamine levels—a neurotransmitter tied to motivation, reward, and mood. This spike is one reason cryo can help with mental clarity, focus, and feelings of happiness.

Norepinephrine

Cryotherapy triggers a significant release of norepinephrine—a hormone and neurotransmitter involved in focus, energy, and alertness. It also plays a role in reducing inflammation and pain. This surge is one reason clients often feel energized and clear-headed post-session.

Serotonin

Serotonin supports mood regulation, sleep, and digestion. Cold exposure may help modulate serotonin levels, contributing to reduced anxiety and improved emotional balance.

Glutathione

Often called the “master antioxidant,” glutathione helps detoxify the body, repair damaged cells, and support the immune system. Cryotherapy can increase levels of glutathione, aiding in cellular recovery and reducing oxidative stress.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

IL-6 is a cytokine involved in inflammation and immune response. Cryotherapy helps regulate IL-6 levels—decreasing its pro-inflammatory effects and promoting tissue repair, making it an important part of the recovery process for athletes and chronic pain sufferers.

Endorphins

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Cold exposure stimulates their release, leading to that familiar “cryo high”—a post-session sense of euphoria, reduced pain, and improved well-being.

Cortisol

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. While cryotherapy briefly raises cortisol during the session (a normal stress response), studies suggest that regular sessions can help lower baseline cortisol over time, promoting stress resilience and recovery.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Though cryotherapy doesn’t directly release melatonin, it helps reset circadian rhythms and reduce inflammation—both of which can contribute to better, deeper sleep.