Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

If you’ve only associated the concept of a hyperbaric chamber with divers that need help depressurizing, you’re not the only one. This therapy has been used for many years, but none so much as it is now for conditions far beyond a diver’s emergency.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (also known as HBO or HBOT) is rapidly gaining intrigue as an easy and effective treatment for a variety of illnesses, diseases, and/or general health concerns. It’s a naturopathic option that helps treat and heal the root cause of an issue while working to restore and generate new tissue.

And the results can be astounding.

At the Koa Clinic, clients have the opportunity to utilize the hyperbaric chamber and experience the positive effects it can have.

But what if you’re not well-versed on this therapy or are a bit intimated by the chamber?

We understand that not everyone is familiar with HBOT, which is why we are discussing our most common questions below!

What exactly is hyperbaric oxygen therapy and what is it used for?

The focus of HBOT is to provide your body the opportunity to absorb 100% oxygen.

Yes, that’s right: at sea level, you do not absorb 100% oxygen. A combination of oxygen, nitrogen and other trace gasses make up what we breathe.

However, when our bodies are put under 2-3 times the amount of normal amount of pressure we live at, our oxygen intake increases.

Because certain ailments have been shown to have positive results with an increase of oxygen supply for a brief amount of time, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber can be a significant source for healing.

The tube-like structure is pressurized to 1.3 ATA, similar to being approximately 13 feet underwater. When an oxygen mask supplies pure oxygen inside the chamber during the session, it can result in 100% absorption.

This increase in oxygen in the body can help injured or inflamed tissue heal faster as well as encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue. This can effectively lead to:

- decreased inflammation

- quicker healing time for injuries

- efficient pain management

- increased athletic performance

in which this therapy may be of help for:

- injury recovery

- wound healing

- traumatic brain injuries (post-concussion)

- neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis

- chronic inflammation

- cancer (inhibiting tumor growth)

- Autism

- stroke

- ulcers

- burns

- neuropathy and nerve pain

- anti-aging

- balanced energy

in addition to other conditions that may be a result of injury or inflammation, both chronic and acute.

Click here to learn more about HBOT therapy and what it can do for certain illnesses and diseases.

What does the experience feel like?

If the thought of climbing inside a pressurized chamber makes you squirm at first, it’s important to note that our FDA approved soft chamber is safe and the process does not hurt.

Before starting your session, we take ample time to talk with you about the process and any risks (even though they are very low) as well as answer any questions you may have.

Once you get inside the chamber and lay down with your oxygen mask on, we encourage you to relax! It’s a wonderful time to meditate, listen to music, or even check emails (if that’s calming!). The chamber has ample room to comfortably move and a window for light exposure.

As the session begins, you will probably notice a change in pressure - much like that of when you swim underwater. It should not be painful, but be mindful that if your ears are pressure sensitive when swimming underwater in a deep swimming pool, you may experience a similar sensation in the chamber.

The entire experience usually takes 60-90 minutes.

What can I expect?

Although you may experience relief right away, it typically takes a number of sessions to feel significant and long lasting changes and/or healing.

Depending on what condition is being treated and the severity of it, a certain number of sessions within a short period of time may be recommended for optimal effect. Combined with other naturopathic therapies such as acupuncture and IVs, we tend to see strong results with this integrative approach.

Is it time to combine your current naturopathic program with HBOT?

If you or a loved one are suffering from a condition that may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy or if you are curious if an issue you are experiencing can be treated with HBOT, we are here to help.

If you live in the Kailua-Kona or surrounding areas and would like to learn more about this naturopathic treatment option, please call us at (808) 638-3343, email us at admin@thekoaclinic.com or click here to learn about our complimentary 15 minute phone meet and greet.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not something to be afraid of. If you find yourself hesitant, be sure to contact us to talk through your questions and let us help you find your optimal wellness.

Are you ready to get started?

REFERENCES:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11523-012-0233-x

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0053716 https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2431-9-21

https://hrhyperbaric.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/HBOT-for-Neuropathy.pdf https://www.urbanwellnesspdx.com/site/1976urba/hbot_TBI.pdf

https://sciencing.com/gases-make-up-air-breath-8450810.html

#hyperbaricoxygentherapy #HBOT