A device comprising a heat-generating component that comprises an alkali metal is provided. The alkali metal in the presence of water at a point of contact of the device undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat in situ. The amount of heat generated is proportional to and/or limited by the amount (or moles) of water at the point of contact, and the heat generated is sufficient to achieve an increase in temperature at the point of contact to achieve a therapeutic or beneficial result. In one embodiment, the device is used for reducing sweat production in a subject suffering from excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. In other embodiments, the device is used to substantially sterilize a surface or render a surface substantially aseptic.

Systems and methods for improving or preventing a condition, such as the treatment of pain syndromes and migraine headaches are disclosed. A method for treating pain can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic effect. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.

Temperature of the extremities is a significant factor in temperature control of the body due to the presence of thermal receptors in the extremities. The brain uses signals from these thermal receptors as an indication of environmental conditions, and responds accordingly. Thermal monitoring of extremities and adjustment of extremity temperature are valuable in controlling body temperature, leading to a more optimum body temperature in an array of environmental conditions. Devices, such as a wearable article, and an apparatus to monitor the temperature of extremities, adjust the temperature of the extremities in response to the monitored temperature.

Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with cooling. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by cooling tissue having a high density of cold sensitive thermoreceptors and/or by cooling BAT depots directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure.

In a stimulus method, a stimulus applying apparatus is attached to an area selected from a group of specific parts of a body surface by an acupuncture needle(s) or heating etc. thereby releasing the stress, and a stress-free medical treatment method based on the stimulus method.

A system for adding pressure and extracting heat from the bottom of a user's foot to aid in pain relief. A spherical container is provided with an aqueous polymer mixture which may be cooled or heated to allow heat to be transferred through the spherical container to/from the bottom of a user's foot. The spherical container is provided with a tube passing therethrough to allow a user to provide a strap through the spherical container. The strap is provided with handles to allow the user to direct the pressure of the spherical container to the bottom of the user's foot and to extract or apply heat as desired.

Temperature of the extremities is a significant factor in temperature control of the body due to the presence of thermal receptors in the extremities. The brain uses signals from these thermal receptors as an indication of environmental conditions, and responds accordingly. Thermal monitoring of extremities and adjustment of extremity temperature are valuable in controlling body temperature, leading to a more optimum body temperature in an array of environmental conditions. Devices, such as a wearable article, and an apparatus to monitor the temperature of extremities, adjust the temperature of the extremities in response to the monitored temperature.

Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving the appearance of skin or other target regions are described. Aspects of the technology are directed to improving the appearance of skin by tightening the skin, improving skin tone or texture, eliminating or reducing wrinkles, increasing skin smoothness, or improving the appearance sites with cellulite. Treatments can include cooling a surface of a patient's skin and detecting freezing in the cooled skin. The tissue can be cooled after the freeze event is detected so to maintain the frozen state of the tissue to improve the appearance of the treatment site.

Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving the appearance of skin or other target regions are described as well as for providing for other treatments. Aspects of the technology are directed to improving the appearance of skin by tightening the skin, improving skin tone or texture, eliminating or reducing wrinkles, increasing skin smoothness, or improving the appearance of cellulite. Treatments can include cooling a surface of a patient's skin and detecting at least one freeze event in the cooled skin. The treatment system can continue cooling the patient's skin after the freeze event(s) are detected so to maintain at least a partially frozen state of the tissue for a period of time.

Compositions and formulations for use with devices and systems that enable tissue cooling, such as cryotherapy applications, for alteration and reduction of adipose tissue are described. Aspects of the technology are further directed to methods, compositions and devices that provide protection of non-targeted cells (e.g., non-lipid-rich cells) from freeze damage during dermatological and related aesthetic procedures that require sustained exposure to cold temperatures. Further aspects of the technology include systems for enhancing sustained and/or replenishing release of cryoprotectant to a treatment site prior to and during cooling applications.