Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Humans depend upon the consumption of oxygen all the time. Most atmospheric air is comprised of roughly 21% oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for the production of cellular energy in the mitochondria of every cell in the body. The use of pure 100% oxygen in a high-pressure atmosphere has been shown to have extraordinary health benefits. In this article, you will discover the health benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The hyperbaric chamber has pure oxygen coming in at pressures 1.5 – 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. Treatment times range from 30-90 minutes. Using oxygen at higher pressures causes up to 20 times more oxygen to be absorbed by the blood and transferred to injured organs and tissues. This speeds healing and recovery time in addition to other benefits.
HBOT and mHBOT:
Breathing in 100% (pure) oxygen under increased pressure, called HBOT, allows extra oxygen to be taken up by the bloodstream and dissolved at a far greater rate. This extra oxygen can help where healing is slowed down by infection or where blood supply is limited by damage to the tissues.
100% oxygen is considered a drug by the FDA, and one needs a prescription to use it. Mild Hyperbaric Therapy (mHBOT) has shown significant results and uses around 95% oxygen in a 1.3-1.4 atmospheric pressure. This is a much lower cost treatment that has little to no risk and great benefit.
These systems range in price from $5-$25,000 or you can get treatments that range between $50-$100 a session. HBOT that uses 100% oxygen and greater than 1.5 times the atmospheric pressure are around $200 a session.
HBOT Has Been Shown To:
- Assist healing by raising tissue oxygen levels to normal in areas where they are reduced through illness or injury.
- Encourage new blood vessels to grow and carry additional blood.
- Increase the ability of the body’s defense mechanisms to fight infection and kill bacteria.
- Help reduce any swelling that may occur around the area.
Any condition which results in inflammation in the body can benefit from HBOT (1, 2, 3). HBOT increases the dosage of oxygen and delivers more O2 to damaged areas in the body and stimulates the healing process. Oxygen is one of the most natural antibiotics and it controls over 8000 genes. A course of 20 sessions of hyperbaric therapy increases our stem cells eightfold (4, 5, 6).
HBOT and Brain Disorders:
HBOT has been shown to improve oxygenation, new blood cell formation (angiogenesis) and new nerve growth (neurogenesis) in the brain (7). This mechanism explains why HBOT therapy has had such great results at restoring function in individuals with traumatic brain injuries, strokes and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia (8, 9, 10).
There have also been many positive studies about HBOT usage with Autism (11, 12). One 2009 study looked at 62 children with half getting slightly pressurized air (1.03 ATM) and the other half getting mHBOT (1.3 ATM – 24% oxygen) treatments.
The study showed that the children with autism who received hyperbaric treatment for 40 hourly sessions had significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to children who received slightly pressurized room air (13).
HBOT and Radiation Treatment:
HBOT is an acceptable complimentary treatment for cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation in bones and adjacent tissues where radiotherapy creates an excess amount of reactive oxygen species (14). It also helps with the regeneration of blood vessels that are damaged by radiation.
A 2006 study in Japan involving patients with brain tumors receiving radiation and chemotherapy experienced much longer survival times and reduced side effects when using HBOT as a complimentary treatment (15). Another 2009 study showed extended survival times and reduced side effects using HBOT with radiation treatment in patients with glioma tumors (16).
Cancer Metabolism:
Famous cell biologist and cancer researcher Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells have an altered metabolism and are unable to produce energy through cellular respiration. The mitochondria in each cell produce the energy that drives the cellular functions. Under normal circumstances, the majority of energy is derived in the presence of oxygen in a process called aerobic metabolism.
Cancer cells have lost this ability to produce energy through the Krebs Cycle and instead drive all of their energy from substrate level phosphorylation through glucose fermentation (17). Other researchers such as Dr Thomas Seyfried have found that cancer cells run off of both glucose and amino acid (glutamine) fermentation. Both of these processes are anaerobic and don’t use oxygen (18).
Ketogenic Diet and HBOT:
A mouse study using the ketogenic diet alone significantly decreased blood glucose and slowed tumor progression. This increased the mean survival time by 56.7% in mice with systemic metastatic cancer. HBOT therapy with the ketogenic diet increased mean survival time by 77% and showed significant decreases in blood glucose, tumor growth rate and improved ketone body metabolism (19).
The world’s top researchers (Angela M Poff, Csilla Ari, Thomas N Seyfried and Dr Dominic P D´Agostino) in ketogenic diet and HBOT agree that HBOT alone has no effect on cancer growth and progression. However, when it is combined with the ketogenic diet it has a significant complementary effect at inhibiting tumor growth and increasing survival time.
Many Medical Physicians Use HBOT:
“I utilize Hyperbaric Therapy in all stages of cancer; upon detection, as well as pre- and post-surgery, pre, post and during chemo and radiation. In fact, if chemotherapy is used in conjunction with mHBT, the chemotherapy dose must be reduced. The HBOT will potentate any primary cancer treatment. HBOT is the best cancer prevention and cancer remission therapy out there, bar none.” US Doctor, Bergeron, Rhett, MD
By increasing the oxygen environment to the cancer cells, it makes them less virulent and, in many instances, destroys them. (Yutsis, Pavel I., MD, Oxygen to the Rescue)
“A Ketogenic Diet and HBOT produce significant anti-cancer effects when combined in a natural model of systemic metastatic cancer. Our evidence that these therapies should be investigated as potential non-toxic treatments or adjuvant therapies (complementary therapies).” Dr. Thomas Seyfried
“For the subset of patients who suffer from late effects of radiation exposure, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often the only treatment than can prevent irreversible bone or tissue loss or enable them to undergo life-improving reconstructive procedures such as breast or facial surgeries. By offering this therapy, we are able to provide a better quality of life to patients who have already survived devastating illnesses.”
Susan Sprau, M.D., Medical Director of UCLA Hyperbaric Medicine
Research has shown that HBO may be helpful when used alongside cancer treatments (20). HBO treatment may:
- Reduce cancer growth.
- Improve the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to a tumor.
- Result in an increase in the body’s own stem cells. These are blood cells at the earliest stage of development in the bone marrow. Because HBO treatment can increase stem cells it may have a role in stem cell transplantation – a treatment sometimes used in hematological (blood) cancers.
Possible Side Effects of HBOT:
During HBOT, patients may experience ear popping, mild sinus discomfort or claustrophobia. Other rare side effects include temporary short-sightedness (myopia) and pulmonary oxygen toxicity. Very rarely, oxygen toxicity induces seizures.
Most patients do not experience any symptoms immediately after HBOT and can return to work the day of treatment. Some patients, however, may experience temporary changes in vision when completing more than 20 HBOT sessions.
Contraindications for HBOT include high fever, untreated seizure disorder and untreated air or gas in the pleural space of the lung, which causes the lung to collapse (pneumothorax). Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to HBOT.
If you are looking for a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for your home, I recommend the Vitaeris 320, which is what we use in our health clinic. These retail for just under $20,000. Be sure to discuss this with your physician.
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What about those machines that make oxygen (a concentrator).
Does this help?
Dad already has one of those.
Or is it not the same?
Leslie,
That is a fantastic question. An oxygen concentrator does bring high levels of oxygen in but the difference with the hyperbaric is that it increases the atmospheric pressure which enhances blood oxygen levels much higher than at normal pressure. This is a big factor in the results people achieve through hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
Dr. Jockers,
I thrive on your information! How do I get a Dr. To prescribe HBOT ASAP for my Son? He has what Doctors call TBI, resulting from horrific car accident June, 2013. Excruciating migraine headaches, degenerative lower back problem. All he gets are pain med scripts, epidural so, tons of green box BC Powders, Ibuprophen and on the sofa all day then to bed at night. Opiates that Dr prescribed reduced pain and my hearts hurts so much seeing my precious Son’s life fade away. He wants so much to really live again as an avid Golfer. From my research, HBOT WOULD BE TREMENDOUS BENEIFIT! We are in the Huntsville AL area and cannot get a Dr to prescribe for him. Please help me, Dr Jockers. Sincerely, DeLana
Thanks for writing. I am so sorry to hear about your son. He MOST definitely will benefit greatly from Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. I will send you a private email!
I am from the huntsville area also.im seeking this treatment also can you send me some info .i have nueropothy in my feet and just spent 5000 on treatments with some releif.my wife and i both have had bypass surgery and she has coronary artery disease .I also just found out i have multiple bulging and herinated disc
Hey Todd! Send an email to my friend Bill Schindler: htcbill@yahoo.com and he can help you!
Is this hyperbaric oxygen available in Australia ?
Hey Michelle, it looks like there are several places that are offering it when I did a google search. Check it out here: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#safe=strict&q=hyperbaric+oxygen+therapy+australia
Dr. Jockers.
Do you have the name of an Open Mind MD in NYC??
In Hospitals here they are only use HyperBaric chamber to treat the damage after Radiation.
The last “idiot” that I spoke to, insisted that the 02 will nurture and spread(?) the Cancer cells…
Thanks! Judy.
Unfortunately, I don’t know of anyone Judy! Sorry to hear about your experiences. I would ask around at your local health food store.
Dr. Jockers,
Your article is very informative about the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber. I have a cousin that is 44yo and has sickle cell and has had frequent episodes and more recently. Her body hurts a most of the time and if it’s not her body it’s her tailbone. The doctors did not see her living past 25 but she has. She’s tired of all the pain medication and injections. Do you feel that this treatment could help her?
Yes Shannon, this would be an excellent therapy for her! I would highly recommend it!
Are oxygen drops such as Cell Food helpful in increasing oxygen into the body and cells? I have taken this product and noticed an increased feeling of energy and wonder if it would have similar helpful effects?
Yes, they are very good Kathy, but not anywhere near as potent as Hyperbaric oxygen.
Are the oxygen drops and hyperbaric oxygen safe to use together or is this ‘too much of a good thing?”
Linda
Hey Linda, I don’t actually know much about the liquid oxygen drops but I get great results with HBOT alone. If you do other things to increase natural oxygenation like regular movement/exercise, lots of alkalizing vegetables and juices, and a ketogenic style of eating there will typically be magnified benefits!
Can a hyperbaric chamber help my son who was diagnosed with astrocytoma; grade 3? thanks.
I am SO SORRY to hear about your son Melissa!!
I would highly recommend doing hyperbaric oxygen therapy! It has proven success and although I certainly cannot guarantee anything, I believe this therapy along with using a functional health approach will help give him the best change to heal naturally. Let me know if you need anything else. Many Blessings!
Great article on the benefits of HBO. My uncle, Dr. Paul Nemiroff, was one of the first, if not THE first, MDs to lecture around the country on the benefits of HBO a looooonnnnnng time ago. in fact, I remember him telling me that after his talks many of the older MDs would pull him aside and say, “You know Dr. Nemiroff, you seem like a pretty smart guy. But you are going to ruin your career talking about this oxygen stuff. It’s too much on the lunatic fringe.” My uncle is the doc who wrote the majority of the original protocols for HBO treatments. And, more importantly to me personally, he was the one who convinced me to go to chiropractic school instead of medical school. Thank you Uncle Paul!
Thanks for the great info Lysa and thanks to your uncle for pioneering HBO!
My brother has been using a Solace hyperbaric chamber, but with him being in a wheelchair after suffering a stroke it makes it difficult getting him in and out. There are wheelchair chambers that we are looking into, but uncertain of the comfort due to the dimensions.
Do you offer a capsule shaped hyperbaric chambers or know of anyone that he may trial out a session?
Do you recommend use of an oxygenator to supply more oxygen in the mild chamber?
Thanks!
I have a private HBOT capsule perfect for your needs. Feel free to email me at mbg@medibuilders.com
Does hyperbaric helps with ADHD?
Yes it can help with ADHD Dwayne! You will also want to remove inflammatory and processed foods as well as sugar from the diet!
Dr. Jockers,
Do you know how HBOT helps narcolepsy? If it helps, I had narcolepsy with cataplexy.
All of these study’s with cancer and the like… were they all studied with HBOT or mHBOT? I believe all the studies that I’ve read were from HBOT.
will this help copd & pulmonary hypertention
Hey Maureen, some people have seen benefits from HBOT with COPD!
Any hyperbaric oxygen place that you could recommend around ny, pa, or nj? Thank you
Hey Ag, reach out to my friend Bill. He can help you find one: htcbill@yahoo.com
Is HBOT helpful in congenital or acquired brain atrophy or brain malformation?
It can be Mohammed!
Hi Dr. Jockers,
I am opening a Wellness Center in Carrollton GA. next week. We just bought a mild HBOT chamber to add to our growing list of therapies. My question is one of resources. From my lawyer to every medical doctor I’ve talked to, they have all told me the same things. That the liability alone should stop me from offering this to the public. I am determined to offer as many drug free alternatives to health and well-being as I can. Can you point me to any credible resources on the the mild ambient air chambers? All I can find online is how it’s not as beneficial as a hard sided 100% oxygen chamber. I get that but I believe that I can make a difference in my clients lives. Any proof would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Janine Willey
Owner of TerraMar Wellness Center
Yes these are excellent systems. I would reach out to Bill Schindler at https://hyperbaricphp.com/ for more info
Would this help with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and how? I had stage 2 and did chemotherapy and now they say it relapsed..?..
Yes absolutely it will help! We are praying for healing for you Elyona!
I have a recent diagnosis of plantar fasciitis with a small fascia tear as well as a 1 1/2 inch tendon tear in the ankle. Recommended treatment is stem cell mixed with platelet rich blood injection at each site. Is it reasonable to hope that HBOT, since it increases circulating stem cells for wound healing and decreases inflamation, could possibly help heal these issues as well as the rest of my body at the same time? I also have joint pain in hands and feet from osteoarthritis. Thank you so very much for your time.
Hi Audra, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. HBOT is a promising therapy for the treatment of athletic-type injuries and otherwise has great health benefits. Therapy can help reduce the inflammation with your injury and other inflammatory conditions you experience soreness from.
Will HBOT help with cancer if you don’t follow the ketogenic diet?
That is a great question Dawn! HBOT has benefits independent of other lifestyle choices due to the increase in oxygenation. The ketogenic diet and HBOT certainly complement one another by targeting and destroying cancel cells.
Do you have any 1st hand experience treating anyone with mild HBO who has multiple myeloma? Thank you.
Hey Cindy, I do not have first hand experience doing HBOT with multiple myeloma.
Great article. Your hyperlink appears to be broken. When I click on the “here” nothing happens. Thanks!
If you are looking for a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for your home, I recommend the Vitaeris 320, which is what we use in our health clinic. These retail for just under $20,000. Be sure to discuss this with your physician and if you do want to purchase one, you can contact us here.
Thanks for letting us know. We just fixed the link.
I am looking for a hyperbaric oxygen treatment or use center in the Chicagoland western suburbs area. Do you know of any contacts out in this area? I suffer from neuropathy from post cancer and a lots of body inflammation and arthritis. Appreciate your assistance and your wide wealth of expertise. Debbie
I don’t know anyone out there but be sure to do a google search or ask around at your local health food store.
I will be coming to Atlanta and hope to make an appointment with you for the HBOT. I also want my son-in-law to try this! He suffers from severe headaches due to TBI in the Marines. He also was diagnosed with Maniere’s ear problem.
Will HBOT be beneficial for him?
Hello Marcia, Dr Jockers is no longer in practice as he sold Exodus Health Center a while back. However, you can find Exodus Health Center here: http://www.exodushc.com
It is amazing to know about the fact that hbot can heal brain disorders. Your blog is very helpful and greatly influences the people suffering with brain collapse.
I am part of the cancer cleanse program that you have and am following the keto diet for breast cancer. I live in Florida. Can you tell me how many total visits and how often I should do the HBOT? There is one available locally.
Hello Helga – it depends on the practitioner who is advising you. Many people will do 3 treatments a week for 6-8 weeks.
My 70 year old mom has mild cognitive decline with some brain cell loss/ shrinkage PLUS respiratory issues due to nodules in her lungs from exposure to asbestos years ago. If she gets a mild chamber of 95% oxygen with 1.3 atmospheric pressure, how often and for how many 1 hour sessions do you recommend her use it? I was thinking for her to use it 3 times per week for 6 weeks on, then 6 weeks off for 1 year… What are your thoughts?
I would recommend that regimen – 3x per week for 6 weeks on and then 1-2x a week for the rest of the year.
Hi Dr. Jockers,
I’m currently dealing with ER/PR +, HER 2 negative breast cancer, along with Hashimoto’s, chronic Lyme and reactivated Epstein Barr. I come home to Mexico for two months twice a year and do hyperbaric sessions at 2.5 ata for 1.5 hours. I’m wondering if lower pressure around 1.3 ata will suffice, because I want to buy my own machine and the higher-pressure metal chambers are over $100,000.
Yes I believe the 1.3 ata is still very effective for pushing oxygen into the plasma.