The latest wellness obsession is causing people to sit in sub-zero temperatures for health reasons

With temperatures reaching up to -110°C, cryotherapy is the latest wellness treatment that explores the benefits of freezing the body

By Karen Fong - 23 May 2025

Credit: Courtesy of Longevity Science Centrum & Evolve Fitness

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It seems we just can’t get enough of being cold. With ice baths becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, and the long-standing use of cold in slimming treatments like coolsculpting, it seems we’ve only begun to explore the benefits of freezing the body.

The latest to join this assortment of treatments is cryotherapy, which is basically the exposure of the body or a body part to below-freezing temperatures for a short amount of time. This can either be done through direct exposure to liquid nitrogen (for the removal of warts and moles, for example), or stepping into a cryochamber to relieve pain and other ailments.

How does cryotherapy work?

At O2 Labs, which opened its centre in December 2024, cryotherapy follows a larger global trend. Says Shen Phang, director of O2 Labs, “[We] were inspired by global wellness trends and the incredible success of cryotherapy in the US and Europe. O2 Lab saw the perfect opportunity to bring this revitalising experience to Singapore’s fast-paced, wellness-conscious community.” At their centre, located conveniently at Clarke Quay’s Riverside Point, clients can enjoy a three-minute “reset” in a chamber. “They walk out feeling recharged, mentally clear, and physically energised,” says Shen, “It’s the perfect wellness boost for anyone juggling a busy lifestyle—quick, effective, and refreshing.

Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your weekly routine.” He also adds that the treatment acts as a brief respite from Singapore’s year-round weather, “No need to get wet, no mess, just pure, dry cold.”

Unlike an ice bath, cryotherapy is dry. The usual set-up requires a customer to walk into the chamber and either sit or stand there for a short amount of time. It also requires customers to be a bit more careful and follow the appropriate guidelines. “Trusted centres with skilled staff are important,” says Shen. “Our system is sourced from Europe, ensuring quality and safety.” He also advises customers to keep the following in mind. “The sub-zero temperatures can feel intense, so first-timers should try shorter sessions (one to two minutes) to ease in. Customers should also wear minimal clothing as advised (e.g., shorts or swimwear), and use provided protective gear like gloves and socks for comfort.” It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink water before and after the treatment.

The benefits of cryotherapy

Only Aesthetics has been providing cryotherapy as early as 2013 to their customers when they opened Absolute Zero, Asia’s first cryotherapy treatment centre at Pacific Plaza. ”The introduction of cryotherapy aimed to provide a groundbreaking medical treatment that uses cold liquid nitrogen to reduce pain and increase recovery speed,” says Adren How, Co-Founder & CEO of ONLY Aesthetics.

Besides pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, the brand has noted other benefits to cryotherapy, such as metabolic boosting, improvement to skin health and the reduction of fine lines, as well as mood enhancement. He also adds that it’s important to take note that individuals with cardiovascular issues, cold allergies, or certain psychiatric disorders should consult a healthcare provider before undergoing cryotherapy.

Adds Shen, “In a fast-paced city like Singapore, cryotherapy is the go-to wellness hack for busy professionals and high-performers. Whether it’s a Monday morning reset or a midday recharge, a few icy minutes can leave you focused, refreshed, and ready to conquer the day.” With that in mind, here are fives places in Singapore where you can give whole-body cryotherapy a try.