The body’s ability to repair itself is a marvel of human physiology. But even this remarkable biological feat can be improved upon by technology. With a hyperbaric chamber, you can help heal the body at the cellular level. Also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, this simple procedure uses increased pressure and movement of gases in a confined space to deliver a relaxing environment ideal for healing, detoxification and rest.
How Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Work?
Long used to treat decompression sickness in divers who surface too rapidly, a hyperbaric chamber is a device where a person breathes pure oxygen inside a pressurized room or pod — pressure that is 1.5–3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. When oxygen is used at a higher pressure, up to 20 times more oxygen than normal is absorbed into the blood, which is then transferred to injured organs and tissues.
How is More Oxygen Beneficial?
In short, the various tissues in the body all need oxygen to function normally, as well as promote healing. Additional oxygen — especially oxygen delivered at a high atmospheric pressure — can enhance the healing process and speed up recovery time. Use of pressurized oxygen intake from a hyperbaric chamber has been shown to:
• Aid the healing process by raising oxygen levels in tissues where oxygen has been reduced due to injury or illness
• Promote the growth of new blood vessels, which can help carry additional blood.
• Increase the ability of our bodies’ natural defense mechanisms, helping to kill bacteria and fight infections
• Assist in the reduction of swelling around an injured area
Assisting Injured Athletes and Fitness-Minded People
Speeding up recovery time is vital to athletes and people focused on fitness through exercise. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help prevent chronic injuries that may result from training, and research has shown that HBOT increases collagen synthesis in tendons — not to mention reducing stress and expediting acute injury recovery.
Treating a Wide Assortment of Medical Conditions
It’s not just athletes and fitness-focused individuals who can benefit from time in a hyperbaric chamber. Other conditions that can benefit from HBOT include:
• Sudden deafness
• Carbon monoxide poisoning and burns
• Radiation injuries
• Infections of soft tissues
• Crush injuries
• Diabetes-related wounds
Promote Healing Quickly and Safely
With nothing more than pure oxygen and a higher atmospheric pressure, you can increase your body’s ability to heal itself. Talk to your doctor about hyperbaric oxygen therapy to see if it’s right for you. A happier, healthier life could just be a few pressurized hours away.