For most of us, oxygen is simply the air we breathe.  

But what if we told you that harnessing the power of oxygen could be the key to unlocking a new level of health and well-being?  

Innovative approaches to oxygen therapy are revolutionizing our understanding of this essential element, moving beyond its traditional use in emergencies and chronic respiratory conditions.  

Let's explore the world of oxygen therapy and find out how it can fuel your body and optimize your health.

Oxygen: Fuel for Life, Not Just for Emergencies!

Every single cell in our body relies on a steady oxygen supply to function correctly. Oxygen acts as the fuel that powers our metabolism, generating energy for all our bodily processes. When oxygen levels drop, also known as hypoxia, it can lead to a cascade of adverse effects, impacting everything from cognitive function to muscle performance and even organ damage.   

This is why oxygen therapy is crucial in treating respiratory issues like pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  Moreover, about 30 million people in the US have been affected by COPD, according to a study.  

Oxygen Therapy: Who Needs It?

Traditionally, oxygen therapy has been used to treat people with chronic respiratory conditions who struggle to maintain adequate oxygen levels in their blood. However, the benefits of oxygen therapy extend far beyond these conditions. Athletes, individuals recovering from injuries, and those experiencing fatigue can all benefit from supplemental oxygen.  

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine your oxygen levels definitively. However, there are a few ways you might get a general sense of your oxygenation.   

Symptoms: While not a definitive test, some symptoms indicate low oxygen levels that include:  

• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing
• Bluish tint to lips or fingernails 
• Confusion
• Difficulty waking up
• Fatigue

Pulse Oximeter: A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device that clips onto your fingertip and measures the percentage of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your blood (SpO2). 

Here's a general guideline for pulse oximeter readings:

• Normal: 95% or higher (for most healthy people)
• Low: Below 95% (consult a healthcare provider)

Important Considerations:

• Pre-existing conditions: People with chronic lung diseases like COPD may have an average SpO2 level of around 90%. It's crucial to discuss your specific situation with your doctor.
• Accuracy: Pulse oximeters can have a margin of error (2-3%).
• Altitude: Living at a high altitude can naturally decrease your oxygen level.

Different Approaches to Oxygen Therapy

The world of oxygen therapy is no longer confined to bulky, expensive oxygen tanks. 

Here's a look at some innovative approaches:

• Liquid Oxygen: This highly concentrated form of oxygen is typically used in hospitals, where it can be quickly delivered to patients in critical situations. Highly active people also use it, but it must be used promptly to prevent it from evaporating. The tanks carrying liquid oxygen are refillable.

• Oxygen Gas: Compressed oxygen gas delivered through nasal cannulas or masks is a common form of oxygen therapy for those with chronic respiratory conditions. However, these traditional systems can be cumbersome and limit mobility.

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): This approach involves entering a pressurized chamber with a higher oxygen concentration. HBOT is used for treating decompression sickness in divers and gangrene, but research is ongoing to explore its potential benefits for other conditions.

• Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) Therapy: One of the most exciting advancements in oxygen therapy is Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT). This innovative approach combines moderate exercise with supplemental oxygen delivered through a comfortable oxygen workout mask. 

Unlike traditional oxygen therapy, EWOT focuses on enhancing the body's natural ability to utilize oxygen for improved health and performance. However, there are some variations in both HBOT and EWOT.  

How Does Oxygen Therapy Help Improve Overall Health?

Oxygen therapy provides your body with a readily available source of oxygen, which offers a range of benefits on a cellular level. 

Here's a breakdown of how oxygen therapy, in particular Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), can improve your overall health. 

• Increased Energy Levels: When your body has a constant supply of oxygen, it can generate more energy through cellular respiration. This translates to reduced fatigue and a noticeable boost in stamina throughout the day.
• Enhanced Recovery: Increased oxygenation promotes faster cellular repair and regeneration by optimizing the functions within your cells.
• Improved Performance for Athletes: Athletes pushing their limits can experience significant benefits from EWOT. Increased oxygen delivery to muscles through an oxygen workout mask translates to better endurance, allowing them to train harder for longer.  
• Strengthened Immune System: A well-oxygenated environment within your body fosters a healthy immune system. Adequate oxygen levels support the function of white blood cells, the body's defense system against pathogens.  

• Potential for Cognitive Function Improvement: Oxygen therapy, particularly EWOT, may improve cognitive function, memory, and focus. Increased oxygen delivery to the brain can enhance neuronal activity and communication, leading to sharper mental clarity and improved cognitive performance.   

Oxygen Therapy + Exercise = Perfect Supplement

EWOT therapy takes advantage of the body's natural response to exercise. During physical activity, your body's demand for oxygen increases. EWOT provides supplemental oxygen to meet this demand, maximizing the benefits of exercise and accelerating positive changes.

Long-term Benefits of Exercise With Oxygen Therapy:

• Improved cardiovascular health: EWOT strengthens your heart and improves blood circulation.
• Weight management: Burning increased calories during exercise with EWOT can help in weight management efforts.   
• Anti-aging effects: EWOT promotes cellular health and potentially slows aging.  

Guidelines for Using EWOT Therapy

EWOT machines are safe and effective methods for leveraging the power of oxygen for your health and wellness.     

Bottom Line

Oxygen therapy has come a long way, offering exciting new possibilities for enhancing health and well-being. EWOT therapy, in particular, holds promise by providing a safe and effective way to optimize your body's use of oxygen and could be the missing piece in your wellness journey. 

One Thousand Roads, a reliable provider of the EWOT system, ensures that oxygen therapy's benefits and exercise reach the masses. 

Explore the website and approach holistic fitness with EWOT!