What is HBOT? How does it make Chemo, Radiation and Immunotherapy more Effective against Cancer?
Healing in a chamber!
What is HBOT?
By Emma Rafferty CHTFM
(How HBOT works against Cancer by Amanda King ND is in the second half of this article).
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment.
HBOT is more well known as a therapy to treat decompression sickness in SCUBA divers to avoid them getting ‘the bends’, but a wider application has been found for a variety of medical conditions.
Inside a HBOT chamber the increased pressure allows your lungs to gather much more oxygen than would be possible at normal air pressure. We would normally only take in 21% but with HBOT we can absorb over 5 times the amount of oxygen we take in at sea level.
The Science Behind HBOT
Under hyperbaric (high pressure) conditions, oxygen dissolves more readily into the bloodstream and reaches tissues that are starved of oxygen (as in The Warburg Effect)
The boost in oxygenation can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new blood vessels (though the promotion of angiogenesis with HBOT has not been demonstrated in cancer).
Key physiological effects of HBOT include:
History and Development of Hyperbaric Medicine
It’s fascinating how far HBOT goes back in time, The use of pressurized air in medicine dates back to the 1600s. It was originally called a Domicilium. It leap-frogged into the 20th century under the modern name of Hyperbaric Medicine. Initially used for decompression sickness, it was later found to be effective for carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic wounds and infections.
In the 1960s, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) helped formalize the field, developing treatment protocols and guidelines.
Conditions Treated with HBOT
The FDA has approved HBOT for several medical conditions, including:
Decompression sickness at a very specific ATA and protocol
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Chronic non-healing wounds (especially in diabetics)
Radiation injury (e.g., radiation cystitis)
Thermal burns
Skin grafts and flaps at risk of failure
Emerging applications include:
Stroke recovery
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Lyme disease (A very specific pressure and to be covered in a consultation)
Autism spectrum disorders (again a consultation is needed)
Post-COVID recovery
Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash
In every situation it is best to consult with a qualified HBOT practitioner as each condition needs HBOT to be performed at different pressures.
All the above need to be assessed by a CHTFM certified HBOT Practitioner
Contact: Emma Rafferty themoynehealingroom.com
Hyperbaric Chamber Experience
There are two main types of hyperbaric chambers:
monoplace (for one person)
multiplace (for multiple individuals). Sessions typically last 60 minutes.
During treatment, patients lay or sit down and breathe oxygen while the chamber is pressurized. Common sensations include ear popping and a feeling of fullness, similar to airplane take off. This will be explained to you in the session preparation and you will be shown how to overcome the ear popping.
Benefits of HBOT
Faster wound healing
Reduced infection rates
Improved neurological function
Decreased inflammation
Enhanced recovery from sports injuries
Improved energy and cognitive clarity
Enhanced bone recovery
Increase in energy levels
Younger looking skin
Risks and Contraindications
While generally safe, HBOT is not without risks:
Ear and sinus barotrauma
Oxygen toxicity (very rare)
Claustrophobia
Temporary vision changes
Contraindications include:
Untreated pneumothorax
Certain types of chemotherapy
High fever
HBOT in Integrative Medicine
HBOT is increasingly used alongside other therapies in integrative and functional medicine. For chronic illness and autoimmune conditions, HBOT can complement nutritional therapy, detox and physical rehabilitation, also new research is being shown it can help in Cancer (read on for more about this).
Current Research and Emerging Applications
Cutting-edge research is exploring HBOT for:
Anti-aging and longevity
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Regenerative medicine and stem cell support
Enhancing athletic performance
How to Access Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT can be accessed through specialized clinics, and wellness clinics
Insurance may cover treatment for FDA-approved conditions.
For off-label uses, out-of-pocket costs range from $150 to $250 per session.
Breathing New Life into Healing
I have watched HBOT evolve over the last ten years and people want and need it more than ever before.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers a powerful, natural approach to healing. As science continues to uncover new applications, HBOT stands poised to play an increasingly vital role in modern medicine. Whether used to heal wounds, support brain health, or optimize wellness, HBOT is truly breathing new life into the healing process .
These are exciting times.
At present there is a little of an ‘internet craze’ with HBOT and it is perhaps more readily available than ever before. I advise people to steer on the side of caution and:
Find a reliable provider.
Use a qualified practitioner who can guide you with specific protocols. Someone who knows when to use the HBOT and when not to. This way you maximize the benefits and also get more for your money.
Here at themoynehealingroom.com I am dedicated to great success rates for overall health and wellbeing for my clients. I customise different packages and protocols to tailor for my client’s individual needs.
With over ten years experience in Hyperbaric Medicine and now fully qualified, I am involved with charities and companies worldwide to help people maintain better health and help them heal in the chamber.
I augment the treatment for better success rates and work alongside integrative oncologists, Naturopaths and other Functional Medicine practitioners.
So if you are looking to use a clinic for HBOT and want a professional opinion on your HBOT protocol then reach out by email here:
I can advise you on any Standard HBOT protocol.
I have expertise in high to mild pressure and extended HBOT protocols.
I work with Combinations of therapies ( Augmented approach)
I look forward to helping you in any way I can
Thank you
Hyperbaric Medicine Expert
HBOT & Cancer - How it ‘potentiates’ Chemo, Radio & Immunotherapy?
by Amanda King, ND - The Metabolic Nutritionist
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