How Palm Cooling Works

Cryo-1

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Stanford Discoveries

Stanford University researchers Dr. H. Craig Heller and Dr. Dennis Grahn discovered that palm cooling dramatically improves endurance and strength by preventing thermal fatigue. Their studies found:
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    Endurance + 15-25%

    Endurance increases of up to 25% when used between sets, up to 15-25% longer endurance during aerobic exercise
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    Volume + 144 %

    Up to 144 % higher training volume in resistance exercises
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    Enhanced Recovery

    Faster heart‑rate recovery and reduced perceived exertion
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The Science Behind Palm Cooling

The palms of your hands contain dense clusters of blood vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs). These act like natural radiators, enabling fast heat exchange between your blood and the environment.

When cooled within an optimal range (12–16 °C or 54–61 °F), these AVAs allow cooled blood to circulate through the body, reducing core temperature quickly and safely.
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Why Palm Cooling Works Better Than Other Methods

Common cooling methods—like ice packs or neck towels—lower surface temperature but do little to affect internal body heat. Palm cooling directly targets blood circulating through AVAs, enabling efficient heat removal.

Comparative benefits
  • Palm cooling: Lowers core temperature, reduces heart rate, enhances endurance.
  • Neck cooling: Provides comfort but limited physiological change
  • Ice packs: Often too cold; cause vasoconstriction that blocks heat transfer.

The ideal cooling range (12–16 °C) keeps blood vessels open and maximizes heat transfer without discomfort.

Listen To An Expert

The Palm Cooling Advantage Explained

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman explains why palm cooling works and why the hands play a unique role in regulating body temperature.

In this episode, he breaks down how skin on the palms is designed to rapidly exchange heat with the core and why cooling here can have a bigger impact than ice packs, fans, or cold towels.

If you’re curious how this works beneath the surface, this is a clear, science-first explanation.

Performance Applications

Palm cooling is being used every day by people who need fast, reliable temperature control.

Athletic Performance
  • Palm cooling boosts endurance by up to 25% and training volume by around 144% in controlled studies (6 week study period).
  • By stabilizing core temperature, it delays fatigue and preserves muscle power between sets.
  • Athletes report feeling stronger, more focused, and better recovered after sessions using palm cooling.

 More About Boosted Performance
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Hormonal Fluctuations
  • Palm cooling rapidly lowers core temperature and can shorten hot flash severity and duration in under 1 minute.
  • Hot flashes occur when fluctuating estrogen levels narrow the body’s thermoneutral zone, making even small temperature changes trigger intense heat and sweating.
 More About controlling Hot Flashes
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Heat Stress & Outdoor Work
  • During heavy exertion in the sun, core temperature can rise 1°C every 5–7 minutes, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke if unmanaged.
  • Palm cooling accelerates recovery by helping the body dissipate heat 2–3 times faster than passive rest, reducing heart rate and strain on the cardiovascular system.
  • Youth athletes and children are more prone to heat stress because they sweat less efficiently and generate more metabolic heat relative to body size — palm cooling offers a safe, non-invasive way to help them recover faster after play or competition.
 More About Heat Stress Relief
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Anxiety & Vagus Nerve Regulation
  • Palm or neck cooling stimulates the vagus nerve, which slows heart rate by 5–10 bpm and activates the body’s relaxation response.
  • This gentle activation helps reduce anxiety, steady breathing, and restore calm within minutes.
  • Regular use can support better stress resilience and emotional balance throughout the day.
 More About Anxiety Relief
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How to use

Palm Cooling + Warming

Whether you're in the gym, outdoors or just running, Cryo-1 cools or warms your core to get you back on track.

Palm Cooling
Lowers core temperature, reduces heart rate, enhances endurance.
Palm Warming
With power set to maximum warm (or set for comfort) hold Cryo‑1 in your palm for several minutes. You should feel the warming effects within 60 seconds.
Cryo-1

Cryo-1

$149
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Accelerate Recovery. Reduce Heat Related Distress.

Cryo-1 is a handheld cooling + warming device designed to help your body regulate temperature and recover faster in real time. Use it in your palms to cool your core, or on the side of your neck when you need to calm your body fast.
Key Features:
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About the size of a small water bottle.
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Cools & Warms. Battery life up to 4hrs.
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12 month warranty, 30 day trial period.
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No water, no ice needed.
Specifications & User Manual
Temperature Modes

Cooling: 12, 14, 16 °C (54, 57, 61 °F)
Warming: 35, 39, 43 °C (95, 102, 109 °F)

Battery Life

Cooling: 1 to 3 hours per charge (depending on selected intensity)
Warming: 3 to 4 hours per charge (depending on selected intensity)

Operating temperature

Best used in environment under 80°F/26°C. Expect slower cooling at warmer temps.

Cycle time

Auto off after 20mins

Dimensions

6.28 in (H) × 2.83 in (D) × 2.44 in (W)
160 mm (H) × 72 mm (D) × 62 mm (W)

Weight

13.8 oz (390 g)

Power

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (USB-C charging). Approx 4hrs full recharge time.

User Manual

Click to download.
Warranty & Returns
Warranty

Cryo-1 comes with a full 12-month manufacturer warranty. If it fails, we'll replace it at our cost.

Returns

We offer a 30-day return period. If you’re not satisfied, you may return your Cryo-1 in its original packaging for a refund.
Paying with FSA/HSA cards

At checkout you may pay with your FSA/HSA card. Just choose FSA/HSA as the payment method.

FDA-Registered Manufacturer
FDA-Listed Class I Therapeutic Device

  • Cryomedics LLC is officially registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a medical device establishment.
  • Cryo-1 is listed as a Class I device under FDA regulations.
  • Most HSA/FSA plans recognize Class I therapeutic devices as eligible medical expenses. Check with your plan administrator to confirm coverage.