If you are struggling with anxiety and looking beyond conventional treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be an option. At PEAK Integrative Medicine, we believe that healing is a whole-body process, including your physical and mental health. We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a comfortable, soft-chamber setting.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the following.
- what hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is
- how it may help with anxiety
- our implementation at peak
- other considerations and next steps
HBOT and Anxiety
Through HBOT, patients breathe in higher concentrations of oxygen by being in a carefully pressurized chamber for an extended period of time. HBOT works by increasing oxygen delivery to your body and tissues, therefore improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and repairing your cells along the way.
When you are anxious and filled with worry or fear, this has an impact on not only your emotional health but also your physical health. Anxiety and high stress causes an increase in inflammation. Anxiety can cause shortness of breath or a racing heart, which poorly impacts your circulation and oxygen levels. You may not be sleeping as well or eating properly as a direct result of anxiety. Over time, all of these things can impact your nervous system and cause dysfunction.
What the Research Says
Though research and mainstream use of HBOT for anxiety is still emerging, research is trending in a positive way, especially in the impact on the nervous system and overall brain function.
- A PubMed Central report highlights how HBOT may have potential use to modulate the nervous system, potentially helping people with psychological disorders.
- Psychiatrist.com highlights how HBOT is being researched to treat veterans who suffer with PTSD.
- In an article from Nature.com, HBOT was thought to improve processes in the nervous system and thought.
Overall, these studies suggest that HBOT is growing in interest for supporting the nervous system, which might have direct impacts on experiences with anxiety.
HBOT’s Impact on Anxiety
Because HBOT delivers high amounts of oxygen to the body, it might reduce oxidative stress all around, which promotes the ability of the brain to form new positive pathways that regulate mood. Anxiety is also often linked with inflammation in the body, so HBOT’s anti-inflammatory effects can make a big splash.
When you are anxious, you may become stressed much easier. HBOT is able to support the body’s ability to heal, especially from circulation and tissue interruptions from a lack of oxygen. This reoxygenation may enable your system to reduce anxiety or have a lower baseline level.
Additional Considerations
The protocol for HBOT treatment is not standard and can be customized depending on you as a patient and your needs. Here at PEAK Integrative Medicine, we have expert providers who can help you determine the number of sessions you might need, as well as pressure and oxygen concentrations. We’ll help you monitor how you’re feeling and address any potential side effects so that treatment remains safe and effective for you.
Along with HBOT, PEAK Integrative Medicine also offers other holistic treatments and healing services, including hormone therapy, nutritional support, and other mind-body practices. We want to help you heal inside and out.
Contact PEAK Today for HBOT Treatment
If you’re looking to treat your anxiety from a holistic point of view, HBOT may be a piece to that puzzle. Call us today for more information about hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment services.
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Disclaimer: Services at PEAK Integrative Medicine are intended to support the body’s natural healing processes. Some therapies offered are considered complementary or alternative and are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, or cure any specific medical condition. Always consult with your provider to determine if a therapy is appropriate for your needs.