Explanation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) operates by increasing the atmospheric pressure inside a specialized chamber, a concept measured in Atmospheres Absolute (ATA).  At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is 1 ATA. HBOT typically involves pressures between 1.3 ATA and 3.0 ATA, depending on the condition being treated. By increasing the pressure, more oxygen dissolves into the blood plasma, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues.

Atmospheric Pressure

Inside the hyperbaric chamber, the atmospheric pressure is increased to levels higher than 1 ATA. This heightened pressure helps oxygen dissolve more efficiently in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids, promoting faster and more effective delivery of oxygen to cells. The pressure level in HBOT is measured in Atmospheres Absolute (ATA). ATA represents the total pressure exerted on the body, combining both atmospheric and added pressure from the chamber. In HBOT, the pressure is typically increased to 1.3 to 3.0 ATA. At 1.0 ATA, which is the normal atmospheric pressure at sea level, the body is under standard conditions. Increasing the ATA allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma, enhancing the body’s ability to heal.

Pure Oxygen

In an HBOT session, patients breathe nearly 100% pure oxygen. This is a significant increase from the 21% oxygen found in the air we normally breathe. The combination of high pressure and pure oxygen allows for a higher concentration of oxygen to be absorbed by the body.

Cellular Regeneration

The core benefit of HBOT lies in its ability to promote cellular regeneration. The therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing processes by delivering more oxygen to damaged tissues, thereby enhancing the production of cellular energy (ATP), reducing inflammation, and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels.

HBOT as Gene Therapy

One of the most exciting aspects of HBOT is its potential as a form of gene therapy. Research has shown that HBOT can influence gene expression, turning on and off specific genes that are involved in the body’s healing processes. In a groundbreaking 2008 study led by Dr. Stephen R. Thom, it was discovered that a single HBOT session could regulate the expression of 8,101 genes.

• Gene Activation and Suppression: The oxygen provided during HBOT sessions activates genes responsible for anti-inflammatory effects, growth factors, and tissue regeneration. Simultaneously, the pressure component of HBOT helps suppress genes associated with inflammation. This dual effect creates a powerful healing environment at the cellular level, promoting recovery and reducing chronic symptoms.
• Epigenetic Changes: With cumulative HBOT sessions, these changes in gene expression can lead to permanent epigenetic modifications. These modifications do not alter the DNA sequence itself but can have long-lasting effects on how genes are expressed. This suggests that HBOT has the potential to create sustained improvements in health, particularly in chronic conditions that involve long-term inflammation and tissue damage.

Mechanisms of Action

• Hyperoxygenation: The high concentration of oxygen dissolved in the blood plasma helps in delivering oxygen to areas with poor blood supply, enhancing overall tissue oxygenation.
• Gene Therapy and Epigenetic Changes: In a 2008 study by Dr. Stephen R. Thom, it was found that a single HBOT session could regulate the expression of 8,101 genes, turning on anti-inflammatory, growth factor, and regenerative genes, while suppressing inflammatory genes. With cumulative sessions, HBOT induces permanent epigenetic changes, providing long-term therapeutic benefits.
• Stimulation of Growth Factors: HBOT stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The therapy reduces inflammation by decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory molecules.
• Enhanced ATP Production: By increasing the amount of oxygen available to cells, HBOT boosts the production of ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells, which is essential for various cellular functions.
• Comprehensive Antioxidant Defense: HBOT enhances the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
• Superior Inflammation Management: The therapy is highly effective in managing inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions characterized by chronic inflammation.
• Synergy with Red Light Therapy: When combined with red light therapy, HBOT can amplify the benefits of both treatments, including enhanced cellular energy production and accelerated healing.

Calculation of Oxygen Dosage (UDO/s)

The oxygen dose in HBOT is calculated using the Unit Dose of Oxygen per Session (UDO/s). The formula is: (total pressure) x (percentage of oxygen) x minutes = UDO For example:

• 1.3 ATA x 94% oxygen x 60 minutes = 73.3 UDO
• 1.5 ATA x 94% oxygen x 60 minutes = 84.6 UDO

To achieve the same dose as the first example with higher ATA we would decrease the time variable: • 1.5 ATA x 94% oxygen x 52 minutes = 73.3 UDO

Short Term & Long Term Benefits

HBOT has immediate benefits during and after each session and there is a cumulative effect whereby epigenetic changes, DNA repair, angiogenesis and other long term benefits emerge over the course of approximately 30-50 sessions. After an initial treatment of 30-50 sessions a maintenance protocol of using HBOT at least several times per week is ideal.