Why is hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) an alternative medicine solution? There are several good reasons why this innovative hyperbaric treatment can be beneficial to individuals with autism and other development disorders. Hyperbaric chambers have the ability to increase the blood oxygenation of the body by depleting the air's carbon dioxide content at a relatively low pressure. This increased oxygen level provides for better cellular oxygenation, which supports improved brain function. As a result, the patient may be able to improve symptoms associated with some forms of autism, as well as normal brain health.
The first of these benefits was detailed in a study published in the Journal of Autism Research. The research was done at the Center for Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study compared the effects of hyperbaric chamber treatments on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to a control group. The hyperbaric therapy group had a significant improvement in three areas of the brain compared to the controls. One of the areas was found to be associated with verbal learning impairment, another was associated with attention and yet another with hand-eye coordination.
When I went to the hyperbaric center for home care, I was impressed by the quality standards of the staff. The atmosphere at the hyperbaric clinic was very clean. There were no smells of chlorine or of bacteria, and the temperature was a comfortable seventy-one (ago) for the staff. The hyperbaric doctor provided twenty-four hour care and there were experienced and well trained therapists on staff. The doctor was able to provide individualized care according to each patient's needs. The hyperbaric oxygen treatment was administered in the comfort of my home, which I appreciated.
My body was thoroughly prepped before the hyperbaric oxygen therapy began. I was required to remove all my clothing and wash them in warm, gentle detergent. I prepared myself for the hyperbaric chamber by drinking a forty-eight-ounce glass of water with oxygen, a couple of pills, and two protein bars. I also put on a face mask containing carbon dioxide to prevent my body from absorbing the pure oxygen during the therapy.
I made sure that I remembered to pack my lunch and I was ready to arrive at the hyperbaric chamber about an hour before the scheduled start time. Two men in blue coveralls accompanied by a security guard gave me a key to enter the area. They handed me a ticket and told me that I was not to enter the chamber unless I had the proper forms. I read them over and understood them. I then handed the man the form and he scanned it quickly. He handed me the ticket and told me that the chamber was not yet open.
I left the hyperbaric chamber and was met by my chiropractor, who quickly examined me. He explained that he had recommended these chambers and knew that they could help reduce inflammation, increase oxygenation, and improve blood circulation. He was glad that I came and that he had treated me so warmly despite the cold weather. I thanked him and walked back toward my car with a smile on my face. As I drove away, I thought to myself that I would surely consider getting hyperbaric chambers if ever I visited Chicago again.
A few months later I met with a podiatrist in Chicago. This doctor had also previously treated me in Colorado and he was happy to see me again. He suggested that I go back to the hyperbaric chamber to have another look. After explaining the chambers again, he explained that they are really just portable hyperbaric chambers with an inflatable mattress underneath.
He explained that this type of therapy has been around for decades and that there have been many improvements made over the years. Now they can be used in any home or business and they have an easy setup with a plastic-sided cabinet. They also have a leak proof seal and a leak detection system built in, but it is up to the individual user to make sure these systems are kept in good working order. I was excited to try this new treatment at my own hyperbaric clinic in Chicago.
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