Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

At IVBOOST Berkhamsted we use the hyperbaric oxygen therapy which gives a myriad of health and recovery benefits especially alongside all of our other integrational therapies.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy delivers close to 100% pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber to increase cellular oxygen levels in your body.

Hyperbaric Oxygen involves breathing close to 100% pure oxygen (instead of 21% in the normal atmosphere) at a higher pressure, which substantially increases the amount of available oxygen to up-regulate healing, repair and regeneration. It is a painless and non-invasive treatment which may increase cellular oxygen levels by around 1200%. The use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy dates back to over 300 years and has stood the test of time.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has sufficient clinical evidence and sound underlying mechanisms for positive effects on a variety of diseases and symptoms

This can lead to a myriad of health benefits including healing and rejuvenation.

Benefits of using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber:

• Improved blood circulation
• Reduce inflammation and pain
• Speed recovery
• Increase energy levels
• Stimulate healing response
• Post surgery recovery
• Mobilise stem cells and immune cells
• Anti-ageing and longevity
• Improve collagen production
• Promote collage, bone, and cartilage repair and regeneration
• Destroy anaerobic bacteria
• Improved outcomes in autoimmunity like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis
• Improved athletic performance

What does HBOT do?

The hyperbaric chamber combines oxygen and molecular hydrogen in a pressurised chamber to increase oxygen saturation levels by up to 50%.

Oxygen fuels our cells and provides basic building blocks that our bodies need to survive. Under pressure oxygen is dissolved in blood plasma leading to higher amounts of oxygen being delivered to tissues, organs and the brain to aid repair, regeneration and relaxation.

Also, as the oxygen is delivered under pressure, it is possible to penetrate further into the body reaching areas that may be affected by injury and inflammation.

Molecular hydrogen is a scientifically proven antioxidant that selectively targets and scavenges harmful free radicals to prevent disease, degeneration and ageing resulting from body oxidation.

The system allows both oxygen and hydrogen therapy at the same time to give the benefits of both.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Changes Gene Manifestation

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been demonstrated in several clinical studies to create long term change by modifying gene expression.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy induces epigenetic changes within the body, resulting in the switching on of growth and repair genes, and the switching off of inflammatory genes.

Reduced Inflammation

• Studies show that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine release. This mechanism has, in some research, been linked to ameliorating the inflammatory pathology of some acute and chronic diseases.
• The pro-inflammatory cytokines suggested to be suppressed are IL-6 and IL-1 families

Mitochondrial Function Restoration

• Both animal and human studies have shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may improve and restore the decreased mitochondrial function in different parts of our body, including the injured brain.
• When undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the mitochondria in the body sense the change from very high oxygen levels back to normal oxygen levels, this is named the Hyperoxic-Hypoxic paradox. A key molecular mediator is triggered during this, named hypoxic induced factor 1alpha (HIF). When triggered, HIF unleashes several processes to cope with stress and many of the bodies regenerative and anti-inflammatory mechanism are initiated.

Enhanced Immune Function

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been clinically proven to increase superoxide dismutase throughout the body.
• Superoxide dismutase is one of the body’s most crucial free-radical scavengers and acts as a powerful antioxidant and detoxification enzyme within the cell.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy also increases the rate of phagocytosis within the body (the process of white blood cells fighting infections) and stimulates the process of apoptosis (killing the old or poor functioning immune cells).
• These steps are crucial for developing new cells, reducing inflammation and preventing chronic disease.
• Oxygen is a potent virucidal and antimicrobial agent, leading to improved infection control.

Regeneration

• Research shows that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can promote the repair and regeneration of various tissues, including collagen, bone, cartilage, and soft tissues). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy assists faster regeneration by increasing osteoblast, osteoclast and fibroblast production.
• By promoting collagen production, the skin looks younger and healthier.
• In addition, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helps in the generation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The new blood vessels are formed in tissues where normal blood flow was decreased.
• Research has demonstrated that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can stimulate the brain’s ability to heal, even years after an initial injury. After 30-40 treatment sessions, brain scans have shown that HBOT can promote growth of new blood vessels, formation of new nerve connections, reactivation of dormant neurons and the remyelination of nerve fibres, thus leading to an overall increase in neuroplasticity.

Stem Cell Recruitment

• Clinical studies have shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy induces stem cell mobilisation from their storage in the bone marrow. These stem cells then enter the bloodstream and are able to migrate to various tissues throughout the body.
• Stem cells released into circulation by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are able to detect and migrate towards tissues that have been damaged, signalling a need for regeneration in those areas.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy induces the differentiation of stem cells into various specialised cell types, including those found in the heart, muscle, kidney and brain.

Why HBOT work so well?

Since most people’s blood is almost fully saturated with oxygen, Hyperbaric (higher pressure) Oxygen Therapy drives extra oxygen into the plasma, lymph, and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This delivers increased oxygen to damaged cells and tissues throughout the body. The increase of around 1200 fold oxygen stimulates microcirculation, reduces inflammation, up-regulates the genes and immune cells, mobilises stem cells, and up-regulates the body’s innate ability to heal itself. It also improves detoxification and destroys anaerobic bacteria.

Why do you need pressure to get benefits of HBOT?

Without pressure (our at normal atmosphere) we breathe in 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen. This oxygen is filtered and supplied to the red blood cells. Red blood cells become saturated at 97% and are unable to carry additional oxygen.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used for over 300 years and supported by many studies. The hyperbaric therapy system uses mild pressure (up to 1.35 ATA) which is safe to use in clinic settings.

With pressurised oxygen (at 1.3 ATA which is 3.5m below sea level), oxygen gets dissolved into blood plasma so increase oxygen concentration and enables this oxygen to permeate tissues and cells.

When at 1.3 ATA oxygen concentration in our blood increases from 21% to 28.35% so a 35% increase in oxygen circulation throughout the body.

What Does Oxygen Do For The Body?

Every day our bodies require energy for our daily activities, growth, healing and repair. This energy is fundamentally drawn from the oxygen we breathe and the nutrients we intake, which at the cellular level are transformed into adenosine triphosphate.

However, our intense and stressful modern lifestyles do not provide a nourishing environment for our bodies to live a healthy life. Many of us live in concrete jungles, where at best we are breathing oxygen at ~21%.

In this state, our bodies are more prone to inflammation, and cannot focus on growth, healing, and optimal functioning. Thus, over time, chronic diseases begin to affect our cells and tissues.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy enables oxygen to reach and be utilised in areas of the body where circulation was previously diminished. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy creates an environment that is more conducive to healing processes. With the extra oxygen supply in our bodies provided, we can heal and repair more efficiently.

Frequency Asked Questions

Is there anything I need to do before my Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session?

You can attend your session in comfortable clothing. Avoid using chemicals before the session like strong perfumes, deodorant and hair sprays. It’s best to refrain from caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and stimulants before and right after the session.

Is HBOT safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used for over 300 years and supported by many studies. The hyperbaric therapy system uses mild pressure (up to 1.35 ATA) which is safe to use in clinic settings.

At IVBOOST, we prioritise safety. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is generally a very relaxing and safe in the hands of experienced clinician. There are very few contraindications.  We carefully evaluate each person for suitability prior to the session and tailor the sessions based on individual feed back and sensitivities. Some people may report pressure in the ear similar to the pressure in the airplane during take off or landing. We monitor and adjust the session to make it a pleasant and relaxing experience. We have had many children and elderly use our chambers very comfortably.

Can HBOT support performance recovery and performance?

Injuries, micro tears, inflammation and tiredness can all occur when you are training regularly. Both lactic acid build up and inflammation can inhibit performance.

Hyperbaric therapy can help reduce inflammation and improve alertness which can both help in sports recovery.

It can also help general relaxation leading to better sleep quality which will also speed up repair.

Does HBOT help with Long Covid?There is both clinical evidence and many anecdotal reports of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) easing long covid symptoms and aiding in recovery from the condition.

What does it feel like to be in a HBOT?

The hyperbaric chamber has a glass lid which means you can see out at all times and limits any feelings of claustrophobia. The chamber will feel relaxing and has chromotherapy built in so you can choose the colour that you will get the most benefits out of. A therapist will help you into and out of the pod safely and ensure that you are comfortable by speaking to you via the inbuilt communication system.

How long do you need to stay in the HBOT?

We offer 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions in the hyperbaric chamber.

• 30 minute sessions are ideal for those trying hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the first time or those anxious about confined spaces. Multiple sessions within quick succession are recommended to get the full benefit of the treatment.
• 60 minute sessions are great for general health and wellbeing, regular sessions are recommended to achieve the full benefits.
• 90 minute sessions are recommended for anyone recovering from illness or injury to achieve optimum healing benefits.

How many sessions of HBOT do you need?

The exact amount of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions required varies from person to person. Some see the benefits after the first session, others require many more before they see visible changes based on their unique pathophysiology. Hyperbaric Oxygen works via its cumulative compounded effect, meaning exposing your body to Hyperbaric Oxygen for several sessions in a row to see the benefits. Our protocols are specifically tailored to each client during their initial consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment is an all-natural therapy with only temporary to no side effects. Clients may feel a mild popping or cracking sensation in their ears which usually resolves within 24h. This sensation should be relieved by equalising the ear by swallowing and yawning gestures. Because we prioritise safety, any potential side effects are mitigated.

Are there any contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

As it is non-invasive therapy, HBOT has very few contraindications. Some of these include: Pregnancy, untreated pneumothorax, severe, unmanaged COPD, bullous lung disease and certain chemotherapies. During your first consultation at Iv Boost, one of our trained staff members will check your medical history for contraindications and answer any further questions.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen covered by insurance?

Some of our clients have had success in getting session covered by insurance. If you have an international health insurance such as BUPA international that is a conversation between you and your insurance provider. We are happy to provide you with a receipt for you to make a claim.

Can I do Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy if I am claustrophobic?

Yes, you can. We are very experienced with claustrophobia and can tailor the session to your specific needs. Our Hyperbaric Oxygen chambers have transparent windows through which you can see everything that’s happening around you.