As more people seek natural ways to support recovery, improve energy and enhance their overall wellbeing, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) is attracting increasing attention. Although many people have heard the term, few understand what it is or how it works.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, experiencing chronic pain, symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or headaches, or simply looking to support your overall wellbeing, mHBOT offers a gentle, non-invasive approach that works with your body’s natural healing processes.
How Does Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves relaxing inside a specially designed chamber while breathing normal air at a pressure slightly higher than the atmosphere around us. Mild hyperbaric chambers typically operate at 1.3 to 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA), which is similar to the pressure experienced approximately 3–5 metres (10–16 feet) underwater.
This gentle increase in pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve into the body’s blood plasma and tissues. Think of oxygen as an essential nutrient – it plays a vital role in producing energy, repairing tissues and supporting many of the body’s normal healing processes. By increasing the amount of oxygen available to the body’s cells, mHBOT aims to support these natural functions.
Unlike hospital-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses much higher pressures and 100% oxygen to treat specific medical conditions, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy uses lower pressures and normal air, making it a gentle therapy commonly used to support recovery, healing and overall wellbeing.
Why Do People Choose Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
People choose mHBOT for many different reasons. Some are looking to support recovery after exercise, injury or surgery, while others are seeking support for ongoing health concerns or incorporating it into their overall wellness routine.
People commonly explore Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support:
- Recovery following injury or surgery
- Recovery after exercise and physical activity
- Muscle soreness and fatigue
- Healthy oxygen delivery throughout the body
- Energy and overall wellbeing
- Recovery following concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Long COVID and post-viral fatigue
- General health and wellness
Research into hyperbaric oxygen therapy continues to expand across a range of health conditions. While evidence is stronger for some applications than others, and individual results vary, many people choose Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as part of a broader health, rehabilitation or wellness programme.
What Happens During a Session?
A typical session involves lying comfortably inside the chamber while it slowly becomes pressurised. Most people notice very little difference apart from a feeling of pressure in the ears, similar to what you may experience during an aircraft’s ascent or descent.
Once the chamber reaches pressure, people spend the session reading, meditating or simply resting – and it’s not uncommon to fall asleep. Most sessions last around 60 minutes, although your practitioner will recommend a programme based on your individual goals.
Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
For most healthy individuals, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is considered a gentle and well-tolerated therapy when provided by trained professionals following an appropriate health screening.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions – including some lung conditions, untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or ear and sinus problems, may require further assessment before treatment. Your hyperbaric practitioner will discuss your medical history and determine whether mHBOT is appropriate for you.
A Natural Addition to Your Wellness Journey
Good health is influenced by many factors, including movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management and nervous system function. Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not intended to replace medical care but may complement a healthy lifestyle and other healthcare approaches.
At Living Family Chiropractic, we offer Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy alongside neurologically focused chiropractic care, acupuncture, red light therapy and infrared sauna as part of our holistic approach to health. Our goal is to provide natural therapies that support recovery, wellbeing and the body’s remarkable ability to adapt and heal.
If you live in Pukekohe, Franklin or South Auckland and would like to learn more about Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, we’d be happy to answer your questions. Whether you’re exploring options to support recovery, improve your overall wellbeing, or simply want to find out if mHBOT is right for you, our experienced team is here to help.
Dr Dean Carter
Ph – 09 2393799
Email – info@livingchiro.co.nz
https://livingchiro.co.nz