By Sara Orlos Fernandes
Three minutes at minus 130 degrees: That’s what many people dream of in this heat. This is possible in a cold chamber. BZ reporter Sara Orlos Fernandes makes the self-experiment.
The summer heat is here and in addition to a fan, water and cool drinks, Dr. Eva Blömeke (43) for cooling down. Customers have been able to freeze in their cooling lounge in Steglitz since 2020. Up to 30 customers enter the cabin every day.
It not only helps against heat, but also against pain and inflammation. “The cold works on the pain receptor in the second layer of skin. The receptors are blocked and endorphins are released after the therapy,” explains Blömeke. That is why the cold chamber is also popular with people suffering from depression.
Eva Blömeke (43) and her team cool off in the cold lounge. Photo: Christian Lohse
Down to minus 150 degrees are possible, I’m allowed to cool down at minus 130 degrees the first time. A cloud of nitrogen mist cools the cabin down in the first few seconds.
I slip into warm shoes, hand in my bathrobe and can go inside. At first it feels like a cool draft, then goosebumps form all over your body. The first minute is quickly done – the cold expert stands by and helps with distracting conversations.
Freeze at minus 4 degrees. In the end it was minus 130 degrees in the cabin Photo: Christian Lohse
Nearing the end, thighs feel like they’ve been on a long winter walk. Everything is a little numb, but contrary to expectations, the low temperature makes it bearable with a little exercise. After two and a half minutes I made it. My skin surface temperature has dropped by 15 degrees and I snuggle up in the soft bathrobe.
After the cold shock comes the great hunger. After all, you burn up to 800 calories in one session. There’s a big roll for me, I’ll save the coffee. I was chilled wide awake.
These cold chambers will also keep you cool this summer:
Cryopoint: Claire-Waldoff.Strasse 4, 10117 Mitte and Uhlandstrasse 20-25, 10623 Charlottenburg
Shapeshifter: Schliemannstraße 38, 10437 Prenzlauer Berg
CRYO BOX therapy: Hohenzollerndamm 4, 10717 Wilmersdorf
Berlin cold chamber from Behr: Drakestrasse 33, 12205 Lichterfelde