Breaking Down Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Dylan Golden, MA
- Sep 7, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Table of Contents:
Exploring the Benefits of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Better Brain & Body is a human optimization center and functional neurology clinic. Functional neurology, also known as chiropractic neurology, is a specialized field within healthcare that focuses on optimizing brain-to-body function through non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical, and non-invasive interventions. Functional neurologists are healthcare professionals who have additional training in the fields of neuroscience and neurology.
In this blog, we dive into the healing potential of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Mild HBOT is a non-invasive therapy involving breathing in pure oxygen at a slightly higher atmospheric pressure than we typically experience at sea level. This gentle yet powerful approach creates an environment where your body can absorb more oxygen, allowing it to reach deep into tissues and cells, nourishing and revitalizing them. This increased oxygen absorption enhances the body’s natural healing process. Learn the difference between mild and hard HBOT chambers.
Oxygen to the Brain
The brain, as the control center of our body, needs plentiful amounts of oxygen. Adequate oxygen supply is essential for its optimal functioning. When the brain receives abundant oxygen, it can perform its functions more efficiently, improving cognitive abilities, mood regulation, and overall neurological health.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits:
Now, let's explore how Mild HBOT benefits.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Increasing oxygen delivery to the brain may improve focus, memory, and mental clarity—essential aspects of brain health.
Supporting Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and rewire itself, is at the core of our approach. Mild HBOT may promote neuroplasticity by providing the brain with the oxygen it needs for optimal adaptation and healing.
Supporting Neurological Conditions: Mild HBOT has succeeded as a complementary therapy for various neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Reduced Inflammation: Brain Inflammation is a common concern in many neurological conditions. Mild HBOT has been reported to reduce inflammation, potentially relieving patients with conditions like traumatic brain injury, concussion, or neurodegenerative diseases.
Stress Reduction: Stress can negatively impact brain health. Mild HBOT sessions can be a relaxing experience, potentially reducing stress and supporting emotional well-being.
Improved Blood Flow: Mild HBOT may enhance blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain. This can help nourish brain cells and remove toxins, further supporting neurological health.
Pain Management: Chronic pain is challenging for many individuals with neurological conditions. Mild HBOT has been reported to have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, potentially relieving those in pain.
Detoxification: Higher oxygen levels in a mild hyperbaric chamber can aid the detoxification process by enhancing cellular metabolism, which assists in the disposal of waste and toxins from the body.
Athletic Performance Training: Athletes far and wide have used hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers for athletic performance and recovery. With enhanced tissue healing, reduced inflammation, and improved oxygen delivery, athletes or active people can experience faster fatigue recovery, increased energy and stamina, and enhanced cell functioning. It is no wonder HBOT is a regular tool in top athlete's recovery routines.
Anti-aging and Skin Health: Some people use HBOT to improve skin health and potentially slow aging. While studies are ongoing on the potential anti-aging benefits, the way HBOT works may suggest a capacity for slowing down the aging process on the skin.
Chronic Fatigue: Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or persistent fatigue have explored Mild HBOT as a potential therapy to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Stem Cell Stimulation: Researchers are noticing stem cell activation in response to HBOT treatments, potentially resulting in increased tissue regeneration. Increased oxygen intake in HBOT could explain this finding, but more research is needed to confirm if these findings hold true.
Even with 12 potential benefits on this list, many more conditions, situations, and individuals may benefit from mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Conditions Mild HBOT Helps or Treats:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Concussion | Dysautonomia |
POTS | Stroke | Alzheimer's/Dementia |
Parkinson's | Chronic Pain | Chronic Fatigue |
Who Shouldn't Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
It is important to note to always consult with a primary physician about undergoing an HBOT treatment. Individuals who have any of the following long or short-term conditions should not use mild HBOT and should consult with their primary doctor:
Uncontrolled High Fever | Untreated Pneumothorax | History of Spontaneous Pneumothorax |
Active Respiratory Infections | Severe Congestive Heart Failure | Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
Individuals with severe Claustrophobia | Pregnancy | Certain Medications |
Recent Ear Surgery or Injury | Lung Disease | Common Cold, Sickness, or Fever |
Asthma | Congenital Spherocytosis | Eustachian Tube Dysfunction |
Pacemaker in Situ | Seizures or Epilepsy | |
Mild HBOT vs Hard HBOT: Know The Difference
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be administered in two forms: mild and hard (or regular) HBOT therapy.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy and hard hyperbaric oxygen therapy are two distinct approaches to utilizing the benefits of increased oxygen pressure, but they differ significantly in terms of their pressure levels and applications. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy typically involves breathing oxygen at pressures slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, usually up to 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). It is often used for wellness and non-emergent medical conditions, promoting overall health, enhancing athletic performance, and aiding recovery from injuries or illnesses.
On the other hand, hard hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing patients to much higher pressures, typically exceeding 1.5 ATA and often reaching 2.4 ATA or more. This approach is primarily employed for medical treatments such as decompression sickness, gas embolisms, and certain stubborn infections, where the elevated pressure allows for more rapid and concentrated oxygen delivery to critical tissues. In summary, the key difference between mild HBOT and hard HBOT lies in the pressure levels and the specific medical conditions they are designed to address.
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