It’s that time of year again where maintaining a strong immune system and managing stress can help make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons. 

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) offers an appealing holistic approach by leveraging the combination of increased oxygen and mild pressure. In the controlled environment of a hyperbaric chamber, oxygen saturation in the bloodstream increases by 200%!! Considering the brain uses 20% of the oxygen you breathe, the benefits can be enormous. Elevated oxygen levels boost the functionality of white blood cells, empowering them to combat pathogens (the things that cause disease) more effectively, and invigorates the entire immune system. 

mHBOT can be combined with Red Light Therapy, which targets the mitochondria, for a one-two natural immunity-boosting punch. Red Light Therapy at specific wavelengths (the “therapeutic window” is 630 nm - 850 nm) has been scientifically shown help cells naturally build new collagen, stimulate hair growth for those suffering from alopecia, enhance blood flow in aching muscles, reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.), and much more. When combined with the healing power of mHBOT, the effectiveness is compounded. 

Simultaneously, mHBOT plays a vital role in stress reduction. With the holidays around the corner, stress doubles in our already fast-paced lives. Stress not only affects mental well-being but also significantly weakens the immune system. One study showed that one week of sleeping for 6-hours a night instead of the recommended 8 turned on almost 400 epigenetic markers that code for disease, and turned off almost 400 markers that code for a healthy immune system. 

The hyperbaric chamber promotes relaxation, reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This decrease in stress levels is not merely psychological; physiological changes include reduced inflammation and improved nervous system function.The increased blood flow to the brain over the course of 60 to 90 minutes can also enhance mood and cognitive function, offering a much-needed rest. An increase of hyper-oxygenated plasma to the brain also promotes healthier, deeper sleep. 

Compression Therapy is another good way to help boost the immune system. It acts as a lymphatic flush for the whole body by helping stagnant lymph fluid to carry away toxins and decrease swelling. 

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can be more than just a health treatment; it's a sanctuary for both the body and mind. By simultaneously boosting immune function and alleviating stress, these therapies take the holistic approach of treating the individual as a whole, making it a valuable tool in our December wellness arsenal. 

For the December readers of Natural Awakenings, we are offering Gift Certificates and Packages of Compression Therapy, Red Light, and mild Hyperbaric Therapy sessions. This offer is not available online, please email us at [email protected]!