133 Defense Highway, Suite 110, Annapolis, Maryland

Everything You Need to Know about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

How did BluZone get started?

The first place BluZone owner and nurse, Heather Lamb, heard of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was in the wound care field. She conducted research and discovered that HBOT shows promise in addressing a variety of conditions, including arthritis and PTSD. As you’ll find out later, it can even be a helpful weight loss tool.

What does HBOT do?

BluZone owner and nurse, Heather Lamb describes HBOT as a “non-invasive, painless modality that helps detox and boost metabolism on a cellular level.”

What is the history of HBOT? * **

Hyperbaric chambers are far from new. In fact, Leonardo DaVinci was known to have experimented with the notion of oxygen-preserving underwater equipment. Other inventors (not quite so famous as DaVinci) toyed with the idea of containing air, but it wasn’t until 1662 (150 years after DaVinci’s death) that a British physician Nathaniel Henshaw believed that hyperbarics could help promote healing. 

The construction of the first hyperbaric tank was overseen by French doctor Junod in 1834. He discovered that HBOT could treat a number of medical conditions. He called it “Le Bain d’air com-primé” — “the compressed air bath.”  

In 1928, Dr. Orval Cunningham used HBOT to treat flu patients from higher elevations, where there is less oxygen in the air. He created a 5-story chamber to treat more than 60 patients, and Harvard Medical School followed his lead. 

The “father” of modern hyperbarics was Dutch cardiac surgeon Ite Boerema whose plethora of pediatric surgeries attributed their success to HBOT, drawing international attention in 1937. In addition to being a hero for resisting the Germans in WWII, Boerema called himself an “engineer of medicine.” 

HBOT started to generate even more public interest in the 1960s when President John F. Kennedy, Jr. had his very sick newborn son transported to a hyperbaric chamber in Boston. Sadly, they were unable to save his life, but people became more aware of the potential benefits of HBOT and further development of the science grew.

HBOT has developed tremendously since then and continues to grow as technology improves. BluZone offers a state-of-the-art, medical-grade chamber for you to experience, in a convenient location, at a fair price for improving your health from the inside out.

*https://www.nationalhyperbaric.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/history-of-hbot-therapy

**https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/66258

How does HBOT work?

The highly concentrated oxygen fuels cells so that they reproduce more quickly and in better form than they had before your “dive”. New blood vessels begin to form, as well. 

How long will my HBOT session be?

The average session is 90 minutes total, including 15 minutes to allow pressure to build up, a 1-hour “dive” into pure oxygen, and 15 minutes to decompress. The time may vary depending on your situation.

How often should I come in for HBOT?

The number of sessions you require will depend on your health needs. Our nurse, Heather, will help you determine the intensity of your therapy during your consultation.

What can I do during my session?

This is a time for you to relax! It is a great time to practice meditation or take an oxygen nap. You just can’t bring anything that will create a spark in the tank, like metal.  

Isn’t oxygen combustible?

You may have heard that oxygen is combustible, but it is not. In very rare cases in other locations, fires have occurred, but we have taken every safety precaution to prevent an occurrence. Even if it does, we have an emergency plan.

What are the side effects?

Most people experience some ear popping while in the chamber and, rarely, alterations in vision. These usually resolve upon emergence from the chamber, but occasionally, ear popping lasts between sessions and can be easily resolved with nasal spray decongestants.

Who can NOT use the hyperbaric chamber?

Anyone who has recently had a cold or ear infection should wait until they are healed before entering the chamber. People who have experienced collapsed lung, certain heart conditions, or other severe pulmonary issues should NOT participate in HBOT. Our nurse, Heather, will discuss any limitations you would have using HBOT during your consultation.

What if I have claustrophobia?

People are usually surprised by how much room is available in the chamber. The average adult can even sit up!  Comfortable 100% cotton bedding will make you feel like you’re snug in bed. Your care team is visible through two windows and accessible over walkie-talkie. They are also trained in helping people who are experiencing anxiety.  Seeing a therapist who specializes in CBT can help, as well. You can consult with your doctor about taking anti-anxiety medications, if need be. Finally, most people find that breathing in the oxygen is a calming experience.

How does HBOT improve weight loss?*

Like everything else HBOT offers you, weight loss happens from the inside out!

  1. It improves insulin sensitivity by raising a hormone called adiponectin, so you process sugars more effectively.
  2. It turns OFF the hormones that cause inflammation, and turns ON the hormones that fight it. 
  3. It speeds up your metabolism by fueling the mitochondria in your cells.

Another effect is the increase in energy you feel! Since you’ll be feeling good, you may be more eager to exercise.

HBOT is just a part of BluZone’s weight loss program. To see what else we have to offer, click here: https://bluzonemd.com/weight-loss-program/

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=YhRoemztG1U

How do I schedule my first visit to BluZone?

You can book on our website:

Or email us:

[email protected]

Or call us:

443-640-5032

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