Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HOT) | Here’s What You Need to Know

Celeb TherapySeptember 24, 2024

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and why are high-profile celebs endorsing it? In recent years, HBOT has become a buzzword in health and wellness circles, and even some celebrities are endorsing its benefits. This therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, designed to enhance the body’s natural healing process.

From professional athletes to high-profile actors, many are hopping on the HBOT train, touting its benefits for faster recovery, anti-aging, and overall well-being.

So, what exactly makes hyperbaric oxygen therapy so popular, and is it really worth the hype?

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and How Does It Work?

At its core, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is quite simple. It involves patients sitting or lying down in a chamber where the air pressure is increased to about two to three times higher than normal. This pressure enables your lungs to take in significantly more oxygen than you would in a normal environment.

Your blood then carries this oxygen throughout your body. Thus, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting the repair of damaged tissues.

UT Medical / Essentially, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HOT) makes patients breathe 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment.

This method has long been used in treating divers suffering from decompression sickness, also known as “the bends.” However, its use has expanded to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even severe infections.

But recently, its potential for wellness and recovery in non-critical situations has captured mainstream attention.

Why Are Celebrities Endorsing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

The rise in popularity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not just because of its medical use. Celebrities are fueling the trend. Stars like LeBron James, Justin Bieber, and even some Hollywood actors have been known to use HBOT to help with athletic recovery, boost energy, and even maintain their youthful glow.

Some claim that increased oxygen levels promote better skin health, enhance mental clarity, and even improve sleep.

So, when high-profile individuals back a treatment, it is easy to understand why others start to take notice. After all, who doesn’t want to know the secret behind their favorite star’s ability to look and feel amazing despite their hectic schedules? Thus, endorsements by celebrities bring HBOT into the spotlight.

What Are the Benefits of HBOT?

One of the most appealing aspects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is its ability to promote faster recovery. Whether you are healing from an injury, surgery, or just feeling run down, the extra oxygen helps accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. Professional athletes use it to recover from injuries more quickly. Why? Well, it enables them to get back in the game faster.

Healthline / Chronic inflammation can contribute to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, and other chronic conditions.

By delivering high levels of oxygen to the bloodstream, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reduce inflammation, offering relief for individuals with these issues.

Many proponents of the therapy also point to its potential anti-aging effects. Oxygen is a critical element in the body’s ability to repair and regenerate cells. With regular use, some believe that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help slow down the aging process by keeping the skin more vibrant and youthful.

Are There Risks Associated with HOT?

So, what is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and what are the risks that come with it? Breathing in 100% oxygen at high pressure can lead to some side effects. One of the more common risks is oxygen toxicity, which occurs when the lungs are exposed to high levels of oxygen for an extended period.

Other risks include ear pain or sinus discomfort due to the increased pressure. Some people may also experience temporary changes in vision, particularly after multiple sessions. In rare cases, individuals might develop seizures as a result of oxygen toxicity, although this is uncommon when the therapy is properly administered.