Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system becomes overactive and starts targeting the body’s own tissues. That can show up as joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, skin flare-ups, gut issues, and “good weeks and bad weeks” that feel hard to predict. Conventional care like medications, nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress support matters a lot. At the same time, more people are asking a practical question:
Can improving oxygen delivery help the body calm inflammation and recover more effectively?
That is where mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) comes in as a supportive option.
What mHBOT is, in plain English
mHBOT means resting in a gently pressurized chamber while breathing concentrated oxygen. The pressure helps oxygen dissolve more readily into plasma, not just red blood cells. That can increase oxygen availability to tissues that may be inflamed, under-perfused, or slow to heal. (For medical-grade HBOT and its mechanisms across conditions, see recent clinical reviews.)
Why oxygen support is being studied for autoimmune issues
Autoimmune flares and chronic inflammation can be connected to microcirculation, tissue oxygen demand, oxidative stress signaling, and immune system “misfires.” Researchers have been exploring HBOT’s role in these pathways, including inflammatory signaling and immune cell balance.
Here are a few ways hyperbaric oxygen is discussed in the research, explained in an easy, hopeful way.
1) Inflammation support
A big theme in the literature is that hyperbaric oxygen can influence inflammatory pathways, including oxidative stress and cytokine signaling, which may matter for autoimmune symptoms like pain, swelling, and fatigue.
2) Immune system “rebalancing”
The immune system is complex, but there is emerging evidence that HBOT may affect immune markers and immune-cell ratios in certain immune-mediated conditions, which is why scientists describe it as “immune modulation” rather than simply “boosting.”
3) Joint pain and function
Autoimmune diseases often involve joint inflammation and pain. A clinical study in rheumatoid arthritis reported improvement in joint pain measures after HBOT, and additional pilot work has examined changes seen on MRI alongside clinical outcomes.
4) Tissue recovery and circulation support
Autoimmune conditions can affect tissues in many ways, including slow healing or persistent irritation. HBOT research frequently discusses improved oxygen delivery, microvascular effects, and repair signaling. This is one reason some people use mHBOT during recovery seasons when their body feels “stuck.”
What this means for someone living with autoimmune symptoms
mHBOT is not positioned as a cure, and it should not replace your physician’s plan. Instead, think of it as support for the environment your cells live in. More oxygen availability can be supportive for recovery, resilience, and day-to-day function, especially when used consistently alongside the fundamentals (sleep, nutrition, movement, nervous-system support, and appropriate medical care).
Why in-home sessions can matter
Many people exploring mHBOT do best with consistency. Having a chamber at home can make that realistic, especially during fatigue flares, pain cycles, or busy seasons when driving to appointments is the last thing you want to do.
A safe, smart next step
If you are dealing with an autoimmune diagnosis or symptoms and you are curious about mHBOT, the best first move is simple: ask your healthcare provider if mild hyperbaric oxygen is appropriate for you, especially if you have lung conditions, uncontrolled seizure disorders, or active infections.
If you want help thinking through a conservative, wellness-focused routine, we can also walk you through how in-home rentals work and what a typical month looks like.
References
Fang, J. (2025). Clinical efficacy and mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases (review). Frontiers in Medicine.
Fang, J. (2025). Clinical efficacy and mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases (full text). PubMed Central.
Sit, M. T., et al. (2021). The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Rheumatoid Arthritis. PubMed.
Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine Society. (2023). The effects of hyperbaric oxygen on MRI findings in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.
Pan, L., et al. (2025). Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on peripheral blood inflammatory markers and immune balance in NMOSD (adjunctive findings). Frontiers in Neurology.