Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Revolutionary Treatment For Injuries And A Secret To Anti-Aging 

Source: Dr. Ann Auburn, Natural Health Improvement Center, Grandville, MI

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? 

HBOT is a treatment where you are placed in a sealed comfortable chamber with windows and the atmospheric pressure is safely increased so that more oxygen is forced into cells, triggering a cascade of healing mechanisms to heal tissues, promote anti-aging of tissues, improve neurological function, and improve circulation. It is also known to improve Mitochondrial Dysfunction from oxidative stress, chronic fatigue, and chronic degenerative diseases. Mitochondria make all of the energy needed in the body at the cellular level. This energy is called ATP, Adenosine Triphosphate. Mitochondria are microscopic and each of the estimated 37 trillion cells in your body contains about 2,000 of these tiny powerhouses! When they do not create optimal energy levels, there is less energy for your cells to function, causing the body to be less healthy, age faster, heal more slowly and make you more susceptible to disease! 

What conditions can be treated with HBOT?

Very simply, HBOT can be helpful for any condition caused or aggravated by reduced oxygen levels in the tissues and other forms of tissue injury. When these injuries occur, there is a secondary injury due to inflammation that continues for years. HBOT treats the immediate inflammatory process and long-term end products of the body’s inflammatory reaction. There are up to 100 conditions that can be treated with HBOT.

HBOT has been indicated for the treatment of:

  • Poorly healing wounds

  • Diabetic Foot Ulcers

  • Skin graft at risk of tissue death

  • Radiation injuries

  • Crushing Injury

  • Sudden hearing loss

  • Sudden vision loss

  • Macular degeneration

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Post-Concussion Syndrome

  • and many more…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment where you are placed in a sealed, comfortable chamber with windows. Once inside the chamber, the atmospheric pressure is safely increased so that more oxygen is forced into cells, triggering a cascade of healing mechanisms to heal tissues, promote anti-aging of tissues, improve neurological function, and improve circulation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment.

What is the different between Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) involves a pressure protocol up to 1.3 ATA, or 4 psi. This pressure increase is mild and is only slightly greater than what is experienced at sea level. High-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves pressure above 1.5 ATA, and contains a much higher percentage of oxygen than ambient air. 

Is HBOT good for children?
Yes! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a non-invasive procedure that offers the same benefits to children as adults. HBOT infuses a child’s entire body with pure, pressurized oxygen and blood carries oxygen to nourish tissues, cells, muscles, and organs. 

Is HBOT good for the elderly?
Yes. Hyperbaric therapy can be very beneficial to older individuals and can help reduce signs of aging.

How long does a treatment last?
About 60-90 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?
Chronic health conditions need a minimum 30-40 treatments for lasting results. Acute conditions (sudden hearing loss, post-stroke within a month) need 10-20 treatments.

Is HBOT safe?
Yes! Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and has minimal side effects. While most patients can easily get accustomed to pressurization and depressurization, there is a risk of ear and sinus trauma or pain. Ear pain is usually temporary and ceases after the dive is complete. The NHIC attendants help patients avoid ear/sinus pain by carefully regulating the speed of compression/decompression to the needs of each patient.

What should I wear when receiving HBOT?
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Note: hearing aids, metal-framed eyeglasses, hard contact lenses, jewelry, watches, dentures, and other prosthetic devices cannot be taken into the chamber.