What is Encephalomyelitis?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms and physical findings potentially affecting multiple systems of the body. Many cases are preceded by a viral infection, usually a flu-like or upper respiratory illness, although ME can also be preceded by a non-viral illness or other trauma such as chemical exposure. Onset is usually rapid, but gradual onsets are also reported. Affected individuals do not recover from the infection and instead experience a wide variety of symptoms including an inability to produce sufficient energy to meet daily demands. Marked fatigue and weakness, sickness, cognitive dysfunction, and symptom flare-ups often follow physical and mental exertion.

How does the Oxford Recovery Model help Encephalomyelitis?

Hyperbaric oxygen is able to effectively oxidise and remove harmful toxins, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses, which are all often present with ME. The bacteria that are associated with ME thrive in low oxygen. But these bacteria are poisoned and killed by high levels of pressurized oxygen.

Hyperbaric oxygen has the ability to massively create stem cells in your body. In fact, studies show that your body produces 800% more stem cells after 40 treatments of hyperbaric oxygen. Your body uses these stem cells as extra resources to heal and recover, since stem cells are able to grow up into any kind of cell the body needs. In the case of ME, there can be body tissues which need to be repaired even after toxins and pathogens have been removed from the body. The stem cells produced by hyperbaric oxygen are able to repair this damage.

Hyperbaric oxygen also kickstarts the body’s natural immune system. Hyperbaric oxygen grows brand new white blood cells, modulates immune reactions, and causes new collagen to grow in the gut where 90% of the immune system is located. Better gut function translates to better digestion, absorption of nutrients, and more good probiotic bacteria that keep our immune systems healthy. A healthy immune system is essential for recovery from ME.

ME is marked by chronic inflammation and constant oxidative stress. Hyperbaric oxygen dramatically lowers inflammation and decreases oxidative stress as it grows new blood vessels throughout the body, providing a new infrastructure of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to reach inflamed tissue. Hyperbaric oxygen creates a new and ongoing positive chain of events in the body that helps lead to recovery from ME.

Research

Click on the links below to discover more about the science behind the Oxford Recovery Model

• Ameliorating Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis
• Oxygen Immunosuppression: Modification of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Rodents