Hyperbaric chambers are special rooms or tubes where people breathe pure oxygen at higher-than-normal air pressure. This treatment, called hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), helps the body heal and function better in unique ways.
Normally, the air we breathe has about 21% oxygen. In a hyperbaric chamber, you breathe +90% oxygen, and the pressure can be two or three times higher than outside. This pressure allows the oxygen in the blood stream to "diffuse" into the plasma of the blood, which can now bring oxygen to parts of the body that red blood cells cannot typically access. This is done through the exact same gas law as carbonation-- Henry's Gas Law. This (now usable) extra oxygen can speed up healing, reduce swelling, and help fight infections.
Doctors use hyperbaric chambers to treat conditions like severe burns, wounds that won’t heal (like diabetic foot sores), or damage from radiation. It’s also used for decompression sickness, a risk for divers who surface too quickly. The high oxygen levels help repair tissues, grow new blood vessels, and boost the body’s ability to fight bacteria.
Recent research, like a study from Tel Aviv University, shows HBOT might even slow aging. It can make certain cells act younger by protecting their DNA and clearing out old, damaged cells. This could help people stay healthier as they age.
During treatment, you lie or sit in a chamber for about 60-90 minutes, often for multiple sessions. It’s painless, though you might feel pressure in your ears, like on an airplane. Hyperbaric chambers are safe when used by trained professionals and can be a powerful tool for healing and improving health.
