Hyperbaric Oxygen
The Science Behind One of the World's Most Talked-About Longevity Treatments
From elite athletes and professional sports teams to biohackers like Bryan Johnson, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has rapidly become one of the most sought-after wellness treatments in the world.
But what exactly is HBOT, how does it work, and why are so many people using it to support recovery, performance, cognitive function and healthy ageing?
At Eterna Wellness Lab, we use the industry-leading Optimal Health Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, providing a comfortable and accessible way to experience the benefits of increased oxygen delivery at 1.4 ATA (atmospheres absolute) pressure.
Let's take a closer look at the science…
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Every cell in your body relies on oxygen to produce energy, repair tissue and maintain optimal function.
Under normal conditions, the air we breathe contains approximately 21% oxygen.
Inside Eterna's Optimal Health Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, you breathe oxygen concentrated to approximately 95% while the chamber is gently pressurised to 1.4 ATA.
This combination allows significantly more oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma and reach tissues throughout the body than would be possible under normal atmospheric conditions.
In simple terms, HBOT helps deliver more oxygen to the places your body needs it most.
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber in use at Eterna Wellness Lab
How Does HBOT Work?
Most oxygen is normally transported by red blood cells.
When pressure increases inside a hyperbaric chamber, oxygen can dissolve directly into the plasma, allowing it to travel further into tissues, supporting areas that may be receiving less oxygen due to inflammation, stress, injury or simply the ageing process.
Research suggests this increased oxygen availability may help stimulate:
• Cellular repair and regeneration
• Angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels)
• Mitochondrial function and energy production
• Recovery from physical exertion
• Healthy inflammatory responses
• Cognitive performance and brain function
• Sleep quality and recovery
The result is a treatment that works at a cellular level rather than simply targeting symptoms.
Why Is Everyone Talking About HBOT?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has moved far beyond hospitals and professional sports.
It is now a major part of the longevity and biohacking movement.
Bryan Johnson, founder of the Blueprint longevity project, recently described HBOT as one of the most effective therapies he has incorporated into his protocol after completing a structured programme of treatments. He reported improvements in inflammation, muscle oxygenation, skin health and several biological markers associated with ageing.
While individual results vary and more research is ongoing, HBOT is increasingly being explored as a tool for health optimisation rather than simply treating illness.
HBOT and Cognitive Function
A growing body of research suggests HBOT may support brain health through improved blood flow and neuroplasticity.
Several human studies have demonstrated improvements in attention, processing speed, cognitive performance and overall brain function following structured HBOT protocols.
Researchers believe this may be linked to improved cerebral blood flow and the stimulation of new blood vessel growth within the brain.
HBOT and Recovery
One of the reasons HBOT has become popular amongst athletes is its ability to support recovery.
By increasing oxygen availability to tissues, HBOT may help support the body's natural repair processes following intense exercise, injury or physical stress. Research has also demonstrated benefits relating to inflammation and tissue regeneration.
HBOT and Sleep
Sleep is one of the most underrated longevity tools available.
Emerging research has found HBOT may improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing poor sleep, fatigue or chronic health challenges. Researchers believe improved oxygen utilisation and reduced inflammation may play a role.
HBOT and Healthy Ageing
Perhaps the most exciting area of HBOT research relates to longevity.
A widely discussed human study found that a structured HBOT protocol was associated with increased telomere length and reduced numbers of senescent cells, both considered important biomarkers of biological ageing.
While more research is needed, these findings helped place HBOT firmly on the map within the longevity community.
Common Questions About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What Does HBOT Feel Like?
Most people find HBOT incredibly relaxing.
The sensation is similar to ascending or descending on an aeroplane. You may notice your ears gently equalising during pressurisation.
Many members use the time to relax, listen to a podcast, meditate or simply enjoy an hour away from their phones.
How Long Is A Session?
At Eterna, most HBOT sessions last approximately 60 minutes, however 90 minute sessions are available if recommended by your doctor.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
This depends entirely on your goals.
Some people experience benefits after a single session, particularly in relation to relaxation and recovery.
For longer-term goals such as performance optimisation, recovery support, cognitive function or healthy ageing, consistency tends to deliver the greatest results.
Many longevity protocols involve multiple sessions over several weeks.
Is HBOT Safe?
When performed in a professionally operated chamber with appropriate screening, HBOT has an excellent safety profile.
All Eterna clients complete a health screening questionnaire before treatment and our team are fully trained to guide you through the process.
Can HBOT Help With Brain Fog?
Brain fog is one of the most common reasons people enquire about HBOT.
Research into post-viral fatigue and long-COVID has shown promising improvements in cognitive symptoms, attention, fatigue and mental clarity following structured HBOT protocols.
Can HBOT Improve Energy Levels?
Many clients report feeling more energised following treatment.
This may be related to HBOT's effects on oxygen delivery, mitochondrial function and cellular energy production, although individual responses vary.
Why We Chose The Optimal Health Chamber
At Eterna, we carefully selected the Optimal Health Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber because it provides an accessible, comfortable and evidence-informed approach to hyperbaric therapy.
Operating at 1.4 ATA with concentrated oxygen delivery, it sits within the range commonly used by wellness-focused hyperbaric facilities and provides a gentle introduction to the benefits of increased oxygen availability.
Combined with our sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy and recovery-focused environment, HBOT forms part of a broader approach to helping you feel, perform and recover at your best.
The Bottom Line
We live in a world where most people are overstimulated, under-recovered and constantly running on empty.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers something remarkably simple:
More oxygen.
More recovery.
More support for the systems that keep you functioning at your best.
Whether your goal is performance, recovery, resilience, longevity or simply feeling more energised day to day, HBOT is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of modern wellness.
Experience Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Eterna Wellness Lab and discover what happens when your cells receive the oxygen they've been waiting for.
