Harnessing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Chronic Illness and Peak Performance

At Tree of Light Health, we are proud to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) using our state-of-the-art Biobarica chamber, a semi-hard, medical-grade system operating at 1.5 ATA. This pressure setting allows for safe yet highly effective oxygen delivery to tissues impacted by inflammation, infection, or injury. Whether you’re navigating chronic fatigue, mold toxicity, Lyme disease, long COVID, or looking to optimize performance and cognition, HBOT is a powerful and restorative therapy.

Comprehensive and Individualized Protocols

At Tree of Light Health, HBOT is not a standalone treatment. We integrate it into comprehensive, personalized protocols tailored to each patient’s needs. These protocols include:

• Mitochondrial support therapies (e.g., CoQ10, NMN, methylene blue, carnosine)
• Detoxification strategies using advanced binders (e.g., zeolite, GI detox)
• Antioxidant therapy to buffer oxidative stress and support redox balance
• Peptide and hormone therapies to enhance repair, resilience, and immune modulation

This integrative approach is especially important for those with sensitive systems or complex multi-system illnesses.

For Chronic Illness: CIRS, Mold, Lyme, EBV, Long COVID

Many of our patients suffer from chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and related syndromes such as mold illness, post-viral syndromes (e.g., Epstein-Barr, long COVID), and stealth infections (e.g., Lyme and co-infections). These conditions share features of:

• Vascular inflammation (vasculitis)
• Hypoxia at the tissue level
• Impaired mitochondrial function

HBOT directly addresses these root issues by:

• Enhancing oxygen diffusion in inflamed tissue
• Reversing mitochondrial suppression and acidosis
• Facilitating delivery of IV and oral therapies to target tissues

In the context of CIRS, HBOT is a powerful adjunct to a full Shoemaker-style protocol, potentially accelerating resolution by enhancing oxygen-dependent detoxification and tissue repair.

For Athletes: VO2 Max and Beyond

Athletes and biohackers can benefit tremendously from this protocol. Clinical observation and preliminary research suggest:

• 8–15% improvement in VO2 max over 4–8 weeks
• Increased capillary density and tissue oxygenation
• Faster recovery and reduced muscle soreness
• Improved neuroplasticity and performance focus

We recommend 3–5 sessions per week (90 minutes), using the hyperoxic-hypoxic cycling method for maximum performance enhancement.

Enhancing TruDose PRP Outcomes

For patients undergoing TruDose Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, HBOT can significantly improve outcomes. HBOT improves vascular integrity and perfusion, ensuring that PRP reaches the intended target tissues more effectively. Improved microvascular flow means:

• Greater delivery of platelets and growth factors
• Enhanced tissue regeneration
• Faster recovery from musculoskeletal and degenerative conditions

The Hyperoxic-Hypoxic Paradox

One of the most exciting developments in HBOT therapy is the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox. By using intermittent oxygen cycling, we mimic the effects of high-intensity exercise at the cellular level. This cycling stimulates:

• Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α)
• Autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis
• Angiogenesis and stem cell release
• Enhanced vascular regeneration

This strategy helps reset immune dysfunction, repair damaged tissue, and accelerate cellular recovery.

Caution for Sensitive Patients

While HBOT is a profoundly restorative therapy, it is not for everyone right away. For sensitive patients with limbic system dysregulation, chronic neuroinflammation, or mast cell activation, HBOT can act as a mild trauma or stressor in the early sessions.

For this reason, we assess readiness carefully and often begin with gentler detox and mitochondrial supports before introducing HBOT. When appropriate, HBOT becomes a powerful accelerant for healing.

Contraindications and Side Effects

Relative or Absolute Contraindications:

• Untreated pneumothorax
• Chronic sinusitis or active sinus congestion (due to pressure discomfort)
• Severe COPD with CO2 retention
• Uncontrolled seizures
• Recent ear surgery or ear barotrauma

If you suffer from chronic or acute sinusitis, we recommend completing a comprehensive sinus treatment program first. Contact us for help.

Potential Side Effects (Rare):

• Ear barotrauma or pressure-related discomfort
• Temporary fatigue or detox symptoms (e.g., headache, nausea)
• Claustrophobia

Note: Our chamber is significantly safer than traditional hard chambers that fill the entire space with oxygen. The Biobarica system uses localized oxygen delivery, reducing combustion risk and enhancing safety.