How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Heal Your Brain
Although it might sound like the latest fad health trend, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT as it is otherwise known, has shown impressive results in treating a variety of brain health related issues. A growing body of research suggests improvements in everything from long COVID to brain injury, to sleep. So what exactly is it, how does it work, and who can it help?
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is where you are placed in an environment where the air is pressurized two to three times higher than the normal pressure of air on the outside. This allows your lungs to take in a considerable amount more oxygen than they would otherwise be able to.
What does it involve?
HBOT can be delivered in a room containing multiple people, in which case you will either sit or lie down, wear an oxygen mask, and have a clear hood over your head. It can also be administered within a monoplace for an individual, which involves lying down on a table and sliding into a clear plastic pressurized chamber. To achieve the most effective results, you’ll likely need to undergo several treatments.
How does it feel?
Most people report a feeling of fullness in their ears during treatment due to the increase in air pressure. This feeling can be likened to the sensation you may feel when at a high altitude on an airplane, and is temporary. The treatment will last around two to three hours, during which time you will be monitored. Although you may feel slightly tired or hungry after, it won’t affect your day-to-day activities, which you can resume as normal immediately following treatment.
How does this help the brain?
So how does this increase in air pressure and oxygen intake translate into something positive for your brain? The brain requires increased levels of oxygen to heal damaged tissue. When you undergo HBOT, oxygen enters the bloodstream and is transported to the brain to help it repair.
What types of brain issues can HBOT help with?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been indicated to boost your immune system and aid a whole host of brain health associated concerns. These include:
Traumatic brain injuries – by promoting blood flow and speeding up healing
Alzheimer’s disease – by improving brain metabolism
Type 2 diabetes – by improving glucose control
Sleep apnea and chronic insomnia – by improving oxygen saturation and quality of sleep
Mental health issues including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and brain fog – many of which are related to chronic inflammation, which can be reduced using HBOT
and more…
In summary, HBOT is a valuable tool in helping to prevent and treat a cohort of brain health related conditions and symptoms. SPECT brain scans have shown significant findings after HBOT treatments, indicating noteworthy improvements in many neurological disorders. Either alone, or in combination with additional therapies, it can be an effective part of a plan to help improve the brain's overall health.