The Actual Science Behind Some of Today’s Biggest Wellness Trends

A closer look at copper, cryotherapy, compression, and float tanks

Bashar Salame, D.C
Elemental
Published in
6 min readFeb 12, 2021

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Photo: jacoblund/Getty Images

Every year, it seems, something new comes along promising to decrease our pain and stress while improving mood and sleep. Almost as quickly as these magical fixes arrive on the scene, many of them disappear — either because they lose their novelty and notoriety, or because they are displaced by the next great hope.

From copper bracelets to spinal braces, oxygen bars to cryo spas, soak tanks to you name it, there is no shortage of “wellness products” that enter with a splash and exit with a whimper, promising to make quick work of complicated problems. Whether they deliver the promised benefit oftentimes remains an open question.

The science of copper and compression

Products containing copper, specifically those which also provide compression, have become ubiquitous. They include copper socks, sleeves, and braces claiming to get you back in the game or even…

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Elemental
Elemental

Published in Elemental

Elemental is a former publication from Medium for science-backed health and wellness coverage. Currently inactive and not taking submissions.

Bashar Salame, D.C
Bashar Salame, D.C

Written by Bashar Salame, D.C

Chiropractor/Nutritionist/Triathlete. Restoring health — Enhancing Life. Beirut Born→ Detroit Bred https://twitter.com/Detroitchiro