LABS "NORMAL" BUT YOU STILL FEEL AWDFUL?
Jenny Siepka • July 3, 2025
LABS ARE "NORMAL" BUT YOU STILL FEEL AWFUL?
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Blog Title: Mast Cell Mayhem – Understanding Histamine Overload and How Valley Cryo Can Help If you’ve ever felt itchy for no reason, struggled with brain fog, or reacted to foods you used to tolerate, you might be dealing with mast cell activation — and you're not alone. Mast cells are a key part of the immune system. When working properly, they help fight infection and injury. But when they become overactive or dysregulated, they can cause a cascade of symptoms that leave people feeling inflamed, anxious, reactive, and exhausted. Common Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation: Flushing or facial redness Itchy skin, scalp, or hives Heart palpitations Lightheadedness or dizziness Brain fog and fatigue Food and chemical sensitivities GI upset, bloating, or nausea Anxiety or a sense of “doom” These symptoms often wax and wane, making it hard to get answers — and even harder to be believed. What Triggers Mast Cell Issues? Mast cells can become activated due to a wide variety of root causes: Tickborne illness (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia) Mold exposure or mycotoxins Viral or bacterial infections Chronic stress and trauma Environmental toxins (perfumes, chemicals, EMFs) Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut Histamine-rich or high-oxalate diets Hormone imbalances (especially in menopause) Genetic predisposition (e.g., MTHFR or HNMT mutations) Many of our clients don’t just have one of these — they have several stacked together. How Valley Cryo Supports Mast Cell Stability You don’t have to suffer endlessly or live on antihistamines. We take a full-body, functional approach: Red Light Therapy – Calms inflammation and supports mitochondrial function. Ozone and Infrared Sauna – Supports detox and immune regulation. Functional Nutrition Consults – Targeted support for DAO levels, low-histamine diets, and gentle gut healing. Supplement Support – Quercetin, Vitamin C, DAO enzymes, and more. We also work alongside functional medicine providers who can help assess your root causes, labs, and tailor advanced interventions. Don’t Settle for Feeling “Crazy” or “Sensitive” If your body is reacting to everything, that’s not normal — it’s a signal. You deserve a care team that listens and a plan that works. 📍 Visit us at Valley Cryo in Charlottesville📞 Call or message us to start your mast cell recovery journey

Blog Title: What To Do After a Tick Bite – Valley Cryo's Functional Approach to Early Intervention Ticks are tiny, but the symptoms they can leave behind are anything but. At Valley Cryo, we regularly see clients who feel overlooked and dismissed after a tick bite — often told their tests are normal, even as their bodies clearly aren’t. The truth is: standard testing often fails to catch early or chronic tickborne illness. That’s why we approach tick bites proactively, with tools to stabilize the body before symptoms spiral. The Problem With Standard Care: Most conventional doctors will only act if a bullseye rash appears or a Lyme test turns positive. But: Only 30–50% of Lyme patients ever develop a rash Common tests like ELISA/Western Blot miss up to 50% of true infections Tickborne illnesses include more than just Lyme — like Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and others Meanwhile, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, rashes, tingling, and joint pain start to set in — and often worsen over time if left untreated. Valley Cryo’s Functional First-Aid for Tick Bites: We believe the best time to act is early — before inflammation spreads and disrupts the gut, hormones, or nervous system. Here's how we help clients: 1. Detox Pathway Activation We support the liver, kidneys, and lymphatics right away using: Ozone therapy Infrared sauna Coffee enemas PEMF and red light therapy These therapies help your body eliminate pathogens and their byproducts more effectively. 2. Mast Cell and Histamine Support Many clients develop sudden sensitivities to foods, chemicals, or light/sound after tick exposure. We use natural mast cell stabilizers like: Quercetin DAO enzyme support Functional nutrition guidance 3. Antimicrobial Herbals While waiting on testing or clinical clarity, we often suggest safe, broad-spectrum herbals like: Japanese Knotweed Cryptolepis These are gentle but effective in targeting early infections. 4. Biofilm Busters Some pathogens form protective biofilms. We use enzymes like lumbrokinase or nattokinase to help break these down and improve antimicrobial access. The Takeaway Untreated tickborne infections can progress into chronic Lyme, which is far more complex and difficult to manage. At that stage, symptoms often become entrenched and may affect multiple systems in the body — turning what could have been a short-term illness into a lifelong condition. Early support can make a tremendous difference. If you've had a recent tick bite (or chronic unexplained symptoms), don’t wait for the “right” test result. The best functional medicine providers know to treat based on symptoms, not just labs. Valley Cryo is here to support you through detox, stabilization, and recovery — with modern tools and compassionate care. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s start your healing today. Reach out to schedule a functional intake or treatment session. Your body will thank you. Disclaimer: This blog is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment. At Valley Cryo, we follow the research and clinical strategies of leading Lyme-literate MDs to support our clients functionally and holistically. We also collaborate with a functional medical doctor to ensure that your care is both evidence-based and individually tailored.

HEAVY METALS: THE HIDDEN TOXINS IMPACTING YOUR HEALTH You don’t have to live next to a factory or work with chemicals to have toxic metals in your body. Today, heavy metal exposure is more common than most people realize — and it could be silently interfering with your health, even if you're not experiencing obvious symptoms. At Valley Cryo, we specialize in supporting your body's ability to detox naturally and safely, using state-of-the-art tools like ozone steam, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. 🔍 What Are Heavy Metals? Heavy metals are elements like: Mercury Lead Arsenic Cadmium Aluminum These metals accumulate in your tissues — especially your brain, liver, kidneys, fat cells, and bones — over time. They're found in dental fillings, tap water, non-organic foods, personal care products, air pollution, and even cookware. ⚠️ The Problem? You Might Not Have Symptoms (Yet) Many people with heavy metal buildup feel fine — until they don’t. These toxins disrupt your: Mitochondrial function (→ fatigue) Hormones (→ estrogen dominance, adrenal dysfunction) Brain chemistry (→ anxiety, brain fog) Detox organs (→ liver, lymph, kidneys) And they increase oxidative stress, which accelerates aging and inflammation. 🧬 Our Heavy Metal Detox Approach at Valley Cryo We don’t rely on harsh chelators or guesswork. Instead, we support your body’s natural detox systems using proven, non-invasive therapies: 💨 Ozone Steam Sauna Ozone delivers powerful oxygenation and immune modulation, helping neutralize pathogens and activate cellular detox. Combined with steam, this therapy opens pores and mobilizes toxins from deep tissues. 🔥 Infrared Sauna Penetrates deeply to stimulate sweat glands and gently pull out heavy metals through the skin — one of the safest and most effective detox pathways. 🔴 Red Light Therapy Enhances mitochondrial energy (ATP), improves circulation, and supports lymphatic movement — critical for processing and clearing toxins from the body. 🙋♀️ Who Benefits from Heavy Metal Detox? You might benefit if you: Feel "wired but tired" Struggle with hormonal imbalances Have mystery symptoms despite clean labs Want to support recovery from mold, Lyme, or chronic illness Simply want to age well and stay resilient 💡 You Don’t Need to Wait Until You’re Sick to Detox Detox isn’t just for crisis. It’s for prevention, energy, clarity, and vitality. At Valley Cryo, we believe your body is wise — it just needs the right tools to release what no longer serves it. Ready to explore heavy metal detox? Call or message us to schedule your personalized plan. Located in Charlottesville, VA Valley Cryo | Whole Body Resilience, Backed by Science

Beyond Chemo: Integrative Support with Oxygen and Ozone At Valley Cryo, we’re honored to walk alongside many clients navigating cancer — whether they’re currently undergoing chemotherapy or exploring ways to support their recovery naturally. Two of the most powerful tools we offer are oxygen therapy and ozone therapy. These aren't just wellness trends — they are integrative, science-backed therapies that support the body at the cellular level. When used alongside conventional cancer treatments, they can help reduce inflammation, ease fatigue, and strengthen the immune system. 🔹 Oxygen Therapy: Fueling the Healing Process Oxygen is critical for energy, detoxification, and cellular repair — all essential during cancer treatment. With options like EWOT (Exercise with Oxygen Therapy) and mild hyperbaric oxygen, we help the body: Rebuild mitochondrial function Increase oxygenation to tissues Support detox pathways Improve energy, clarity, and resilience Many clients report clearer thinking, deeper sleep, and faster recovery after sessions. 🔹 Ozone Steam Sauna: A Powerful Detox Tool Ozone is a highly active form of oxygen with antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In our HOCATT ozone steam sauna, ozone is delivered gently through the skin while the body relaxes in a warm steam chamber. Benefits include: Enhanced detoxification Immune system modulation Circulation and lymphatic stimulation Support for hormonal and metabolic balance It’s gentle but effective — ideal for those with weakened immune systems or ongoing fatigue. 🔹 Oxygen + Ozone = Synergy When used together, these therapies create a powerful, non-invasive support system during and after cancer treatment. They help oxygenate cells more efficiently, reduce oxidative stress, and support whole-body resilience — which is essential for healing. 🧠 Why We Recommend This in Cancer Care Whether you're in active treatment, in remission, or working to prevent recurrence, these therapies help restore balance to a stressed body. We work with each client to create a plan that supports their goals — physically, mentally, and emotionally. You are not your diagnosis — and your body still holds immense power to heal. Let us support you with natural, integrative therapies that work with your treatments, not against them. 🗓 Book a consultation at Valley Cryo today.

Biohacking at Valley Cryo: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science What if you could upgrade your biology? That’s the promise of biohacking—and at Valley Cryo, it’s not just a buzzword. It’s our mission. We use cutting-edge therapies and personalized wellness strategies to help you recover faster, think clearer, and feel better than you have in years. Whether you’re facing hormonal shifts, chronic fatigue, or just want to optimize your performance, this is where you start. 📚 What Is Biohacking? Biohacking is the art and science of optimizing the body using targeted, data-informed strategies—like cryotherapy, red light therapy, oxygen therapy, and functional nutrition. The movement began in the early 2000s when Silicon Valley leaders started experimenting with ways to enhance physical and mental performance. Thinkers like Dave Asprey brought it mainstream—but its roots are ancient: cold exposure, herbal medicine, detox, and movement have always been ways humans have “hacked” their biology. Today, we combine that ancestral wisdom with high-tech tools for real results. 🔧 Services at Valley Cryo: Biohacking Tools That Work Each of our services is designed to support your resilience, recovery, and cellular performance. Here's what you’ll find: 🔥 Whole Body Cryotherapy Rapid inflammation reduction, muscle recovery, endorphin release, and metabolic boost in just 3 minutes. 💡 Full Body Red Light Therapy Photobiomodulation that supports mitochondrial function, reduces pain, enhances collagen production, and boosts mood. 💨 Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) Deliver oxygen deep into tissues to speed healing, increase energy, and improve brain clarity. 🌪️ Ozone Steam Sauna Ozone and heat combine to detoxify, stimulate the immune system, and reduce chronic infections and inflammation. 🌈 Infrared Sauna A calming, deep-penetrating detox that supports lymphatic flow, skin health, and nervous system recovery. 🦵 Compression Therapy Flush metabolic waste, reduce soreness, and improve circulation—perfect for athletes or anyone on their feet all day. 🥗 Functional Nutrition with Jenny Siepka, RN, CFNC Expert guidance to rebalance hormones, thyroid, adrenals, and gut health. We create personalized plans to support sustainable energy, metabolism, and mood. 👥 Who Is This For? Biohacking isn’t just for athletes or CEOs. At Valley Cryo, we serve: Peri- and menopausal women needing hormonal support High-performers pushing through stress or burnout Athletes & weekend warriors who want better recovery Those struggling with chronic fatigue, inflammation, or brain fog Anyone ready to take control of their health—naturally 🧬 Why Biohacking at Valley Cryo Works We don’t guess. We use science-backed technology and functional clinical experience to give your body the support it needs to heal and thrive. Biohacking is about listening to your body, understanding your biology, and using the right tools—not temporary band-aids. At Valley Cryo, we guide you every step of the way. 💥 Ready to Upgrade? You deserve to feel sharp, strong, and energized—not just “fine.” Start with a single session, or book a full recovery and optimization plan. 👉 Book Now or visit us in Charlottesville and meet your future self.

The Healing Support Package: A Smarter Way to Recover from Chronic Illness Because healing should be personal, accessible, and deeply supported. If you're navigating the complexities of cancer recovery, mold illness, chronic Lyme, or autoimmune disease, you already know this truth: 🧠 Healing isn't linear. 💥 It's not one-size-fits-all. 🧬 And it’s never just about one system in the body. At Valley Cryo, we work with people who’ve already seen multiple providers, tried countless supplements, and are still looking for tools that make a real difference. Our goal? To simplify recovery with smart, strategic therapies that work with your body — not against it. 🔹 Why We Created the Healing Support Package This special monthly membership is designed specifically for clients facing deep inflammation, immune dysregulation, and cellular exhaustion — all common in: ✅ Cancer treatment and recovery ✅ Chronic Lyme disease ✅ Mold toxicity ✅ Autoimmune conditions like lupus, RA, Hashimoto’s ✅ Long COVID or post-viral syndromes We know these journeys can be financially and emotionally draining. That’s why we built something flexible, affordable, and rooted in clinical insight. 🌿 What’s Included for $399/month: 🔴 Unlimited Full-Body Red Light Therapy Supports mitochondrial repair, inflammation control, lymphatic drainage, and cellular resilience. 💨 4 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy OR Ozone Therapy Sessions Mix and match based on your needs — or choose one modality for the full month. HBOT boosts oxygen delivery and speeds healing Ozone helps detox pathogens, mold, and inflammation This package normally retails over $600 — but we’ve intentionally priced it at $399/month to help those in the thick of healing feel cared for and supported. 🧠 Why It Works We’re not just a cryotherapy center. Jenny Siepka, RN is a seasoned nurse, certified functional practitioner, and avid biohacker who works closely with a functional MD to tailor protocols to each client’s unique physiology. We’ve seen this combo of targeted light, oxygen, and detox support help: Reduce brain fog Ease joint and nerve pain Improve sleep and energy Decrease histamine load and mast cell activation Support detox from mold, chemo, or infections 🤝 You Don’t Have to Guess Anymore Not every facility understands when cold exposure is too much for someone with adrenal dysfunction… or how ozone might benefit one client and burden another. But we do. We ask the right questions. We track your response. We stay by your side. Ready to feel supported, not overwhelmed? 📲 Reach out to us today and ask about the Healing Support Package. Let’s build a smarter path to healing — together.

When Is the Right Time to Use Cold Therapy? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Cold therapy (like cryotherapy or cold plunges) has exploded in popularity lately, and for good reason: it can help reduce pain, improve recovery, and boost your overall sense of well-being. But timing is everything. At Valley Cryo, we’re all about optimizing results. And when it comes to cold therapy, using it at the right time can make a huge difference—especially if your goals include building muscle, improving hormone function, or recovering from chronic stress. ❌ Why You Shouldn't Use Cold Therapy Right After Strength Training After a hard workout, it might seem smart to jump into the cryo chamber or cold plunge to reduce soreness. But here’s the deal: When you strength train, you intentionally create small amounts of muscle damage and inflammation. That process signals your body to rebuild stronger and bigger muscle tissue (a process known as hypertrophy). If you use cold therapy immediately after lifting, you may blunt the inflammatory response, which can reduce the very adaptation you’re working for. Multiple studies have shown that cold exposure post-lifting can interfere with: 💪 Muscle growth 🏋️♀️ Strength gains 🧬 Cellular signaling for adaptation Bottom line: If your goal is muscle building or body recomposition, wait at least 4–6 hours after strength training to use cold therapy—or better yet, do it on a recovery day. ⚠️ When Cryo Might Not Be Right for You Just because you can handle the cold, doesn’t always mean you should—especially if your adrenals are taxed. Cold therapy is a hormetic stressor, meaning it puts your body under short, controlled stress to make it more resilient. But when you’re already dealing with adrenal dysfunction—chronic fatigue, burnout, sleep problems—this added stress may be too much. 🚩 Signs cold therapy might not be right (yet): 😴 Deep fatigue, even after sleeping 8+ hours 🌀 Lightheadedness when standing up 🥶 You feel worse (not energized) after cryo or cold plunges Instead, focus on: 🛌 Supporting adrenal repair with rest, red/green light, and nutrition 🌙 Balancing cortisol rhythms 🚶♀️ Gentle movement instead of extreme cold or intense training Once you're stronger internally, cryo can become a powerful next step. ✅ When Is Cryo the Right Tool? 🔄 On rest days, to support lymphatic flow and reduce soreness ❤️🔥 After cardio, especially HIIT or long runs, to recover faster 🌞 In the morning, to boost energy, mood, and focus ⏳ At least 4–6 hours after strength training, so you don’t blunt muscle gains 🧠 Every Body Is Different Some people thrive with daily cold exposure. Others need a slower approach. At Valley Cryo, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recovery. We look at your goals, your symptoms, and your overall stress load before making a plan. 👉 Want help figuring out what your body needs most right now? Let’s chat. 📅 Book a free consult or session today – and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

🌿 Fighting Mold Illness? Start with Infrared Sauna Detox If you're dealing with mold exposure or chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), you know the symptoms: 💤 Brain fog, fatigue, pain, inflammation, mood swings, and that feeling like your body just won’t bounce back. The good news? Infrared sauna therapy is one of the first and most effective tools in your detox arsenal—and Valley Cryo has the best setup in town. 🔥 Why Infrared Sauna Is a Must for Mold Detox When your body is burdened by mold toxins (mycotoxins), your detox pathways—like the liver, lymphatic system, and skin—can get overloaded. Sweating in an infrared sauna is a direct, efficient way to purge toxins, especially fat-soluble ones like mold. Benefits of infrared sauna for mold detox include: 🌡️ Deep tissue sweating (without extreme heat) 🧠 Improved brain fog and fatigue 🦠 Enhanced immune response 🧼 Mobilization of stored toxins through fat and lymph 🫀 Better circulation and oxygenation And unlike traditional saunas that just heat the air, infrared waves penetrate deeper, gently warming your core and allowing for a more powerful detox at lower temps. 🧖 Why Our Sauna Is Different At Valley Cryo, we don’t just toss you in a cramped hot box and call it wellness. Our 3-person Clearlight infrared sauna is: ✅ Spacious—stretch out and relax without feeling trapped ✅ Private—your own dedicated sauna room ✅ Therapeutic—includes overhead chromotherapy (color light therapy for mood + healing) ✅ Convenient—the only sauna in town with a full-service, spa-quality shower included This matters—especially for those detoxing from mold. You need a clean, safe environment to sweat, recover, and rinse off toxins immediately after. 💥 Infrared + Mold Detox = Power Combo If you’re working with a practitioner on mold detox—or even if you're just suspecting mold is part of your symptoms—infrared sauna should be your first stop. Many of our clients with mold-related issues use our sauna regularly and notice: 🔄 Fewer flare-ups 💨 Better breathing 💆 Less joint pain and tension 😴 Deeper sleep ✨ Clearer skin and mental focus 🧬 Detox Smarter—Feel Better At Valley Cryo, we believe in giving your body the right tools—not just another supplement or bandaid. Infrared sauna therapy is powerful, natural, and proven. Combine it with our other offerings (like cryo, redlight, and ozone), and you’ve got a protocol for true recovery. 💬 Ready to Sweat Smarter? Book a session or ask us how to integrate infrared sauna into your mold detox protocol. 📍 Charlottesville, VA | 💻 www.myvalleycryo.com 📞 540-217-2831