2shoes,
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy is a chamber that one gets in and receives oxygen through a mask or hood. The chamber puts you anywhere from 11-25 feet under pressure, or under sea level. It's like scuba diving. Henry's Law says that gas under pressure turns into liquid. The gas is the oxygen, the pressure is going under pressure and the liquid is the oxygen going into the blood forcing more oxygen flow through out the body also promoting new capillary growth (blood vessel growth). Hyperbaric has been known to give CP kids the ability to hold items and use their hands when before they could not move them.
there is an organization called the international hyperbarics association that was very helpful for me but the best resource available is here/link{http://www.netnet.net/mums/} that's probably not going to work haha so here is the link again www.netnet.net/mums
Here is a bit of information that I have copied and pasted here for you to read:
Hyperbaric Therapy benefits your body by helping to increase your body's
ability to absorb oxygen. Oxygen is vital for health, it is the single most
important element your body needs. Oxygen is our primary source of
energy.
Not only does oxygen fuel the body, it supports the immune system by
destroying toxic substances. Anaerobic bacteria, fungi and viruses all have a
common intolerance for oxygen; they cannot survive in an oxygen rich
environment.
The body's vital functions are enhanced by increased availability of
oxygen. Increased pressure also stimulates blood flow and decreases
inflammation, and has a calming effect. Sleep is enhanced, absorption of
nutrients and digestion improved.
At the cellular level, oxygen is required for proper function.
Oxygen deficiency is often overlooked.
Some of the possible signs of low oxygen levels in the body include:
Premature aging
Unexplainable depression, anger or sadness
Memory loss/forgetfulness
Sleeping disorders, drowsiness, exhaustion
Digestive disorders, acid stomach
Excessive colds or infections
Inflamed, swollen or aching joints
Muscle or tendon aches
Headaches
Chronic fatigue
Difficulty breathing, breathlessness, shortness of breath
Certain environments and activities can contribute to low oxygen levels, including:
Regular, heavy exercise
Regular participation in sports activities
Working in a sealed building
Working excessive hours
High stress work environments
Living in city with high pollution
Traveling frequently in an airplane
Frequent travel across time zones
Smoking or being around smokers
Consuming alcohol on a regular basis
Driving in congested traffic more than 1 hour per day
Lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle
Who uses mild Hyperbaric Therapy?
Conditions which may benefit from Hyperbaric Therapy include:
ADD/ADHD Arthritis * Autism
Asthma Allergies * Acute Mountain Sickness
Acne Brain Injury * Bell?s Palsy
Chronic Fatigue Cerebral Palsy * Crohn?s Disease
Fibromyalgia Frequent Air Travel * Hypoxia
Alzheimer's Parkinson?s Disease * Anti-Aging
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Joint Pain
Loss of Limb Lupus * Immune deficiency
Multiple Sclerosis Sports Injury * Stroke
Surgery: Pre/Post Wound Healing * Diabetes
Circulation Problems Headaches * Acid Stomach
Candidiasis Body Detoxification * Skin Disorders
Sleeping disorders Cosmetic Surgery * Lyme Disease
Frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Mild Hyperbaric Therapy?
nMild Hyperbaric Therapy (HBT) is a safe method of delivering more oxygen to the body at the cellular level.
nHBT provides the optimal environment for the body to carry out vital cell processes, thereby increasing the capacity for the body to heal itself.n
HBT utilizes filtered pressurized ambient air to dissolve oxygen directly into the plasma, cerebral and spinal fluids, flooding tissues and vital organs with oxygen.
nMild Hyperbaric Therapy allows for healing at the cellular level, which is critical for changes to be made which in turn affect healthy tissue formation, making it possible for healthier organs and ultimately a healthier body overall.
- Is it Safe?
YES! nThe hyperbaric chamber uses filtered ambient air, so there is no risk of oxygen toxicity to the body even with regular use.n
The chamber can be depressurized and opened from the inside.n
Once inside the chamber, both visual and verbal communication is possible with the outside, and there is also a buzzer for help.
nMost people report a comfortable, relaxing experience and emerge from the chamber feeling refreshed.
nThis therapy is non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and there are no dangerous side effectsThis treatment is non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and there are no dangerous side effects reported.
- How does it work?
nThe mild hyperbaric chamber is filled with compressed ambient air from 2 to 4.5 pounds per square inch. (1.3 ATA max) This is the equivalent of 11 feet below sea level.
nThe increased pressure allows the blood plasma and other liquids of the body to absorb additional oxygen thus greatly increasing oxygen uptake by the cells, tissues, glands, organs, brain, and fluids of the body.
nThe resulting uptake of oxygen allows for increased circulation to areas with swelling or inflammation. At the same time, the increased pressure decreases swelling and inflammation.
nOxygen is then utilized by the body for vital cell functions, healthier cells equals healthier tissues, and organs.
nThe human body is capable of healing itself when it has what it needs. There is NOTHING the human body needs more than OXYGEN.
- Why does it work?
Henry's Law of Physics:
nAn increase in atmospheric pressure allows for more gas to be dissolved into any given liquid.
nOxygen, the 8th element on the Periodic Table, exists as a gas at room temperature.
nThe human body is composed almost completely of water.
n Gas ? under pressure ? dissolves in water
- Are there any side effects?
No dangerous side effects have been reported with Mild Hyperbaric Therapy.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your first session in a chamber:
n 1. Some people experience a mild discomfort to the ears when pressurizing the chamber, not unlike during the ascending part of an airplane ride.
n 2. Some people following their first few sessions experience slight fatigue as the body sweeps itself clear of toxic debris that has built up in the body. This is safe and necessary.
n 3. It is advisable that you wear comfortable, loose clothing. (Pantyhose and other tight garments may contribute to feelings of claustrophobia.)
nBring something to read, as the sessions last about 60 minutes. You may want to bring a favorite cd, dvd player, portable game, etc.
n 4. Do not drink large amounts of fluids before entering the chamber.
5. Do not wear perfume or cologne when you are coming for your session.
- What can I expect to happen during my session?
The chamber will seem smaller when deflated than it is when fully pressurized. Within one minute the chamber will inflate completely, allowing enough room for an adult to sit upright or lie fully extended.
After the chamber inflates, it will begin to pressurize. This is the time when you may experience pressure in your ears. The easiest way to relieve any discomfort this may cause is to equalize your ears using one or more of the following methods:
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Close your mouth and firmly clamp your nose shut with your fingers and thumb. Blow, as if you were blowing your nose, but keep nose and mouth closed. You will feel the air come out through your ears when you have done this procedure correctly, and this should relieve the pressure.
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Yawn. Stretching your mouth as wide as possible, even stretching your tongue out. This will cause the sinus passages surrounding your ears to drain and relieve the pressure.
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If you are the parent of a small child who is having trouble with their ears during pressurization, try massaging the area just below the ears and right behind the jaw. A baby still on the bottle or pacifier should be given either of these, but if your child is likely to spill drinks in the chamber please try to monitor them with liquids.
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Sit upright. Turn your head completely to the right, then completely to the left. Repeat earlier steps until the ears are cleared.
- How long does a session last?
The sessions last around 60 minutes.
- What can I do during my hyperbaric session?
1. Listen to music, (we have CD players and a selection of music, or you may bring your own)
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Talk on your cell phone.
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Play handheld games.
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Watch movies on portable DVD player.
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Work on laptop computer.
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Read books or magazines.
- Are there any reasons a person should NOT go into the chamber?
Yes. You should NOT go into the chamber if you are inebriated (drunk), if you have ear canal problems or an ear infection, if you are experiencing flu or cold symptoms, or if you are wearing perfume or cologne.