How HBOT Therapy Enhances Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Looking to tap into your body’s healing potential?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an effective treatment in health and wellness because of its wide range of benefits. It’s nothing more than providing your body with 100% pure oxygen at a higher atmospheric pressure. Simple, right?

Well, it is simple. However, there is so much more to it.

HBOT is more than just a treatment to heal. It is now being used to reverse effects of long-term conditions, some mental health disorders, and much more.

Table of Contents:

• What Is HBOT And How Does It Work?
• The Physical Benefits Of HBOT Therapy
• How HBOT Supports Mental Wellbeing
• Who Should Consider HBOT?

What Is HBOT And How Does It Work?

HBOT simply involves breathing in 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber.

In HBOT chambers, the air pressure is increased up to two to three times higher than normal air pressure. This high air pressure makes it possible for the lungs to absorb more oxygen compared to the normal air pressure.

That’s not all.

The oxygen in the air is then transported through the bloodstream to reach the damaged areas and tissues of the body to heal them. This process is what has many people turning to HBOT therapy to learn about hyperbaric chamber benefits for physical and mental well-being.

HBOT has been approved by the FDA to treat diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injury, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other serious types of infections. But with each passing year, new and better uses for HBOT are being discovered.

The Physical Benefits Of HBOT Therapy

The physical benefits of HBOT therapy have been proven over and over again.

Let’s dive into some of the top benefits that have been found so far.

Chronic Wound Healing

HBOT has shown significant results when it comes to the healing of wounds. In a recent study published in Wound Repair and Regeneration, it was revealed that 81% of chronic wounds were observed to have either near complete healing or to have fully healed as a result of the HBOT treatment.

This was made possible by:

• Oxygen level increase in wound beds
• Promotion of the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
• Reduction of both swelling and inflammation
• Improving the body’s natural antimicrobial action
• Stimulates collagen formation

HBOT has shown particularly strong results in diabetic patients. These patients have significantly reduced the risk of a major amputation when using HBOT in combination with standard wound management.

Improved Tissue Repair and Recovery

Athletes and patients recovering from surgical treatment have been reported to use HBOT as a way of recovery support.

HBOT improves the repair of damaged muscle and tendons. It also helps reduce swelling especially after surgery by the constriction of blood vessels and yet at the same time increase oxygen flow to help with the body’s recovery and repair process.

Boosts The Immune System

HBOT has the potential to increase the immune system of the body in a number of important ways.

It does this by increasing the activity of white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting different types of bacteria in the body. In addition, HBOT also increases the generation of stem cells. Stem cells are responsible for creating many important cell types, including blood cells, brain cells, and muscle cells.

HBOT can play a significant role in treating patients who have serious infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment.

How HBOT Supports Mental Wellbeing

Hold up! Did you know this?

HBOT is not only for the healing of physical injuries but it can also be of great benefit to people with mental health conditions. One of the major discoveries in the research is that the brain uses approximately 20% of the oxygen that is available in the body.

The surprising part is that the human brain only accounts for about 2% of the entire human body.

However, this still makes it one of the most responsive to HBOT.

PTSD Treatment Breakthrough

HBOT has shown to be of great benefit to veterans who have treatment-resistant PTSD.

In a randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, it was reported that 68% of HBOT participants showed at least 30% reduction in the symptoms of PTSD. What’s more, 39% of the participants reported total remission of the condition.

Approximately two-thirds of the veterans diagnosed with PTSD were still experiencing effects even after getting different treatments and interventions.

Reduced Depression and Anxiety

Research studies aimed at establishing the potential of HBOT treatment for both depression and anxiety have shown positive outcomes. The effects were as a result of the following:

• It improved the blood circulation to the brain
• It also increased the activity of neurotransmitters
• It helped to increase the process of neuroplasticity which refers to the brain’s ability to repair itself
• Reduction of inflammation in tissues of the brain

Brain imaging tests showed an increase in the activities in brain areas responsible for emotional regulation. The changes also corresponded to reduced anxiety and depression scores in standardized assessment scales.

Cognitive Function Improvement

HBOT can help to enhance and improve memory, attention, and cognition.

HBOT has the capability of increasing neurogenesis which refers to the development of new brain cells. It also improves synaptogenesis which refers to the formation of connections between neurons.

Brain scans on people who received HBOT treatment showed an increase in connectivity in regions of the brain responsible for executive function, memory, and processing of emotions. The results were especially important to people suffering from traumatic brain injuries or post-concussion syndrome.

Who Should Consider HBOT?

HBOT is good for people who:

• Suffer from non-healing wounds
• Are recovering from surgical procedures
• Have had a traumatic brain injury
• Have PTSD and depression which is resistant to treatment
• Have Long COVID symptoms
• Suffer from radiation damage to tissues
• Suffer from serious and severe infections

Some important things to note:

HBOT therapy sessions last between 90 minutes to two hours. Some conditions require a single session while others may require more than 30 treatments spread over several weeks.

HBOT is not suitable for everyone. Those who have conditions like lung disease, recent ear injuries, and untreated pneumothorax should not take up HBOT. Always ensure to talk to a qualified healthcare provider before you consider taking it.

HBOT treatment should only be administered in accredited medical facilities that have appropriate safety guidelines and protocols.

Wrapping Things Up

HBOT therapy is an amazing concept that incorporates both physical health and mental health.

This therapy involves the use of oxygen as the source of healing all parts of the body, including the brain. HBOT is used in the treatment of physical conditions like chronic wounds in combination with mental health conditions like PTSD.

To quickly summarize:

• HBOT involves breathing in 100% pure oxygen at an increased atmospheric pressure
• Physical benefits include wound healing, tissue repair, and immune support
• Mental health conditions that HBOT can help with include PTSD relief, depression, and improved cognition
• HBOT sessions last for between 90 minutes to two hours
• HBOT treatment should only be carried out in accredited medical facilities

For those who have been suffering from chronic health conditions, HBOT therapy is something to consider. It’s important to work with qualified healthcare professionals who can establish whether HBOT can be used for your specific condition and health needs.