What is Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy?
- Hyperbaric chamber therapy (HBT) is a safe way to deliver more oxygen to the body at the cellular level.
- HBT provides the optimal environment for the body to carry out vital cell processes, thereby increasing its capacity to heal itself.
- HBT utilizes filtered pressurized ambient air to dissolve oxygen directly into the plasma, cerebral and spinal fluids, flooding tissues and vital organs with oxygen.
- HBT allows for improved healing at the cellular level, which is critical for changes to be made which in turn affect healthy tissue formation, making it more possible for healthier organs and ultimately a healthier body overall.
What Does it Do?
Hyperbaric chamber therapy can help restore healthy levels of oxygen to the brain and body...and to areas that have noticeably degenerated from oxygen starvation. The treatment saturates the body fluids with oxygen. This re-activates the body's vital functions and helps regenerate cells and tissues. The result is more rapid healing and return to optimal wellness.
After a session you may feel more energized and uplifted (for some people, after an initial period of low energy due to detoxification). You may also tend to notice a more vibrant, healthy and attractive appearance.
What Makes it Safe?
- The hyperbaric chamber uses filtered ambient air, so there is no risk of oxygen toxicity to the body even with regular use. Some people sleep in a mild chamber without ill effects. It is not possible to overdose on mild hyperbaric therapy.
- Ambient air has approximately 17-19% oxygen. Condensed air in the chamber reaches about 24%.
- The chamber can be depressurized and opened from the inside, putting you in control.
- Once inside the chamber, both visual and verbal communication is possible with the outside. We use walkie talkies to enhance communication.
- Most people report a comfortable, relaxing experience and emerge from the chamber feeling refreshed.
- This wellness therapy is non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and there are no dangerous side effects.
- The pressure is carefully monitored during the session. The rate of inflation and deflation, and the maximum pressure are tailored to individual needs.
How Does It Work?
- The mild-pressure hyperbaric chamber is filled with compressed ambient air from 2 to 4.5 pounds per square inch (1.3 ATA max). This is equivalent to 11 feet below sea level.
- The increased pressure allows the blood plasma and other liquids of the body to absorb additional oxygen thus increasing oxygen uptake by the cells, tissues, glands, organs, brain, and fluids of the body.
- The resulting uptake of oxygen allows for increased circulation to areas with swelling or inflammation. At the same time, the increased pressure decreases swelling and inflammation.
- Oxygen is then utilized by the body for vital cell functions. Healthier cells equals healthier tissues and organs.
- The human body is capable of healing itself when it has what it needs. There is nothing the human body needs more than oxygen.
Why Does It Work?
- An increase in atmospheric pressure allows for more gas to be dissolved into any given liquid.
- Oxygen, the 8th element on the Periodic Table, exists as a gas at room temperature.
- The human body is composed almost completely of water. Gas under pressure dissolves in water.
Are There Any Side Effects?
No dangerous side effects have been reported with mild hyperbaric chamber therapy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your first session in a chamber:
- Some people experience minor discomfort in the ears when pressurizing the chamber, not unlike during the ascending part of an airplane ride. There are a number of techniques that are helpful to manage changes in ear pressure (click here).
- Some people following their first few sessions experience slight fatigue as the body sweeps itself clear of toxic debris that has built up in the body. This is safe and necessary.
What Can Be Expected During The Session?
The chamber will seem smaller when deflated than it is when fully pressurized. Within one minute the chamber will inflate completely, allowing enough room for an adult to lie fully extended. After the chamber inflates, it will begin to pressurize. This is the time when you may experience pressure in your ears, similar to taking off in an airplane.
The easiest way to relieve any discomfort this may cause is to equalize your ears using one or more of the following methods:
- Close your mouth and firmly clamp your nose shut with your fingers and thumb. Blow, as if you were blowing your nose, but keep nose and mouth closed. You will feel the air come out through your ears when you have done this procedure correctly, and this should relieve thepressure.
- Yawn. Stretching your mouth as wide as possible, even stretching your tongue out. This will cause the sinus passages surrounding your ears to drain and relieve the pressure.
Is There Anyone Who Should Not Use HBT?
It is not a good idea to enter a chamber intoxicated or drunk. Also, people with severe sinus congestion, ear congestion or ear disorders may experience difficulty even with lowest pressure. If you have sinus congestion, it is a good idea to take an anti-histamine prior to entering the chamber to reduce pressure on your inner ear, or wait until it clears. It is also not advised to fly on a plane within 24 hours of your hyperbaric session.
What if I'm Claustrophobic?
Most people who are mildly to moderately claustrophic feel comfortable in the chamber once it is fully inflated. People who are severely claustrophic should not use hyperbaric therapy. Claustrophic feelings can often be overcome by visiting the chamber when it's not in use and getting a feel for it a couple of times before actually trying out the therapy. Potential clients of Los Angeles Hyperbaric Wellness Center are welcome to request that. Some people may also choose to take a sedative such as Xanax (prescribed by their MD) or herbal relaxants such as Valerian Root, prior to their session.
To most people the hyperbaric chamber feels like a spacious, nurturing cocoon...a perfect space for your rejuvenation to take place.
