The only cryotherapy center in Westchester, New York, NORDIC Cryotherapy delivers this new, alternative therapy for those in the community searching to feel and look better again. Dating back hundreds of years, cold therapy has been used to reduce inflammation and pain for those suffering from acute or chronic injuries. Natural Awakenings sat down with Marie O’Connor, a registered nurse and owner of Nordic Cryotherapy, to find out more about the therapy and about her history.

Can you tell us more about whole body cryotherapy?

The therapy is delivered using -230°F nitrogen vapors for three minutes within the whole body cryotherapy (WBC) sauna. These temperatures shock your body, kickstarting the regulatory system and releasing adrenaline and endorphins. The benefits of WBC can include a decrease in pain and inflammation; a boost to our metabolism and immune system; a reduction of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia; and a lessening of cellulite. This happens all while burning 500-800 calories in those three minutes. At NORDIC, localized treatments for a specific joint or area that is causing pain can be targeted, resulting in instant pain relief.

What piqued your interest in WBC?

About two years ago, I became a first-time mother, the most amazing and proudest moment of my life. Although I had a great pregnancy and delivery, the hormones, change in lifestyle and lack of sleep afterward was something that I struggled with for the first six months. I was exhausted all the time! I started to look into alternative therapies because I was sick of hearing there was nothing wrong with me and that I would be “fine.” While working in the hospital, a patient of mine said that he had done cryotherapy and swore by its benefits. I gave it a try. I couldn’t believe the way it made me feel! For the first time in months, I had the energy levels I used to have. I started to do the therapy about twice a week; everything seemed to regulate itself within my body.

After about a month of doing this, I just knew I had to bring this life-changing therapy to my own community. I started doing research, developing a business plan, getting funding, and developing what is now called NORDIC Cryotherapy. It’s been a long process but I wouldn’t change a day of it. The smiles I see on my clients after a treatment is all I need to remind me why I went into this business in the first place.

You’ve said that the CryoFacial is a natural alternative to botox.

A CryoFacial is an exceptional treat to relax with. For an only six-minute treatment, you will leave our center with a glowing face, tighter skin and reduction of wrinkles.

The cold temperatures are administered onto the face, neck and upper chest area for six minutes. This will visibly tighten the skin as well as give the client a very refreshed feeling. You will see tighter skin immediately after the first treatment, which will last for one day. However, if you want a long-lasting effect, come at least five times a week in the first week and then go on a maintenance plan of once a week or once every two weeks depending on your skin tone. If consecutive treatments are done, then the effects last up to one-two months depending on skin elasticity.

Many clients come into our facility for a long-term anti-aging effect where they do many treatments in the beginning and then spread them out. Other clients come in the day before a big event, like a wedding or night out, so that their face is glowing.

In contrast of a traditional facial, we do not touch or cause inflammation in your face. We use the cold temperatures to stimulate the collagen production; when the vessels vasodilate after the treatment, we apply our anti-aging creams, which get absorbed faster. It is also more convenient with the whole treatment being about 10 minutes in length. CryoFacial is an alternative because of the skin tightening but with a more natural, holistic way to accomplish it.

For November and December, we would like to extend a $40 CryoFacial offer just in time for the holidays.

Connect at NordicCryotherapy.com or 914.771.9000. Location: NORDIC Cryotherapy: 31 Mill Rd., Eastchester, NY. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.