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Cryotherapy At 200 Degrees Below Zero Becomes Latest Northern California Health Craze

CARMEL, Monterey County (KPIX 5) – At first glance, it's a machine looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. But this Cryosauna, as it's called, has been called a health miracle for some and it's addictive.

"Oh, even the first time I tried it, I wasn't sold on it," cryotherapy patient Carol Crandall told KPIX 5.

"Then it's like crack," Crandall said. "Your body almost craves it."

Whole body cryotherapy is a pain relief treatment that started in Japan decades ago. Brother-sister team Skyler Scarlett and Brittney Scarlett-Torres opened Glace Cryotherapy in Carmel four months ago.

Customers get inside the chamber, exposing as much skin as possible, with a few exceptions.

"Your hands and your feet are your extremities so you really want to make sure those are protected," said Brittney Scarlett-Torres.

Then nitrogen gas is pumped into the sauna. Temperatures get as low as negative 200 degrees.

"Your brain senses that drop in skin temp, it causes vasoconstriction so you're going to see a lot of reduction in inflammation," said Skyler Scarlett.

Three minutes later, it's all over. The owners claim the treatment leads to tighter skin, improved sleep and weight loss.

Spa owners said one session can burn up to 800 calories.

KPIX 5's Cate Caugurian tried the treatment, which dropped her skin temperature to about 40 degrees, 50 degrees lower than average. Regulars usually come out with skin temperatures at 25 degrees.

Skyler and Brittney said they already see at least 15 clients a day.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved cryotherapy.

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