Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where you breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. While it’s commonly a treatment for conditions like decompression sickness and non-healing wounds, there’s also a milder form that offers a host of benefits.
Known as mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT), this treatment increases oxygenation in your blood to boost healing and overall wellness. Angie Huff, Pharm.D., Jenny Theriot, NP, and our team at SYNC Wellness + SYNC Life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specialize in this innovative therapy.
If you’re curious about mHBOT, here’s what to expect during mHBOT sessions and more about its potential benefits for you.
How mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy works
mHBOT involves exposing your body to higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure while breathing pure oxygen. Traditional hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires a specially designed chamber, but mHBOT is performed at a lower pressure level and it doesn’t require a compression chamber.
The increased pressure in your mild hyperbaric session makes more oxygen dissolve in your blood plasma, resulting in a higher oxygen concentration throughout your body. This enhanced oxygenation has several beneficial effects.
mHBOT promotes the release of growth factors and stem cells, which can aid in tissue repair and regeneration. Plus, the increased oxygen levels support your body’s natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and enhance detoxification.
Typically, mHBOT sessions last for around 60 to 90 minutes. You relax comfortably and breathe pure oxygen at a concentration higher than what’s available in normal air.
The mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy experience
At SYNC Wellness + SYNC Life, our mHBOT chamber is a well-lit, comfortable structure. You can sit or lie down, and have access to a communication system to interact with our team outside the chamber.
The chamber gradually pressurizes as your mHBOT session begins. You might experience a slight popping sensation in your ears, similar to the feeling during an airplane’s takeoff or landing. To equalize the pressure, you can swallow, yawn, or gently exhale against a closed mouth and pinched nose to help relieve any discomfort.
Once the chamber reaches the target pressure, we fill it with pure oxygen. All you need to do is relax and breathe normally, allowing the oxygen to circulate through your body. Many people read, use their phone or tablet, or listen to music during the session to pass the time enjoyably.
As your session concludes, the pressure inside the chamber gradually returns to normal. You may again experience a slight popping sensation in your ears. Once the pressure has equalized, we open the chamber and you can go about your day.
The potential benefits of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy
mHBOT is a customizable treatment, and the specific benefits vary from person to person. We may recommend mHBOT as part of your holistic treatment plan for conditions like:
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Metabolic inadequacies
- Toxicities
- Inflammation
- Post-surgical recovery
Increased oxygen delivery to tissues can aid in healing processes, enhance your immune system, and reduce inflammation throughout your body. Since mHBOT is generally safe for most people, it can be used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional medical treatments.
If you’re not feeling your best, it’s time to find out if mHBOT could be an option for you. It’s a non-invasive and relaxing treatment option that could help you enjoy better health. Schedule your consultation at 225-425-7962 or send us a message online to learn more.
