Originally used to treat decompression sickness in divers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has since been approved for a range of conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, gas embolism, slow-healing wounds, radiation injuries, sudden deafness, and other evidence-based medical uses.
The intent of HBOT is to increase the oxygenation of a person’s blood by forcing more oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma, leading to quicker cellular growth and repair, amongst other physical and biological changes. (6)
HBOT is a treatment where patients sit inside a pressurized chamber for anywhere between 45 minutes and 8 hours (standard treatments are 1-2 hours each). The chamber is usually set to a pressure between 1.5 and 3 times the normal air pressure, and 100% oxygen is pumped into the chamber for the duration of the treatment.
Under normal conditions, the air around us has a 21% oxygen saturation. This extra pressure and additional oxygen inside the chamber, means that you would inhale a much higher saturation of oxygen (up to 98%) in each breathe.
Can HBOT help with injury recovery, and/or in easing the aging process?
Research is showing that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help the body repair and regenerate tissues. What's particularly interesting is that the effects of HBOT overlap with the processes involved in aging and age-related diseases. In a recent study, when older, healthy participants underwent HBOT, it caused changes in their gene activity suggesting that HBOT might influence biological processes tied to aging and health (2) including stem cell proliferation and improvements to mitochondrial function (7).
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has emerged as a promising candidate for treating aging and age-related diseases. Contrary to the belief that too much oxygen speeds up aging, research has shown that when used properly—without exceeding safe limits—HBOT can offer significant benefits in anti-aging therapies. (2)
The opposing effects of oxygen on aging can be explained by the concept of "Hormesis." Check out the article on Xenohormesis on our Journal.
We now understand that “Ageing is characterised by a progressive loss physiological capacity. At a cellular level, two key hallmarks of the ageing process include telomere length shortening and (increased) cellular senescence” (meaning a build up of senescent cells). Both of these changing factors are linked with both chronic pain, and age related diseases. - Article explaining more about senescent cells and Alpine Rose extract here.
Another marker of aging or dis-health is reduced mitochondrial function, associated with enhanced oxidative stress on the body.
This same study, involving participants aged 64 and older, demonstrated that;
60 HBOT exposures over a short period of time lead to a 20% increase in telomere length, and improved clearance of senescent cells. (7)
Effects could be gained faster, with sessions alternating multiple times between high and low pressure.
Can HBO help with UV damage and reversal?
HBOT can activate the body's antioxidant defenses, which means it may be helpful in situations where protecting tissues from oxidative damage is needed. Studies showed that HBO preconditioning helps protect against oxidative stress caused by UV-A exposure. (3)
Can HBO help with other medical conditions?
HBOT is also believed to boost the antimicrobial activity of the immune system and has been used with anti-microbial agents to treat conditions such as deep and chronic infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, chronic soft tissue infections, and infective endocarditis. (4)
Studies are proving its profound effects on cognitive function, studies highlight its ability to reduce brain inflammation, protect the blood-brain barrier, prevent cell death, while also encouraging the growth of new brain cells, and helping to maintain the health of nerve cells and their connections. (1)
The potential of HBOT lies in its ability to regulate various functions with few side effects, making it a powerful tool for counteracting the negative effects of aging and improving overall health. (5)
Ingrid, RB founder, undergoes regular HBOT to help with managing the effects of Lupus Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
"I've been lucky enough to stay near a hospital that offers HBOT in Mexico. Hyperbaric therapy has been one of the few treatments i've been able to undergo that hasn't had any side effects, and has had immediate pain reduction and calming effects for me. As a skincare nut, i'm also super interested in the skin elasticity improving effects that i've read about, as both of my conditions impact my collagen levels. I'm really into exploring new age health-hacking treatments like this."
Usually doctors will recommend a course of treatments (for instance 10-40 sessions) within a short space of time. Hyperbaric therapy is now easy to find in Bali and Mexico, and now Australian gyms and wellness centres are starting to offer hyperbaric therapy.
Written by Mairead McCorry, Masters Sc. in Acupuncture, Bachelor of Nursing, Post Grad. Dip. Education, Adv. Dip. Ayurveda Medicine, and Ingrid van den Berg, Founder of Radical Botanics.
References:
- Marcinkowska, A., Mankowska, N., Kot, J., & Winklewski, P. (2022) Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Functions: a Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev. Mar;32(1):99-126. doi: 10.1007/s11065-021-09500-9
- Qiaoyu, F., Ran, D., Yu, S., & Qingfeng, L. (2022) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healthy aging: From mechanisms to therapeutics, Redox Biology, Volume 53, 102352, ISSN 2213-2317, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2022.102352.
- Fuller, A., Giardina, C., Hightower, E., Perzidret, G., & Tierney, C. (2012) Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning protects skin from UV-A damage. Cell Stress and Chaperones (2013) 18:97–107 DOI 10.1007/s12192-012-0362-2
- Memar, M., Yekani, M., Alizadeh, N., & Baghi, H. (2019) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application for infections. Biomed Pharmacother. Jan;109:440-447. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.142. Epub 2018 Nov 3.
- Gupta, M., & Rathored, J. (2024) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: future prospects in regenerative therapy and anti-aging. Front Aging. May 2;5:1368982. doi: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1368982.
- Cifu DX, Hart BB, West SL, Walker W, Carne W (2014) The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms.J Head Trauma Rehabil. 29:11-20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24052094/
- Hachmo, Y. Hadanny, A. Et al, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases telomere length and decreases immunosenescence in isolated blood cells: a prospective trial” Aging 2020 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7746357/
- Schottlender, N. Gottfried, I. Ashrery, U. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: Effects on Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress” Biomolecules 2021 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8699286/