The Nordic Edge New Canaan, New Canaan

Nordic Edge is owned by Marie O’Connor, a registered nurse with a doctorate in nursing practice. That lofty education is coupled with the training of the cryo technicians, who are all certified in the use of the machines. Together with the elegantly appointed offices, it all makes for a reassuring experience.

What is that experience, exactly? For whole-body cryotherapy, the client steps into a shoulder-height chamber that's chilled to -250 degrees (by liquid nitrogen vapors). The immersion lasts 2–3 minutes—enough time to lower skin's surface temperature and for the body to redirect blood to core organs. When the client steps out, the newly oxygenated blood flows to the extremities, helping reduce inflammation, pain, and stress; tighten skin; and provide a rush of energy. Local cryotherapy zeroes in on specific areas such as the face to tackle everything from age spots to acne to migraines and sinus headaches.