Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which a person breathes nearly 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure is usually 2–3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure, which allows much more oxygen to dissolve into the blood and tissues.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to help the body heal by increasing oxygen delivery to damaged tissue, reducing swelling, and fighting certain infections.

 Under normal conditions, oxygen is mainly carried by red blood cells. In HBOT, the increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into plasma and reach areas with poor blood flow or injury. 

HBOT is approved for several conditions, including:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning 
• Decompression sickness (“the bends”) in divers 
• Serious wound infections 
• Diabetic foot ulcers that are slow to heal 
• Radiation tissue injury after cancer treatment 
• Severe burns 
• Air or gas embolism 

Some clinics also market HBOT for conditions like autism, aging, sports recovery, or long COVID, but evidence for many of these uses is limited or still being studied

A patient typically:

1. Enters a clear acrylic chamber or a larger room-like chamber 
2. Breathes oxygen through the chamber atmosphere or a mask 
3. Stays inside for about 30–120 minutes 

Most treatments require multiple sessions over days or weeks.

HBOT is generally safe when supervised medically, but risks can include:

• Ear pressure or pain (similar to airplane pressure changes) 
• Temporary vision changes 
• Claustrophobia 
• Rarely, lung injury or oxygen toxicity seizures

1. Cellular energy and regeneration
Higher oxygen levels help cells produce more energy (ATP), which supports tissue repair, recovery, and overall vitality.

2. Reduced inflammation
HBOT may help calm systemic inflammation, which is linked to pain, fatigue, and many chronic conditions.

3. Enhanced recovery
Often used in wellness and sports recovery settings to support healing after physical strain, injury, or intense activity.

4. Brain and cognitive support
Increased oxygen delivery to the brain is associated with improved clarity, focus, and mental “reset” effects in some people.

5. Improved circulation and oxygen delivery
HBOT can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in damaged or low-oxygen tissues, supporting long-term healing.

6. Immune system support
Higher oxygen levels may help the body better manage bacteria and promote a healthier immune response.

7. Stress and nervous system reset
Many people describe a calming, restorative effect, as the body shifts into a parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) state during sessions.

8. Skin and tissue rejuvenation
Oxygen-rich environments can support collagen production and tissue repair, which is why it’s sometimes included in anti-aging wellness program