What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT involves the increase of pressure and increase of oxygen on the body, which accelerates systemic healing processes. HBOT works by following a very simple and natural law of physics: more pressure allows more gas (namely oxygen) to easily dissolve in fluids.

As the hyperbaric chamber exerts greater pressure onto the body, gases, namely increased oxygen, begin supersaturating in the bloodstream, better penetrating cells and enabling cellular functions to increase. This results in a variety of physiological benefits.

Physiological benefits.

Energy Levels.

Tissue Function & Regeneration.

Reduces Inflammation.

Reduces Pain.

Immune Function.

Anti-Aging.

Why Oxygen?

  • Cellular respiration / cell growth: Oxygen is the key component for the process of cellular respiration, which is essential for all cellular activities and is required for the functioning of organs, muscles, and tissues.

  • Energy production: Cellular respiration generates ATP, which is the primary energy currency of the body, and it is required for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, digestion, and synthesis of proteins and other molecules.

  • Brain function: The brain is highly dependent on oxygen for its proper functioning. It has a high metabolic rate and requires a constant supply of oxygen to carry out its cognitive functions.

  • Breathing and oxygenation: When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream. It binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming oxyhemoglobin, and is transported to tissues and organs throughout the body, maintaining the normal functioning of organs and tissues.

  • Removal of waste products: Oxygen is involved in the removal of waste products, particularly carbon dioxide, from the body. During cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced as a byproduct, and oxygen helps facilitate its removal through the respiratory system. Adequate oxygen levels ensure the efficient elimination of waste products and help maintain the body's acid-base balance.

  • Immune system function: Certain immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, use oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that help neutralize pathogens and promote the immune response.

Why Pressure?

Increased pressure enhances the therapeutic effects of oxygen that may not be achievable with normal atmospheric conditions. Increases oxygen-delivery capacity, facilitating tissue oxygenation, stimulating healing processes:

  • Oxygen solubility: Increased pressure allows for a higher concentration of oxygen to dissolve in bodily fluids, including blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Under normal atmospheric pressure, the amount of oxygen that can dissolve in these fluids is limited.

  • Oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues: By subjecting the body to increased pressure during, oxygen can reach areas with compromised blood supply or reduced oxygen levels. The enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood allows oxygen to diffuse into tissues more effectively, even in regions that may have restricted blood flow due to injury, infection, etc.

  • Tissue oxygenation and healing: HBOT stimulates angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which can improve tissue oxygenation in areas with reduced blood flow. Increased pressure also enhances the oxygenation of damaged tissues, promoting healing, and reducing the risk of infection.

In summary, increased pressure in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is vital because it enhances the solubility and delivery of oxygen to tissues, and promotes tissue oxygenation and healing. The combination of increased pressure and higher oxygen concentrations provides therapeutic benefits that may not be achievable with normal atmospheric conditions.

FAQs

  • Sessions usually last 60 minutes, but can be up to 120 minutes.

    1. The user enters the chamber and completely zips the chamber up. The all-in-one unit is turned on and the chamber is pressurized to 1.3 ATA (usually lasts~7-10 minutes). At the start and end of the session (during the pressurization and depressurization), the user will feel increased pressure on their ears, as if they’re taking off in an airplane. The user will need to clear their ears.

    2. After the chamber is completely pressurized, the user will no longer feel pressure on their ears. They will reside at full pressure, breathing in increased oxygen, for the programmed time (60-120 minutes). We recommend relaxing, taking a nap, or working if need be!

    3. At the end of the session, the chamber will depressurize (usually lasts ~7-10 minutes) by slightly opening the air pressure release valve; the user unzips the chamber and steps out. The therapy is complete.

  • You will achieve the best results, research recommends multiple, consistent sessions. Some research suggests doing 5 days on and 2 days off. You can safely do mHBOT everyday!

  • Electronics ARE allowed inside the chamber - whether that's your laptop, cell phone, Airpods, etc. You DO NOT need to wear specific clothing.

  • Yes! As part of the installation process, we will do a demo on how to operate the chamber and cover any tips and tricks. We also provide you with complementary video instruction on how operate. Our team is also available should you have any questions!

Download our free eBook on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy!