As a proponent of natural, health-affirming treatment options I feel honored to introduce Hyperbaric Medicine to the Olympic Peninsula in the form of Mild Hyperbaric Therapy (mHBOT).
What is Hyperbaric Medicine?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is the medically-prescribed method of administering oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure to a patient while he or she relaxes inside a pressurized chamber. Hyperbaric therapy has connections to ancient times, however, as we know it, it is available in two modalities that are referred to as soft and hard shell. The hard shell was initially used for divers with decompression sickness caused by changing from high underwater pressures to atmospheric pressure too rapidly. My advisor, Dr. William Maxfield, was working with the navy hyperbaric department when he was one of the first to recognize that HBOT was having a positive effect on a number of conditions. http://www.ihausa.org/docs/maxfield.html Due to these and following breakthroughs in medicine the hard shell is now available in some hospitals and medical clinics around the country. For example, it is used in a number of burn centers as oxygen is essential for all healing and hyperbaric oxygen reduces recovery time. Hospital hyperbarics are inaccessible to most.
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT)
The soft shell or mild hyperbaric therapy (mHBOT) has developed because of the increasing awareness of the healing effects of oxygen magnified under pressure . Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses compressed ambient filtered air and delivers it in a pressurized inflatable chamber. The term “mild” means the pressure does not exceed 1.3 atmospheres of pressure (1.3 ATA). This is the equivalent of 11 feet below sea level. This amount of increased pressure allows the blood plasma and other liquids of the body to absorb additional oxygen thus increasing oxygen intake by the cells, connective tissues, glands, organs, brain and fluids of the body. The resulting intake of oxygen allows for increased circulation including areas with swelling, inflammation or chronically insufficient blood flow. Oxygen is then utilized by the body for vital cell functions and aids repair.
NOTE: Hyperbaric therapy has been used for decades, is studied and in the scientific literature. In 2000, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy gained FDA approval for the treatment of high-altitude sickness. There is research supporting the “off label” use of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of the underlying cellular pathology of many other illnesses. However, there have not been sufficient, rigorously applied human studies to support FDA approval for its use to treat illnesses other than altitude sickness. The mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy used at Sequim Clinic for Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine is not intended to treat any specific disease, .
How does it work?
What happens when you add pressure with oxygen? It minimizes the size of the oxygen molecule resulting in more oxygen in the blood and is more easily delivered to hard to reach, oxygen deprived areas in the body.
The Vitaerus 320
Our Chamber the Vitaerus 320, made by oxyhealth, is rated the top mHBOT chamber available and used by over 4,000 physicians. The Vitaerus is also one of the the most used by professional athletes. Founder of Oxyhealth, Samir Patel, stated to me that since the movie Concussion there are now football teams recognizing the benefits mHBOT and providing entire fleets of the Oxyhealth chambers to their players as they come off the field. In the past 5 years since I incorporated the Vitaerus in our clinic, I have observed a marked increase of interest in the the use of mHBOT, and now many professional teams have individual players using oxyhealth mHBOT chambers. Why? Because they are finding it makes a significant difference in the body's ability to repair and optimize function. http://www.hypertc.com/athletes.cfm
What conditions is it used for?
At this point the FDA has approved mHBOT for the treatment of altitude sickness,however a rapidly growing number of clinics are finding it very helpful in supporting repair in many conditions a number of which are being "further studied", (See testimonials to hear what some of our patients are experiencing).
Hollywood entertainers are a fast growing population with interest in mHBOT to maintain in their over-taxing lifestyles and stay mentally and physically on top of their game. mBHOT is also used in anti-aging clinics, as oxygen promotes tissue repair-including skin.
What are the 4,000+ doctors using Oxyhealth chambers for in their clinics? Oxygen helps optimize repair, and again, even professional athletes getting plenty of oxygenating exercise have found that the oxygen under pressure is able to support tissue repair more effectively greatly enhancing their game....what about yours?
FAQs
FAQs
Is mHBOT right for me?
Hyperbaric therapy is a prescription item and while many experience benefits it is not for everyone. Dr. Tack invites you to join her for a complimentary 15 minute consultation to answer questions, access for contraindications, and discuss your goals with mHBOT. Participation in our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program begins with an evaluation of your health to determine if Dr. Tack finds you a good candidate and can move forward with prescribing the mHBOT. If your sessions are prescribed by another doctor this can be minimized Her goal with your hyperbaric experience is the same as the one she has held for over three decades in her medical practice: individualized care with the intention of resolving underlying issues as much as possible and optimizing quality of life.
Are there any side affects?
YES! It is common to experience an increase in energy, endurance, well being, muscle health and vitality, and some experience a more youthful look.
Negative side effects are extremely rare; however, some patients who receive long-term hyperbaric oxygen therapy report mild myopic changes that return to normal after treatment is completed. The most common is that some patients report a feeling of fullness in their ears, much like what is experienced with change in altitude during landing in a commercial plane and is similarly managed with easy-to-do techniques reviewed with you prior to your first session. We closely monitor you as the chamber pressurizes taking it at a pace that assures your ears adjust at a comfortable rate. You are moniotred throughout the session. We don't do sessions during the congestion of a cold/flu. If you experience chronic congestion due to allergies etc we address that previous to scheduling your first mHBOT session.
contraindications?
Certain medical conditions and medications are not compatible with hyperbaric therapy. These conditions are: Minkowski–Chauffard Syndrome, Hemolytic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Aneurysm, and COPD. The medications are: Disulfiram (Antabuse), Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), Cisplatinum, Mafenide. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy may enhance healing and is reported to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, results cannot be guaranteed and use of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not replace a health professional’s prescribed medications or recommended treatments.
How long does it take?
The typical mHBOT session is 60 minutes, however this may vary. Your individualized treatment plan created by Dr. Tack will be designed to best meet your personal needs and goals.
How many sessions?
The length and number of sessions again depends upon your goals for receiving mHBOT. Dr. Tack will gladly discuss these aspects of the program during your initial consultation. We have various packages available to make Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy affordable for you. There is no insurance coverage.
Where from here?
You are welcome to contact us and set up a 15 minute consult in which Dr Tack will be happy to address your questions or schedule an initial appointment.
NOTE: Sequim Clinic for Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine is not claiming to prevent, treat, or cure any condition or disease with mild hyperbaric therapy but rather to hasten healing at the cellular level in the belief that it can improve your health.
