The present application relates to methods to administer to a patient a hypothermal inhalation gas composition that includes oxygen and a mixture of inert gases. The mixture of inert gases includes a first compound selected from xenon and argon, and a second compound having hypothermal properties, such as helium. In the methods, a gas composition including oxygen and a mixture of inert gases is selected and the gas composition is administered to the patient at an inhalation temperature of a specified range such that the body temperature of the patient is maintained within a specified temperature range.