Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Steinruck.
Hi Larissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in the health and wellness industry for nearly 20 years. Before opening Arctic Healing Cryo, I worked as a fitness trainer and nutritionist. My life was all about discipline—two-hour daily workouts combining cardio and strength training. But during preparation for a fitness competition, I injured my lower back doing deadlifts. The doctor put me on muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories, which helped temporarily, but the pain kept returning every time I resumed training.
That was the turning point. I knew I didn’t want to rely on medication long-term. I began looking for alternative, holistic approaches to manage the pain. That’s when someone told me about cryotherapy. It wasn’t mainstream at the time, and I was a little skeptical—but I’ve always had an open mind. I went for a session, and to my surprise, I experienced immediate relief. Excited by the results, I signed up for a monthly membership and started going daily. After a month of consistent sessions, my back pain was gone. But more than that, I noticed better sleep, improved mood, and more energy. I felt alive again.
I started diving into the research and realized cryotherapy had much more to offer. That’s when the idea began to take root. I wanted to bring this to more people. It felt natural—almost like coming full circle. I’m originally from Siberia, Russia. As a child, I used to walk barefoot in the snow and do cold plunges. My immune system was strong—I rarely got sick. My younger sister, who was often in and out of the hospital with bronchitis, started copying me. Soon, her health improved, and even some of her friends joined in. That experience taught me early on about the power of cold exposure.
So in January of 2017, I took a leap of faith and opened Arctic Healing Cryo. Cryotherapy was still new to most people here. Success in any new business is never guaranteed, but I was willing to take a chance because of my strong beliefs—and I was ready to educate people about its benefits. I believed in the body’s ability to heal itself if given the right environment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Was it always a smooth road? Definitely not. Starting a business is never without its challenges. To my surprise, the business gained momentum quickly. By the end of 2018, we added body contouring treatments—non-invasive technology that freezes fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated through lymphatic drainage. We were excited to be among the first wellness centers in the U.S., and likely the first in Houston, to offer this cutting-edge treatment from Paris—where so many beauty innovations begin. People loved it, and we were booked weeks in advance.
Then the pandemic hit. Like other non-essential businesses (although many of our clients strongly believed we were essential), we were forced to shut down for six weeks. It was a difficult and uncertain time. But once we reopened, we gradually started to rebuild. By the end of 2020, people began returning with a renewed focus on their health. The business started gaining momentum again, and the shift toward preventive and holistic wellness became even more apparent.
Since then, my business has grown steadily. I’ve expanded our services to include red light therapy (photobiomodulation), anti-aging facials, and other wellness treatments. Everything we do is non-invasive, drug-free, and centered around prevention, recovery, and longevity. My mission is to help people live healthier lives by tapping into their body’s natural healing ability.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Arctic Healing Cryo is a boutique-style wellness studio, and we intentionally keep it that way. We specialize in non-invasive, holistic wellness therapies that support the body’s natural ability to heal, restore, and thrive. Our core services include whole-body cryotherapy, red light therapy (photobiomodulation), body contouring, anti-aging facials, and other regenerative wellness treatments. We get to know our clients personally—their stories, their families, their goals. Over time, many of them become like family to us. That personal connection is at the heart of everything we do. Exceptional customer service and individualized attention are not just part of our brand—they’re a part of our values. Every client who walks through our door should feel seen, supported, and truly cared for.
What makes our work special is that we don’t just treat symptoms — we address the whole person. Whether someone walks through our door for pain management, recovery, fat reduction, or simply to feel better in their skin, our goal is the same: to help them feel stronger, healthier, and more aligned — inside and out.
I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve built a business rooted in integrity, education, and human connection. We were one of the first in Houston to offer cryotherapy and cutting-edge body contouring treatments like CryoSkin, long before they became mainstream. But beyond being early adopters, we’ve stayed focused on client experience and long-term wellness — not just trends.
What sets us apart is our commitment to mind-body healing. We believe real transformation happens when we combine physical care with mental and emotional support. That’s why mindset, mindfulness, and education are woven into everything we do — from the services we offer to the conversations we have with our clients.
People often tell us that walking into our space feels different — calm, welcoming, and safe. That’s intentional. After nearly two decades of working closely with clients, I’ve learned that when people feel truly seen and heard, that’s when healing begins.
Along the way, I’ve also become deeply invested in mindset and emotional wellness. I study the works of Tony Robbins and Dr. Joe Dispenza, both of whom emphasize the power of thought and belief. I practice mindfulness and gratitude daily. That mindset—of inner work paired with outer care—has shaped my vision for what wellness should look like.
That’s what inspired me to create The Velvet Hour, a space for real connection. After two decades of working with clients, one thing stands out: when people feel safe, they open up. Many just need someone to listen without judgment. In a world where we constantly perform and wear masks, it’s rare to find a space where you can just be. That’s what I want to offer. Healing, inside and out.
This isn’t just a business for me—it’s a purpose. And I’m just getting started.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes — I’d love to remind readers that true wellness isn’t just about looking better or even feeling better. It’s about reconnecting with yourself on every level — physically, emotionally, and mentally.
We live in a fast-paced world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, and keep going. But real transformation happens when we pause, reflect, and give our body and mind what they truly need — rest, support, nourishment, and connection.
If you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or just disconnected from yourself, you’re not alone. There are natural, science-backed, and deeply human ways to heal — and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or looking to take it to the next level, we’re here to support you with care, compassion, and proven tools that work.
And one more thing: trust your body. It’s wiser than you think. You just have to give it the space to show you what it’s capable of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ahcryo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arctichealing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArcticHealingCryo/
