Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has received an increased popularity and recognition in the recent times. Many people have experienced significant improvements after undergoing HBOT, for several medical conditions. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment involving the use of 100% oxygen at an atmospheric pressure that is higher than normal. Usually, we breathe in about 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen. But when undergoing HBOT, the pressure is boosted to two times (2 ATA) and the oxygen is 100%.
The 100% oxygen accompanied by the increased pressure, dissolves oxygen in all body fluids, tissues, cells and blood plasma at about 10 times the normal concentration. The boosted oxygen improves the body’s natural healing process and helps in the treatment of various health conditions.
Benefits of HBOT:
Here are the key benefits of hyperbaric oxygen treatment due to which the therapy has become a much preferred treatment:
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Increases oxygen concentration significantly in all the body tissues, even with blocked or decreased blood flow.
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Stimulates generation of new blood vessels in locations where circulation is reduced, improving flow of blood to regions with arterial blockage.
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Leads to a rebound arterial dilation that results in an increase in the diameter of blood vessels, greater as compared to when the therapy started. This improves flow of blood to the compromised organs.
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Stimulates increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a principal antioxidant of the body produced internally, as well as free radical scavengers.
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Helps in infection treatment by improving action of white blood cells.
Many scientists and physicians have been intrigued from many years by the employment of heightened atmospheric pressure in medical therapy. Although HBOT is not new, it has gained importance recently for treating chronic degenerative health issues related to macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, cerebral palsy, wound healing, diabetic ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, atherosclerosis and other disorders. In cases where oxygen delivery and blood flow to the important organs is diminished, HBOT can effectively help in healing and function. If brain is injured due to trauma, CP or stroke, the stunned regions of the brain can be activated with HBOT to restore function.
HBOT Results in Substantial Improvements:
The results with HBOT can be quite dramatic. Patients affected by cerebral vascular disease usually recover from stroke complications much more readily after undergoing HBOT. This also applies to potentially gangerous feet and legs arising from blocked circulation, as well as diabetic ulcers that are slow to heal. HBOT keeps the damaged tissues alive, helps in fighting infection and relieves pain.
Dr. Edgar End, a highly experienced authority on hyperbaric medicine, and professor of environmental medicine in Medical College of Wisconsin stated – “I’ve seen partially paralyzed people half carried into the HBOT chamber, and they walk out after the first treatment. If we got to these people quickly, we could prevent a great deal of damage.”
HBOT Success Stories – People who have Experienced the Beneficial Effects of HBOT:
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An injured soldier, Ben Parkinson, experienced significant improvement after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
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Jessica McClure, a small girl based in Texas, fell in a disused well in 1987. Her blackened foot was saved from amputation by HBOT.
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Randy McCloy was saved from carbon monoxide poisoning through the use of HBOT.
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HBOT saved Grace, a child with a rare mitochondrial disorder, from a life threatening condition, as well as helped her to improve significantly.
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RJ Mitte, an American actor of the show Breaking Bad, is affected by mild cerebral palsy. He has undergone HBOT and found it quite helpful.
Realizing the potential of HBOT in treating various health conditions, people are increasing using the therapy. HBOT is still being studied by scientists and researchers to know further about its capacity to heal the body and the brain.
