Krioterapia

Krioterapia, derived from the Greek words "kryos" meaning cold and "therapeia" meaning healing, is a medical treatment that utilizes extremely low temperatures to achieve therapeutic effects. This method can be applied locally to target specific areas of the body or systemically by exposing the entire body to cold for a short duration.

The principle behind krioterapia is that controlled exposure to intense cold causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow and inflammation. Upon warming, the blood vessels dilate, increasing circulation and promoting the removal of metabolic waste products. This process can also trigger the release of endorphins, which have natural pain-relieving properties.

In localized krioterapia, liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide is commonly used to freeze and destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. This technique is frequently employed in dermatology to remove skin lesions such as warts, skin tags, and precancerous cells. It is also utilized in ophthalmology for retinal tears and in some dental procedures.

Systemic krioterapia, often referred to as whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), involves exposing an individual to temperatures typically ranging from -110°C to -140°C (-166°F to -220°F) in a specialized chamber for a few minutes. Proponents suggest WBC can aid in muscle recovery after strenuous exercise, reduce inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, and improve mood. However, research supporting these claims is ongoing, and more robust scientific evidence is needed for widespread medical acceptance of systemic krioterapia for many of its proposed benefits.