Actress Mayim Bialik is the latest celebrity to try hyperbaric oxygen therapy. But what does this treatment involve?

The star of “Call Me Kat” and “The Big Bang Theory” recently shared on Instagram her plans to undergo this costly wellness procedure for the next six months. Her aim is to see if it can help with her inflammation and autoimmune concerns.

“I understand it may seem unusual and like a Hollywood fad, but I’m open to discovering the many health advantages this chamber might offer,” Bialik mentioned.

She’s not alone in this; comedian Jay Leno also used the therapy to aid recovery from burns sustained in a gasoline accident in 2022. Additionally, Justin Bieber stated in his 2020 YouTube docuseries “Justin Bieber: Seasons” that he utilizes this treatment to manage anxiety and stress.

Hailey Bieber, Justin’s wife, added in the docuseries, “It increases oxygen flow to the brain and organs. People might think he’s eccentric. They’ll wonder about this machine that seems like something only wealthy people use.”

Experts inform YSL News that while hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be beneficial for certain health conditions, it’s not a universal solution.

“We often see this biohacking approach that can lead to excessive use of certain treatments, and hyperbaric therapy can easily be overdone,” warns Brendan Courneene, a naturopathic physician based in Beverly Hills, California. “It’s crucial to adopt a long-term, sustainable mindset, particularly regarding biohacking and aging. In many cases, less is more.”

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has existed for many years. It entails entering a chamber with high pressure to breathe in pure oxygen, unlike the 21% oxygen found in our atmosphere.

Experts claim that inhaling 100% oxygen for short periods can yield various health benefits. Many people use it to feel rejuvenated, reduce inflammation, heal injuries, and promote surgical recovery.

The cost of typical sessions ranges from $150 to $400, according to Courneene, and multiple visits may be needed to observe significant improvements.

Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist in New York, notes that this therapy encourages blood vessel development, aiding in wound and burn healing.

“There are valid studies indicating that higher concentrations of oxygen can be beneficial for certain medical conditions,” he explains.

This therapy may also mitigate aging effects by slowing the natural shortening of chromosomes, a process that occurs with age.

Furthermore, it may enhance feelings of youthfulness by helping repair age-related damage to the body, Rossi adds.

“Some research is being conducted on whether hyperbaric oxygen can assist in improving physical deterioration in our organs and systems, like respiratory, cardiac, kidney functions, and musculoskeletal health,” he says.

Mayim Bialik’s Journey with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Bialik, like some others, has opted to install hyperbaric chambers in her home. Experts emphasize the necessity of medical oversight when pursuing this treatment.

After multiple doctors suggested it, Bialik is hoping to improve her autoimmune symptoms through this therapy.

“I’ll keep you updated over the next six months while this surprisingly spacious and not claustrophobic chamber becomes my home,” she shared. “A huge thank you to @iha_usa for granting me this chance to heal my gut and hopefully transform my health!”

According to Rossi, while hyperbaric oxygen therapy cannot cure autoimmune diseases, it might assist some patients in managing their symptoms, depending on individual circumstances.

“It’s not a cure for autoimmune conditions because these diseases involve the immune system attacking itself,” he states. “Thus, it’s not the primary therapy for these conditions.”

Important Considerations Before Trying Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does come with risks. Courneene warns that individuals with eustachian tube or sinus problems could face serious complications, like the potential rupture of an eardrum, when subjected to increased air pressure.

While serious reactions to this treatment are uncommon, they can occur and may include seizures and other critical problems, according to Nicole Garrett, a certified hyperbaric technician and safety director at Under Pressure Hyperbarics in Los Angeles.

“Even I have undergone this procedure thousands of times, yet I always ensure there’s someone monitoring me just in case I experience an oxygen toxicity event,” she explains.

It’s also crucial to recognize that there are plenty of more cost-effective methods to maintain a youthful and healthy state rather than relying solely on hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

“It’s advisable to establish a solid exercise regimen, adopt a healthy diet, and optimize all these factors before jumping into using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber,” Rossi advises. “However, for the more eccentric individuals, particularly the billionaires, it might fit within their domain. But most people aren’t at that stage yet.”