Have you heard of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? Neither had I until I was invited to Amber Oxygen in Northern Cross in Dublin to try out their new oxygen chamber. It might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it’s a medical treatment making waves in healthcare.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy/HBOT?
In a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the air pressure is increased so that the lungs can gather much more oxygen. The air we breathe consists of approximately 21% oxygen, whereas hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers close to 100% oxygen. This high oxygen concentration is then carried to your blood, which can help stimulate the release of growth factors and stem cells, among other benefits.
MY EXPERIENCE
When I first arrived at the clinic, I had to fill in a form and answer questions about my health. Then the process was thoroughly explained and I was told what to expect and how and when to put on the oxygen mask. I had the chamber to myself.
There were three 20-minute sessions, each followed by two minutes with the mask off. This allows the body to look for oxygen and allows regeneration to start in the body.
I found it relaxing and used the time to breathe deeply and relax. Many people read or use the supplied iPads.
I have heard that some people find it claustrophobic, but I didn’t.
AFTER HBOT
It took a few minutes for my ears to equalise. I did not feel any different straight afterwards. I slept really well that night and had more energy the following day. Plus, I did notice that I looked less tired and more rested. You know what I mean. Some days you look younger and less wrinkly. Is it possible that Michael Jackson knew the value of sleeping in his oxygen tent?
WHO WOULD HAVE HBOT?
I have read many reports on HBOT and many medical professionals recommend it for a number of conditions.
With the increased oxygen content in the blood, tissues receiving inadequate oxygen (due to injury or other conditions) can now get the oxygen they need for healing and function.
This is especially useful for:
- Non-healing wounds: Oxygen is essential for many aspects of wound healing. The extra oxygen can support and speed up the healing process for injuries struggling to heal due to reduced blood flow or infection.
- Compromised tissues: After an injury or surgical procedure, specific tissues may experience reduced blood flow. HBOT can provide these tissues with the necessary oxygen to survive and heal.
- HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation in tissues. Chronic inflammation can be harmful and hinder the healing process in certain conditions. By reducing inflammation, HBOT can support healing and tissue regeneration.
- It can also help to fight bacteria. Many harmful bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in low-oxygen environments. By increasing tissue oxygen levels, HBOT can create an inhospitable environment for these bacteria, aiding in combatting infections. For significant burns, especially those with compromised blood flow, HBOT can stimulate healing and reduce the risk of infections.
These are only a few…
Check out what The Mayo Clinic has to say about it HERE
Conclusion
HBOT is a well-established and extensively researched therapy, which is used to treat a whole host of conditions, as well as helping the body to recover and regenerate. Several medical professionals are now recommending it for their patients. I have been told that the older you are and the more health conditions you have, the quicker you see results. I would urge you to do your own research and check it out.
Thank you for reading. I would love to know if any of you have tried it and if it helped in any way. You can leave a message in the comment section.
Love Hilda x
That sounds interesting and scary at the same time. I would feel claustrophobic. But hey, anything for great looking skin!
It has huge medical benefits too Nancy.