Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT)

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a pressurised chamber delivering concentrated oxygen to support sleep quality, mental clarity, energy levels, and cellular anti-ageing. Research links repeated sessions to telomere lengthening and reduced senescent cells.

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) at Ikigai Medical involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurised chamber at slightly above atmospheric pressure. The elevated pressure — typically 1.3 to 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) in mild HBOT protocols — allows oxygen to dissolve more readily into blood plasma, reaching tissues and cells that oxygen-bound haemoglobin cannot effectively supply under normal conditions. This enhanced oxygen delivery triggers a cascade of beneficial biological responses throughout the body. The therapy is positioned at Ikigai Medical as a wellness and longevity protocol addressing a range of common health concerns. Clinical research has demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen exposure can improve sleep quality, including helping with sleep initiation, reducing nighttime awakenings, and enhancing overall sleep architecture. Patients frequently report improvements in mental acuity, cognitive clarity, and sustained energy levels following a course of sessions, making the therapy popular among professionals and high-performers. From a longevity science perspective, one of the most significant findings relates to the impact of HBOT on cellular ageing markers. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has shown that repeated hyperbaric oxygen sessions can measurably lengthen telomeres — the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age and are considered a key biomarker of biological ageing — as well as reduce the burden of senescent cells, which are dysfunctional cells that accumulate with age and drive inflammation. These findings have positioned HBOT as a compelling adjunctive therapy in longevity optimisation programmes. At Ikigai Medical, each session lasts approximately 60 minutes. The clinic recommends a minimum course of sessions over two months to observe meaningful results, though the frequency and duration of the programme are tailored to the individual's health goals and starting condition. mHBOT is contraindicated in certain conditions including pregnancy, untreated pneumothorax, COPD, pacemaker use, and a history of seizures. A medical consultation is required prior to commencing treatment to confirm suitability.