Over the past few months, I have been visiting Cryo Health Solutions in Barry’s Point Road Takapuna where I have had many sessions in their ‘mild’ hyperbaric oxygen (mHBOT) chamber.

My reason for doing this is to support my immune system while I have been treated with antibiotics for an infection in my psoas muscle. On each occasion I have spent an hour in the chamber which is by no means an unpleasant experience.  
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is most commonly known as a treatment that is associated with helping divers recover from decompression sickness which can manifest when bubbles of nitrogen and other gases form in the bloodstream. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in an enclosed chamber at around 2.8 atmospheres pressure (which is the approx pressure at a depth of 60 feet).
One atmosphere of pressure is approx 14.7 PSI and this is what we encounter in our daily lives at sea level.
The use of HBOT has now expanded beyond its original treatment of decompression sickness in deep-sea divers.  People from all walks of life are using ‘mild’ hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) as an all-round wellness tool.
MHBOT chambers are set to achieve up to 1.5 atmospheres which is 50% more pressure than we experience at sea level. The mHBOT unit has an oxygen concentrator so while in the chamber one is breathing approx 93% oxygen via a nasal canula.  The air that we breathe every day is just 21% oxygen.
MHBOT drives a lot more oxygen into circulation, delivering oxygen-rich blood to tissues to support immune cells and the normal healing process especially of wounds. When tissues, including blood vessels, are damaged mHBOT may support the repair and regeneration of these structures.  
This was highlighted in a study published in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds (2018).  The researchers were able to demonstrate a positive impact of mHBOT on wound healing. The increased oxygen level in the bloodstream was observed to support cellular regeneration and tissue, making mHBOT a valuable supportive option for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries.
While mHBOT can deliver additional oxygen to our red bloods cells, it has also been shown to increase the oxygenation of plasma (which is around 55% of blood volume). Unlike red blood cells, plasma can pass through blood vessel walls and reach tissues where blood supply is compromised.
MHBOT can also be thought of as a beauty treatment as it may support collagen production in the skin thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
MHBOT therapy is very popular with athletes who are seeking to soothe aching muscles, to support a rapid recovery and a normal inflammatory response. A study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (2019) suggested mHBOT may support exercise performance by increasing oxygen availability to muscles, reducing oxidative stress, and accelerating recovery. This makes mHBOT a promising option for those looking to optimise their fitness routines.
The good news about mHBOT therapy is that, for whatever reason one might have for a series of treatments, everyone gets all the potential wellness benefits.
For the first treatment, the pressure in the chamber may be set at 1.2 atmospheres and if there is no problem clearing the ears the pressure can be progressively increased. As the pressure increases, it’s a bit like how the ears can feel when descending in an aeroplane when the cabin pressure increases to what it is at ground level.
While in the chamber the time is yours. You can read a book, listen to a podcast (flight mode only) or simply fall asleep. I have found it to be incredibly relaxing.
As scientific research continues to uncover the positive impacts of mHBOT, individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellbeing may find this therapy to be a ‘breath of fresh air’ (pun intended) in their journey toward optimal health.
Cryo Health Solutions is operated by Jill Somerville, a highly skilled practitioner who will be able to answer any questions you may have.  Jill’s number is 09-486-0141

John Appleton  john@johnappleton.co.nz  
johnappleton.co.nz Phone 09 489 9362