1 January 2025

Ica Bathing & Cryotherapie

The Power of Cold and the Future of Regeneration

The healing power of water has a long tradition, significantly influenced by the priest and naturopath Sebastian Kneipp. Kneipp himself experienced the benefits of cold therapy firsthand: as a young man suffering from severe tuberculosis, he discovered the book On the Healing Power of Water by Dr. Hahn. Desperate, he followed the recommendations and repeatedly immersed himself in the cold Danube—with astonishing success. His recovery inspired him to dedicate his life to natural healing and prevention.

Healing Cold:

In the same spirit, MAYRLIFE embraces the beneficial effects of cold. Modern approaches such as ice bathing and cryotherapy build on Kneipp's principles, combining them with the latest scientific insights. Whether strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, or promoting regeneration, the controlled application of cold offers numerous positive effects on both body and mind. Cold treatments have become a popular trend in recent years—not only in sports but also in holistic health promotion. But what exactly lies behind this concept? At the MAYRLIFE Health Resort in Altaussee, guests can experience both the refreshing natural therapy of ice bathing and the increasingly popular cryotherapy. How do these therapies work?

Ice Bathing in Altaussee: A Refreshing Natural Experience

Altaussee, a picturesque town in the Styrian Salzkammergut, is renowned not only for its breathtaking nature and crystal-clear waters but also for one of the oldest and most effective cold therapy methods—ice bathing. As part of the MAYRLIFE Health Concept, guests can experience ice bathing firsthand and enjoy its positive health effects.

What is ice bathing, and how does it work?

Ice bathing, or cold therapy, involves immersing the body in cold water, typically below 10°C. In Altaussee, you can experience this invigorating practice in a natural setting as you immerse yourself in the refreshing, crystal-clear lake water. The sudden temperature change triggers a series of physiological responses in the body, both physically and mentally stimulating. For instance, a study conducted by Prof. Uhlemann at the University of Jena found that patients with chronic lung disease (COPD) who performed cold washes three times a week and cold pours twice a week significantly increased their natural killer cell count, reducing illness frequency.

Benefits of Ice Bathing:

Improved Circulation: Cold exposure stimulates blood circulation, enhancing oxygen delivery to cells and accelerating the removal of toxins.
Boosted Immune Defense: Cold exposure strengthens the immune system by encouraging adaptation to extreme temperatures and increasing white blood cell production.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammation: Ice bathing is known to alleviate muscle pain and joint inflammation, benefiting athletes and individuals with chronic pain or osteoarthritis.
Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement: Cold therapy can boost endorphin and adrenaline production, elevating mood and reducing overall stress levels.
Enhanced Skin Health: Cold exposure tightens skin pores, promoting a firmer and healthier appearance.

Cold Water Immersion and Brown Fat Tissue

Brown fat tissue is a unique type of fat in the body that generates heat by burning calories. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat plays an active role in regulating metabolism and body temperature. Cold water immersion, or ice bathing, is not only a refreshing challenge but also has remarkable effects on brown fat tissue, which is crucial for maintaining metabolic balance and thermal regulation.

The cold stimulus activates brown fat tissue, prompting it to burn calories to produce heat. Regular ice bathing can also increase the amount of brown fat tissue in the body, enhancing calorie consumption over time and improving cold tolerance. Individuals with active brown fat tissue can burn up to 15% more calories through cold exposure compared to those without active brown fat. Interestingly, repeated cold exposure can convert white fat deposits into brown or beige fat, further boosting the metabolic process.

Benefits of Ice Bathing for Brown Fat Tissue:

Activation of Brown Fat: Enhances calorie burning to generate heat.
Conversion of White Fat: Transforms unused fat deposits into metabolically active tissue.
Improved Fat Burning: Supports weight regulation by breaking down white fat.
Boosted Metabolism: Promotes higher energy turnover and cold tolerance.

The Cryochamber Concept: Advanced Cryotherapy

The cryochamber at the MAYRLIFE Health Concept offers a professional cryotherapy experience, using extremely low temperatures to treat the body. This innovative treatment is not just a trend but is supported by solid scientific evidence highlighting the many health benefits of cold therapy.

The cryochamber features two main areas: a preparatory room and a treatment room. The preparatory room plays a crucial role as a temperature buffer, ensuring that the treatment room maintains a stable cold level. Additionally, it allows residual moisture on the skin to evaporate before the actual cryotherapy begins. This step ensures the body reacts more evenly and effectively to the cold, enhancing the therapy’s benefits.

How Does Cryotherapy Work?

Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures (typically between -110°C and -150°C) for a short period, usually 2–3 minutes. This brief yet intense exposure triggers a range of physiological responses that positively impact both physical and mental well-being.

Circulatory Activation: During cryotherapy, blood withdraws from the skin to focus on the internal organs. Once you exit the chamber, blood rushes back to the skin, stimulating circulation.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammation: Cold exposure reduces swelling and alleviates pain, making it particularly beneficial for joint problems, chronic inflammation, and sports injuries.
Enhanced Skin Health: Cold stimulation boosts collagen production, helping to firm and rejuvenate the skin, which is especially beneficial for addressing cellulite or skin laxity.
Strengthened Immune System: Cold exposure increases the production of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight pathogens and prevent illness.
Mental Resilience and Stress Reduction: Overcoming the intense cold offers psychological benefits. Cryotherapy promotes mental strength and stress management by triggering endorphin release, improving mood and emotional well-being.

Conclusion: Ice Bathing in Altaussee and Cryotherapy – Two Powerful Paths to Vitality and Regeneration

Whether through refreshing ice bathing in Altaussee’s natural setting or intensive cryotherapy in a state-of-the-art cryochamber, both methods offer unique advantages for the body and mind. While ice bathing provides a profound and natural experience in Altaussee’s stunning environment, the cryochamber delivers precise, targeted cold therapy with rapid, effective results. Together, these two approaches create a powerful combination to sustainably enhance your health and boost your vitality.