What is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves the inhalation of 100% oxygen(not true for Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - the oxygen rate in roughly 23% without an Oxygen Generator, and gets up to roughly 95% when using the Oxygen Generator, coupled with a face mask) - this makes MHOT unique in that there is zero chance of combustion or overdose in oxygen inhalation in an enclosed chamber pressurized above (below) sea level's atmospheric pressure. (M)HBOT substantially increases the amount of oxygen in all bodily fluids, including blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and lymph. This means that the increased oxygen in these fluids provide the oxygen directly to underoxygenated (hypoxic) tissues, supplementing the usual transport system by hemoglobin molecules in the blood. (very technical for the end user to comprehend - consider dumbing this bit down) - alternatively, add a sentence in layman's terms to explain the benefits)

Numerous medical studies show that low-pressure (M)HBOT is an effective treatment for many additional indications, in where local or global tissue hypoxia is present. This means that it helps damaged parts of the body heal faster, and can stimulate new brain function in damaged areas.

HBOT can be significantly beneficial for brain injury caused by respiratory hypoxia(lack of oxygen to the brain) or other brain insult, such as head trauma or stroke. In these brain injuries there is chronically reduced blood flow or "hyperfusion" in the brain with consequent tissue hypoxia(damage) in the region. A type of scan that unlike the CAT (Computed Axial Tomography), or the MRI( Magnetic Resonance Imaging) which shows images of anatomical structures of the brain is called the "SPECT" which actually shows the functional structure of the brain has conclusively demonstrated that some neurons in these areas remain alive but are basically in low metabolic state or just idling. SPECT scans taken before and after a series of (M)HBOT treatments have shown that (M) HBOT can actually revive these neurons, and in many cases are producing long term improvement in both brain profusion and clinical function. Early studies of (M)HBOT for Cerebral Palsy have shown promising results, while formal clinical trials are in the works.

BEFORE TREATMENT

A prescription for HBOT is required from your doctor, pediatrician, or chiropractor before treatments can begin

Before a treatment, the client has to undergo a tympanogram to ensure that there is no fluid present in the ears. You will not be allowed into the chamber if you have a cold, sinus infection or any other illness. It is uncomfortable to be in the chamber with congestion and will not be allowed for your own protection. You are the best judge of your current health condition, and that of your child. If there are any doubts we suggest that you err on the side of caution and reschedule your "dive" for another time.

What do I need for treatments?

Due to the increase in humidity in the chamber, we recommend that you wear light, comfortable clothing such as T- shirts and shorts. Our Mild Hyperbaric Chamber is located in a relaxing, private room so you are able to make yourself and / or child comfortable by changing clothes there as well.

Who can go into the chamber?

The chamber is large enough for 2 adults to fit in. We encourage that a parent stay with their child during treatments for as long as they are comfortable. We suggest that you take advantage of the healing properties the chamber offers, as your presence does not affect your child's benefit.

What can I expect in a treatment?

Before you go in for a dive (a treatment is known as a dive), we encourage you to sit in the chamber and get used to the process. There are 2 zippers that you have to control getting into and out of the chamber therefore you should never feel trapped.

Initially, you may feel "claustrophobic". This is very common when first seeing the chamber as it is a new, "space age" looking device. However these fears will be alleviated once you have had an opportunity to experience and become acquainted with the procedure. Don't let this turn you off, we have always overcome initial "fears" with a little time and assistance, we're there to help!

You have complete control of the pressure and entering and exiting the chamber. You have complete access to the air valve/ depressurization valve and the double zippers. There are also windows in the chamber on all sides that you can see out of which helps reinforce the feeling of safety. Remember, you are in complete control of your experience!

If you continue to feel panicked, you are highly encouraged to slow your breathing and maintain a relaxed regular breathing cycle. There is always somebody available to help you with this process.

Can I take anything into the chamber?

Yes. You can take anything such as books, a DVD player etc. We do not allow sharp objects that may puncture the chamber.

What benefit does Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy have?

There are numerous studies that have been done and many that are currently under way that have very positive effects on all types of people with varying diagnosis.

Here are a few indicators that show the benefits of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:

Just for your information:
Every day an average adult consumes four pounds of food, two pounds of water and almost 6 pounds of oxygen. In fact, people need about the same amount of oxygen by weight compared to food and water combined. From that six pounds of oxygen only about two pounds gets into the bloodstream for transport to tissue cells. We need this oxygen in order to complete the energy cycle that sustains life.

Is hyperbaric oxygen different from natural oxygen?

No, hyperbaric oxygen is natural oxygen delivered in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure does not change the molecular composition of oxygen. The increased pressure just allows extra oxygen to slip into the tissues in increased amounts.

So what difference does the elevated pressure and oxygen create?

The hemoglobin in red blood cells holds 97% of its maximum amount of oxygen from normal air, or holds 100% when breathing pure oxygen. In simple terms red blood cells can only deliver a limited level of oxygen to tissue cells, a "p02" of 40mmHg or less. This would be know as oxygen tension or oxygen partial pressure "p02" which is measured in units labeled mmHg - meaning the amount of pressure able to raise the equivalent weight of a mercury column. It sounds a bit complicated but read on and it will explain it a little clearer.

Injuries, infections and diseases can drop this very important tissue oxygen level down to near zero... Even as we age we can loose vital lung capacity in which causes us to loose the capability of effectively obtaining adequate oxygen to our tissue cells. Some conditions or injuries sometimes cause swelling which causes pressure which actually cuts off circulation flow to the affected areas of the body leading to loss of blood flow, known as ischemia, This problem can drop the p02 dangerously low, destroying tissue and slowing the healing process as well. Some disease conditions can also impair oxygen utilization.

Oxygen given in a normal room is not sufficient to raise tissue oxygen levels because as mentioned before red blood cells cannot carry the extra oxygen. Now when the oxygen is delivered in a pressurized chamber (HBOT) it can raise that oxygen tension beyond red blood cell saturation, which gives optimal tissue healing.

An HBOT treatment, breathing all that pure oxygen gives your body 10 times the amount of normal oxygen. The red blood cells immediately fill with oxygen and the extra oxygen dissipates directly into the blood fluid. In just a few minutes this extra pure oxygen builds up the tissue levels way above normal. This has been scientifically proven to stimulate healing. It is an adjunctive treatment for both acute and chronic conditions, including severe burns, near-drowning, epilepsy, coma, head injury, autism, encephalitis and more.

The history of HBOT:

The very first pressurized room used to treat health problems was built by an Englishman named Henshaw in 1662. Then it was not until over a century later in 1788 that compressed hyperbaric air was put to large scale use in a diving bell for under water industrial repairs of an English bridge. The first deep sea diving suit was invented in 1819 by August Sieb, using compressed air that they actually supplied the oxygen through the helmet for easier underwater movement. Then 1n 1834 in a French iron shop the first hyperbaric tank was built by a gentleman named Dr. Junod. A copper sphere five feet in diameter with the appropriate view ports and compressed air connections became the centers highly sought tool for patients treatments. Dr. Junod reported numerous recoveries from a variety of debilitating conditions in the Bulletin of the Academy of Medicine. During the next forty years or so hyperbaric enthusiasm spread among the European countries. It continued bringing sick people from America to try this new type of therapy or treatment. The first North American hyperbaric chamber was built in 1860 by a young Canadian.

A European doctor named Dr. John Haldane studied the effects of compressed oxygen and taught at the University of Dundee in the early 1900's. He was the first one to develop diving tables for the Royal Navy. His legacy gives him the title "Father of Oxygen Therapy" and physicians continue in his line of work today.

When the flu epidemic was widespread in the Rocky Mountains in 1918 a Dr. Orval Cunningham considered the people that were living and dying and noticed that the population in the valley fared much better that in the mountains. He reasoned that denser air in the valley helped people fight infection. He built an 8' diameter by 30' long hyperbaric chamber put it next to his medical clinic. His positive outcomes with patients suffering from pneumonia prompted him to construct other chambers. He ended up building the largest hyperbaric chamber, a 64' steel sphere "hyperbaric medical hotel", with five actual floors of living space. But then the Great Depression in the 1930's ended his project and studies and the giant chamber was scrapped for the war effort in the 1940's.

Harvard Medical School had its first hyperbaric chamber built in 1928. True public interest started to grow when President Kennedy used treatment for his sickly infant.

Some possible reasons HBO2 chambers are not in every physician's office:

There seem to be general skepticism in understanding the fundamental importance of oxygen in human physiology. If it was better understood hyperbaric oxygen treatment could become just another avenue of treatment just like medication, surgical knives, laser treatment, injections, etc.

Another possible conclusion is the term "dives" associated with hyperbaric treatments gives the medical community greater negativity, because of the term. But diving and clinical hyperbaric medicine is not the same thing. In clinical environments patients do not go anywhere near water and they are pressurized for a specific purpose of increasing tissue oxygen tensions in order to restore or assist in the healing process.

In Summary:

HBOT reduces any pressure with in the brain caused by swelling, restoring function of the blood brain barrier and cell membrane.

HBOT over a period of time also enhances growth of new blood vessels.

HBOT also acts as a scavenger of free floating radicals and promotes internal cleansing of debris.

HBOT reduces the stickiness of blood products (white blood cells and platelets) making oxygen available for use without energy transfer. (When the hemoglobin carries oxygen, it requires energy to deliver to the tissue spaces.)

With HBOT the free oxygen is available immediately for metabolic use.