Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Humans require oxygen for survival. During our early education, we were taught that the air we inhale has 21% oxygen content.
Oxygen is utilized by our bodies to generate energy. Red blood cells transport oxygen in the blood vessels, where it binds to hemoglobin, before dissolving in the plasma and reaching body tissues through arteries and capillaries.
Although the importance of oxygen in maintaining health has been recognized for centuries, it was not until 1891 that Dr. J.L. Corning constructed a hyperbaric chamber in New York. Since then, efforts have been made to enhance these chambers by finding the optimal balance of air pressure and oxygen levels for therapeutic benefits.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What Is It?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing in 100% pure oxygen at higher atmospheric pressure. The pressurized chamber assists in improved oxygen absorption by the body in the lungs and tissues.
The increased oxygen concentration and additional pressure work together to deliver more oxygen to the areas of our bodies that need it most.
Types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
There are three types of hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The first two are medical-grade chambers found in hospitals and medical centers.
- Multiplace chambers – Several patients can sit inside, with some equipped with hoods or masks to breathe oxygen instead of immersing their entire bodies in therapy.
- Monoplace chambers – A person can lie down or sit for medical treatment.
- Soft-shell chambers – For personal use, this can be bought for your own home. You can zip yourself into this one. The pressure doesn’t go up as high, but it still offers amazing health benefits.
We measure pressure in Atmospheres Absolute (ATA). Soft shells typically reach 1.3-1.7 ATA, whereas hard shells can reach 5.0 ATA, yet humans can only descend safely to 3.0 ATA.
In healthcare environments, the typical duration inside is 90 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes on each end for gradual pressure adjustment. This process consumes a solid two hours of your schedule.
In medical settings, these chambers are commonly transparent acrylic. At-home units, on the other hand, are opaque and often lined with fabric. (I truly value the absence of visual distractions!)
When entering the chamber, refrain from bringing any items. It’s necessary to take off all jewelry and electronics (you shouldn’t have your phone in your pocket anyway!) Healthcare facilities often provide TVs for patient entertainment.
Benefits of HBOT
We are discovering more about the benefits of HBOT for the body. It:
- Increases oxygen –throughout the entire body
- Regrows blood vessels –By improving blood circulation and increasing blood volume in the body
- Decreases swelling and inflammation – by reducing expression levels of various inflammatory markers
- Improves lymphatic fluid flow – Under increased pressure
- Stimulates stem cells – which aids in the further regeneration of the body
- Kills infections – by depriving harmful anaerobic bacteria of the conditions necessary for their growth and survival
Overall, it may help optimize your cellular functioning and mitochondria.
On average, doctors typically prescribe a treatment regimen of 40 sessions, covered by some insurance plans. The FDA has approved the use of hyperbaric chambers for the treatment of the following medical conditions:
- Decompression illness – prevents the rapid resurfacing of excess nitrogen during scuba diving
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Healing wounds
- Diabetic foot ulcers and wounds in diabetic patients
- Radiation damage
- Burns
- Skin infections such as gangrene.
- Skin transplants
- Osteomyelitis – chronic bone infections
- Sudden deafness or hearing impairment
- Gas and air bubbles in blood vessels
- Injury from crushing
- Anemia
- Loss of vision
However, the FDA has approved only soft chambers for altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness.
In my podcast interview with Dr. Scott Sherr on hyperbaric medicine, He noted that while the FDA has approved HBOT for 14 uses, other countries have approved it for over 70.
We still have much to learn about how it works fully. Nonetheless, doctors have persisted in studying hyperbaric therapy for additional off-label uses.
- Cancer – usually used alongside chemotherapy and radiation, potentially making them more efficient
- Arthritis –It may help alleviate symptoms when oxidative stress and C-reactive protein levels are elevated.
- Ischemia –It may lower the long-term risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Reproductive issues –It could enhance fertility and reverse erectile dysfunction.
- Chronic illness – From chronic fatigue syndrome to Lyme disease, there are numerous case studies available for these conditions.
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Many athletes utilize it for minor injuries, asserting it accelerates recovery. Others use it for anti-aging purposes. Certain veterinarians provide HBOT for pets.
Due to the minimal side effects, numerous alternative healthcare providers are eager to experiment with HBOT for intricate chronic diseases and other health issues that have not improved with conventional therapies.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Side Effects and Precautions
However, HBOT may not be suitable for everyone. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor regarding hyperbaric oxygen treatments before undergoing them.
Excessive oxygen, like oxygen, can be harmful. Oxygen toxicity is a real condition caused by high levels of oxygen increasing reactive oxygen species.
Some situations necessitate added caution:
- Recent accidents – if you have recently been in an accident, healthcare providers will need to perform a scan to ensure you do not have a pneumothorax (a pocket of air inside the lungs)
- Ear problems – heightened pressure in the ear can harm the middle ear
- Lung disease
- Seizure disorders
In animal studies, excessive pressure can lead to cataracts and sinus problems. Temporary vision changes have been reported, but these usually resolve after treatment. Due to 98% of gut microbiome bacteria being anaerobic, supplementation with Probiotics should be considered.
Some HBOT centers recommend taking antioxidants to combat oxidative stress when undergoing high doses.
Home Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Amazingly, we can now utilize the benefits of oxygen at home, saving money and owning the device.
I recommend the following brands:
- Hbot Plus – They offer two soft-shell choices, one for sitting and another for lying down, in addition to a hard-shell design.
- HyperbaricPro – They offer soft-shell designs for reclining, wheelchair users, and multiple occupants, along with hard-shell options.
Read Also: Natural Pesticides For An Organic Garden At Home
I had the opportunity to try hyperbaric oxygen therapy with a friend who was fighting Lyme Disease. Similar to the sensation while diving underwater, there is a slight pressure felt in the ears and on the skin. It’s comparable to the feeling on an airplane when your ears pop upon opening your mouth. I find that chewing gum while undergoing the therapy helps alleviate the pressure.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Tim Jackson, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, and a Functional Medicine provider. He holds a B.S. Degree in Health Science and Chemistry from Wake Forest University. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Have you tried hyperbaric oxygen therapy yet? Do you plan to try it?
