Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a great starting place to find significant relief from Lyme symptoms like brain fog, memory loss, air hunger, joint aches, and extreme fatigue.
Because HBOT stimulates stem cell production in your body and brain, it can also help repair some of the tissue damage caused by the invasive borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that induce Lyme.
Although Europeans have HBOT available on practically every corner–in spas, holistic health offices, and gyms–finding it in the United States can be more challenging. Large coastal cities have the best availability, as might be expected.
(If you’re in the St. Louis area, Dr. Seth Gerlach of Core Health offers HBOT therapy at a reasonable rate and with bundling options.)
Many outlets offer a trial session for a minimal fee, and most offer packages of multiple sessions at a discounted rate.
To obtain the greatest benefit, you will need about 20 HBOT sessions over two to three months. Plan to go 2-3 times per week.
The experience is a little weird, at first. Don’t judge it solely on your trial session.
Typically, you’ll climb through the zippered opening at the top of the tubular chamber. Take your cell phone or tablet with you, if you wish. You’ll be in there for an hour or more.
Lying down, you will put on a sanitized oxygen mask, and breathe normally. The attendant will zip the chamber, which has small windows allowing light in.
The feeling is like being in a tent–but with much better air!
You will notice gently increasing pressure, similar to the pressurized cabin of an airplane as you take off. Just as in flying, you can release the pressure in your ears by yawning or chewing gum.
When the pressure reaches the appropriate, preset level, just relax and continue to breathe normally. Listen to music or a podcast, read, or catch up on email. Even if you want to, you probably won’t fall asleep while taking in all that amazing oxygen!
Toward the end of the HBOT session, the pressure will gradually decrease, similar to the descent of a plane before landing. Release the pressure in your ears as before.
After a handful of sessions, brain fog will clear. You will notice you have a little more energy. Long-term memories, which can entirely vanish as a result of Lyme, will return! Short-term memory will work again. Stem cells will be released, to begin to heal damaged tissues throughout the body.
Continue for 20 – 25 total HBOT sessions for full benefit. Periodic maintenance sessions are also recommended.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an ideal way to begin feeling better during your Lyme treatment.