Your top questions about HBOT

We start with a free consult to understand your goals and challenges. If required, we may ask you to have a consultation with our hyperbaric medical doctor, Greg Brown, who can assess your medical history, current health status and the condition being treated to set the right plan — pressure, duration and frequency. HBOT is not a one-size-fits-all therapy: the plan is tailored to you and adjusted based on how you respond, so it's always optimised for the best possible outcome.

HBOT increases the amount of oxygen carried in the bloodstream, enabling more oxygen to dissolve deep into tissues, the lymphatics and the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, increasing circulation so revitalised tissue continues to thrive after the treatment protocol is complete. HBOT reduces inflammation and swelling, strengthens the immune system, stimulates the release of stem cells and enhances mitochondrial function and regeneration. It also increases production of superoxide dismutase — one of the body's natural antioxidants and free-radical scavengers — supporting the body's ability to fight disease and infection.

The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen. Red blood cells carry that oxygen around the body, where it gradually diffuses into tissue. Breathing a high concentration of oxygen under pressure causes oxygen to dissolve into the plasma itself — and oxygen-rich plasma can travel past blockages like inflamed tissue, or through the blood-brain barrier, to reach damaged tissue directly. Tissue rich in oxygen is more likely to generate new blood vessels, delivering even more oxygen to damaged areas. At our Ōakura clinic we use the latest hyperbaric technology: a hard-shell 1.5 ATA chamber where you lie comfortably during your session.

Research and clinical experience point to a wide range of potential outcomes: improved brain tissue oxygenation and cerebral blood flow; stimulation of brain tissue regeneration and nerve fibre regrowth; formation of new blood vessels; faster recovery and rehabilitation; tissue repair and new collagen and skin; reduced pain, swelling and inflammation in the brain and body; support for wound and ulcer healing; enhanced mitochondrial function; stimulation of stem cell release; improved cognition and brain performance; and support for the immune system, helping make antibiotics more effective. HBOT is non-invasive and can be used as a primary or complementary therapy — it is particularly well studied for concussion.

Hyperbarics is a safe alternative to many treatment options offered today. Some people notice mild ear pressure, similar to ascending or descending in an aeroplane. Equalising — a gentle swallow or yawn — usually settles it straight away.

At the moment HBOT is not covered under ACC claims and treatment. As the science and health evidence evolve, this could change in the future.