Breaking Down Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Updated: Sep 11
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.
At Better Brain & Body, our functional neurology clinic uses many approved therapies that are non-invasive and have immense healing potential. One of these therapies is the Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). In this blog, we dive into the healing potential of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and how it aligns with our mission to empower individuals on their journey to better brain and body health.
HBOT Special: Your First Mild HBOT Session is half-price for $75 at Better Brain & Body.
What is Mild 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.
Oxygen and 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.
The Benefits of Mild HBOT in Functional Neurology
Now, let's explore how Mild HBOT fits seamlessly into our functional neurology approach and the benefits it can offer to our patients:
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 patients 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.
Even with 11 potential benefits on this list, many more conditions, situations, and individuals can benefit from mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy. If you do not see information about your condition or concern on this page, call us for a free 15-minute phone consultation with our lead functional neurologist to see if you qualify for mild HBOT treatment.
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 Mild 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 & Hard HBOT Therapy: 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.
Mild HBOT Therapy is the treatment offered at Better Brain & Body. Check out this video below to see our Mild HBOT in action!
Integrating Mild HBOT into Our Care Approach
At Better Brain & Body, we believe in a comprehensive, individualized approach to care. Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a valuable addition to our array of non-invasive therapies and technologies. Our doctors carefully assess each patient’s unique needs and goals, and when appropriate, we may recommend Mild HBOT as part of their treatment plan.
If you're curious about how Mild HBOT can complement your journey to wellness or want to explore this therapy further, we encourage you to contact us via phone at 704-752-8100 or online form.
Together, we can unlock the potential of your brain and body, helping you enjoy a healthier, happier life.
HBOT Special: Your First Mild HBOT Session is half-price for $75 at Better Brain & Body.
Did you know Better Brain & Body offers wellness memberships? At Charlotte's only human optimization center, transform your health routine with top-tier wellness services and therapies at an affordable price!
Sources:
(n.d.). About Us. Hyperbaric Pro. https://www.hyperbaricpro.com/about/
Takemura, Ai. “Exposure to a mild hyperbaric oxygen environment elevates blood pressure.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 34,5 (2022): 360-364. doi:10.1589/jpts.34.360