The Science Behind Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy



Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) is a fascinating treatment that has become popular in recent years due to its wide array of health benefits. We talk a lot about those benefits elsewhere on our website, but on this page, we’re going to dig deeper into the science behind this incredible therapy.

Oxygen Fuels Our Body

Imagine your body as a complex machine that needs fuel to run smoothly. Oxygen is one of the most important types of fuel for this machine, helping to power everything from your brain to your muscles.


Normally, the air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen, which is sufficient to fully load our red blood cells (haemoglobin) with oxygen. These red blood cells act as delivery vehicles, transporting oxygen throughout the body to support vital functions.


This system works pretty well but has some limitations. Our bodies would actually prefer to have more oxygen (fuel) than we get under normal conditions. And any time blood flow is restricted (injury, inflammation, etc), the delivery of oxygen is compromised, leading to disruptions in our body's processes that often result in larger health issues.

A woman relaxing in an Airpod hyperbaric oxygen chamber, listening to music on her bluetooth headphones whilst using her laptop
A man relaxing in an Airpod hyperbaric oxygen chamber, reading a book

Pressure Increases Oxygen

Our bodies would love to have more oxygen, but how do you increase oxygen concentration when the red blood cells are already fully loaded? We know from Henry's Law that the amount of a gas that dissolves in a liquid (like blood) is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. This concept led to the development of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.


When you sit in a hyperbaric chamber, the pressure inside the chamber is substantially increased. Under these new conditions, oxygen can dissolve directly into blood plasma and other bodily fluids in much greater quantities, bypassing the limitations of haemoglobin-only transport.


This large increase in oxygen absorption supercharges your body's oxygen delivery system, optimising functions that were just getting by and providing a much-needed oxygen boost to damaged or inflamed areas where blood flow was limited.

Mild Pressure vs High Pressure

The first iteration of this treatment was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). This treatment increases pressure up to 3.0 Atmospheres Absolute (3x normal pressure at sea level) and is most commonly used for treating chronic ulcers, diabetes-related wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and injuries resulting from radiation treatment.


Due to the discomfort and harsh side effects of HBOT, it’s typically only used for extreme ailments and rarely available outside of a hospital setting. It also costs as much as £2,000 per session, with 20-40 sessions needed for most treatment protocols.


Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) was developed as a safer, more comfortable, and more affordable alternative to HBOT with a much wider variety of applications. This is the service we offer at The Oxygen Studio, and it involves gently increasing the pressure to just 1.35 ATA, where the oxygen concentration is high enough to produce a wide range of health benefits while not being so high that the treatment is dangerous or prohibitively uncomfortable.

A women having a nap inside an Airpod hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber

Experience These Benefits Firsthand

Extensive Documented Research

Clickable links:

HEAL YOUR BODY, ONE BREATH AT A TIME


It’s your turn to experience the benefits of pressurised oxygen therapy.

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

How does mHBOT increase oxygen levels in the body at a cellular level?

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) elevates oxygen levels in the body by exposing individuals to higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure while breathing pure oxygen. This increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more readily into the bloodstream, beyond what red blood cells can carry, ensuring that more oxygen reaches body tissues and facilitates cellular function and repair.


What is the difference between the oxygen absorption in mHBOT compared to normal breathing?

Unlike normal breathing, where oxygen transport relies primarily on haemoglobin within red blood cells, mHBOT increases the physical dissolution of oxygen in the plasma due to the elevated pressure. This process enhances the total amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, especially in areas with compromised circulation or where red blood cells cannot easily reach.


How does the pressure in an mHBOT chamber affect the body's physiological processes?

The elevated pressure in an mHBOT chamber mimics the effects of being under water, where atmospheric pressure is higher. This increased pressure helps to compress gas bubbles within the body (useful in treating decompression sickness) and enhances the solubility of oxygen in blood plasma, facilitating improved oxygen delivery to tissues.


Can mHBOT influence the body's production of stem cells or growth factors?

mHBOT can stimulate the body's natural healing processes, potentially including the production of stem cells and growth factors. The increased oxygen levels may encourage the proliferation of stem cells and the release of growth factors, aiding in tissue repair and regeneration.


What role does increased oxygen play in reducing inflammation and promoting healing?

Oxygen delivered during mHBOT can significantly reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the functions of anti-inflammatory cells. This can accelerate the healing process, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain in injured or inflamed tissues.


How does mHBOT affect the brain's neuroplasticity and cognitive functions?

mHBOT may promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections, by increasing oxygen availability to brain tissue. This enhanced oxygenation can support cognitive functions, aid in the recovery from brain injuries, and potentially improve conditions such as stroke or cerebral palsy.


In what ways can mHBOT improve blood circulation, particularly in compromised areas?

mHBOT improves blood circulation by enhancing the oxygen-carrying capacity of plasma, allowing oxygen to reach areas with restricted blood flow. This can be particularly beneficial in healing wounds, reducing the risk of infection, and promoting overall vascular health.


Is there a scientific basis for mHBOT's effectiveness in treating conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome?

The scientific basis for mHBOT's effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome lies in its potential to improve oxygenation, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance mitochondrial function, which can be compromised in these conditions, leading to improved energy levels and reduced symptoms.


How do the duration and frequency of mHBOT sessions impact its therapeutic effects?

The therapeutic effects of mHBOT are influenced by the duration and frequency of sessions. Consistent and appropriately timed sessions can maximise oxygen absorption and therapeutic benefits, but individual responses can vary, making personalised treatment plans essential.


What are the potential risks of oxygen toxicity in mHBOT, and how are they mitigated?

While oxygen toxicity is a potential risk with HBOT, the predecessor to mHBOT, especially with prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations, it is relatively rare in mild hyperbaric settings. Clinicians can mitigate this risk by carefully monitoring treatment duration and oxygen levels, ensuring they remain within safe parameters to avoid adverse effects.


Contact Us

Text: +447797730770

Email: breathe@theoxygenstudio.je

Open Hours

Open 5 Days a Week

Monday to Friday 12pm - 6pm

Location

Coming Soon

St Helier Jersey


Disclaimer: The intended use of the AirPod is to promote and maintain a healthy lifestyle and is unrelated to the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of a disease or condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Furthermore, none of the statements should be construed as dispensing medical advice, making claims regarding the cure of diseases, nor can these products or therapies prevent or cure any disease state. You should consult a registered health care professional before starting any health protocol or therapy, especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing injuries, transplants or medical conditions.

© COPYRIGHT THE OXYGEN STUDIO LTD 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions