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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT
Every cell in your body needs an adequate supply of oxygen to function on a day to day basis. When an injury occurs, the injury site will benefit from higher levels of oxygen to heal. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the amount of oxygen in your blood plasma. This increase in plasma oxygen levels will help promote healing and fight infection. Even when the obvious injury does not exist, increased oxygen to the tissue is beneficial. The human body is always under attack from stress, poor diet, and a multitude of other conditions that make additional oxygen an invaluable tool of everyday health and wellness.

With Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the air pressure is increased to two times higher than normal air pressure. The increased pressure causes oxygen to be dissolved into the blood plasma as well as interstitial fluid, increasing the total amount of oxygen to the tissues. This helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing.

What is HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the use of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. At 1.3 atmospheres, you are equivalent to 11 ft below sea level. Increased pressure allows the blood plasma and other liquids of the body to take up additional oxygen, increasing oxygen uptake by the cells, tissues, glands, organs, brain, and fluids of the body. Breathing oxygen under pressure causes it to dissolve and saturate more effectively in the blood system, primarily the plasma, which yields a broad array of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. This non-invasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels to all organs of the body. Typical treatments last for 60 minutes, during which the recipient lies down and breathes normally.

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT)

mHBOT is a simple procedure that consists of entering a soft-sided hyperbaric chamber and experiencing a 30% increase in pressure, equaling 1.3 atmospheres or 11 feet below sea level. This is the highest pressure approved by the FDA for soft-sided chambers and allows for an exceptionally safe increase in tissue oxygen levels. Studies have shown a 50% increase, or more, in plasma oxygenation after one hour of treatment in a 1.3 atmosphere environment with compressed room air only.

Applications

The typical application that has demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety is 60-minute sessions once a day, 2-3 days a week. Compromised individuals (fighting illness/disease) should follow a protocol of 40 hours of therapy within a 30-day period.

Is it safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen is very safe, specifically when applied at lower atmospheres and adhering to proper protocols. Oxygen toxicity and side effects are extremely unusual and are typically only experienced in hospital settings where dosages are higher to treat acute and life-threatening conditions. When applied at lower pressures, safety records are exemplary.

Who may benefit?

Individuals with:

• Fibromyalgia
• Autism
• Tick-borne illness
• Autoimmune conditions
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Cancer, and other Complex
• Chronic difficult-to-treat conditions
• Chronic Lyme disease

Athletes love HBOT for performance/recovery benefits. HBOT is first-line therapy for concussion/traumatic brain injury, especially since these conditions are becoming more and more common among athletes and non-athletes of all ages. Head injuries will respond best to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy when utilized within days of the injury. Significant benefits can be achieved months to years after the incident. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy causes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and is beneficial for treating and preventing conditions caused by poor circulation, diabetes, heart disease, and vascular-related conditions.

How does it work?

Henry’s Law of Physics: An increase in atmospheric pressure allows for more gas to be dissolved into any given liquid. Oxygen, the 8th element on the Periodic Table, exists as a gas at room temperature. The human body is composed almost completely of water. GAS UNDER PRESSURE DISSOLVES IN WATER

Are there any side effects?

Harmful side effects have not been reported with Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Possible temporary side effects to consider when preparing for your first session

Slight discomfort to the ears when during pressurization only. Similar to the sensation experienced when you first take off in an airplane.

A few individuals may experience fatigue or even feel ill during the first couple of sessions due to the body clearing toxins. This is perfectly normal and safe. Hydrating well, which you should be doing as part of a wellness program that can help minimize or even prevent these side effects.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Do not wear pantyhose or other restrictive clothing as they may contribute to feelings of claustrophobia. Bring something to read, as the sessions last about 60 minutes. You may want to bring a favorite cd, DVD player, portable game, etc. Any and all sound-producing devices must be played through headphones or earbuds only.
Don’t consume large amounts of fluid immediately before entering the chamber. Immediately following your session you should drink 20-30 ounces of Aqualiv water which is provided for you. Do not wear perfume or cologne when you are coming for your session.

What if I’m Claustrophobic?

Individuals with Claustrophobia may experience some slight anxiety during their first session but once the chamber is fully inflated there is ample room to sit up and move around. One of our Wellness Concierges will be with you during the inflation period and the first couple of minutes after inflation to make sure you are comfortable. You will also have a call button if you need anything. A staff member will be checking in on you several times during your session to make sure everything is going well.

Session expectations

During pressurization, the chamber will seem small. Once fully pressurized, about one minute, the chamber will be fully inflated with room to freely move around.

During inflation is the time when you will experience pressure in your ears. Using the method explained below will resolve the pressure.

Close your mouth, firmly squeeze your nose shut with your finger and thumb. While closing off your nose blow like your blowing your nose keeping your nose and mouth closed. Air will expel through your ears relieving the pressure.

Won’t I get bored?

You can bring music but you must use headphones or earbuds to listen to. You can also talk on your cell phone, play handheld games, watch movies on your laptop or bring a book.

Contraindications

You should not enter the chamber if you are intoxicated, have sinus or ear issues that may prevent you from equalizing as the chamber pressurizes. Individuals with head colds or GI flu should not enter the chamber or attend other appointments at the wellness center. Part of our wellness program involves minimizing our members to these conditions.

How often do I schedule sessions?

Recommendations will be made after your wellness questionnaire is reviewed.

How much do sessions cost?

Sessions are $90 for 60 minutes or ask about our memberships that are designed to provide frequent access to all of our wellness therapies at a significantly reduced cost.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product/service is not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent disease.