Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) boasts a long-standing history and profound wisdom, holding unique and in-depth insights into human vital activities. Within TCM theory, Qi is regarded as the fundamental substance sustaining all human life functions, occupying an irreplaceably vital position. The Plain Questions · Treatise on the Six Subtle Significances states: "If the inward-outward movement of Qi ceases, the spiritual mechanism perishes; if the ascending-descending movement of Qi halts, the establishment of vital Qi stands in solitary peril." This clearly illustrates that the movement of Qi activity is the external manifestation of life force, and the unobstructed circulation of Qi determines human health and vitality. From a TCM perspective, hyperbaric oxygen falls under the category of Qi and exerts distinctive effects on safeguarding physical wellness.
Qi and blood deficiency constitutes the core pathological mechanism underlying sub-health, closely linked to all its symptomatic manifestations. To begin with, what exactly is sub-health? It refers to a transitional physiological state straddling the boundary between full health and clinical illness. Individuals experience a wide array of physical and mental discomforts that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for formal diseases. This neither-healthy-nor-diseased condition is termed the "Third State" by the World Health Organization, and "sub-health state" in China. It presents an extensive list of prevalent symptoms: physical manifestations include persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, bodily pains, dizziness, and poor appetite; mentally, sufferers face impaired memory, poor concentration, slow thinking, sluggish reflexes, and even distressing mild depressive moods-all of which severely degrade quality of life.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivered by mild hyperbaric oxygen chambers offers an effective intervention for sub-health. Modern medical research confirms that mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy suppresses oxidative stress, boosts cellular regeneration, and facilitates the repair of bodily tissue damage. Further analyzed through the lens of TCM, the therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen are intrinsically associated with four types of human Qi: clear Qi, grain Qi, pectoral Qi, and primordial Qi.
Among the functional systems of human zang-fu organs: The lung governs Qi and respiration, overseeing the elimination of turbid Qi and inhalation of fresh clear Qi. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy assists the lungs in expelling stale turbid Qi and absorbing clear Qi, enabling smooth circulation of clear Qi throughout the body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, acting as the source of Qi and blood generation. This oxygen therapy aids the spleen in processing food nutrients, replenishing grain Qi, and supplying ample nourishment to the body. The heart governs blood vessels and propels blood circulation. It reinforces heart Qi to drive blood flow, unblocks the circulation of pectoral Qi, and delivers nourishment to the entire body. The kidney governs the reception of Qi and serves as the congenital foundation of life. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports the kidneys in storing clear Qi, replenishing primordial Qi, and strengthening the root vital energy of the human body.
Via the Qi transformation functions of the lung, spleen and kidney, oxygen carried in the blood circulates fully across the body to moisten and nourish all internal organs. When inhaled Qi is rooted back to the kidney, primordial Qi becomes abundant. This vital Qi ascends to nourish the brain, clarifying mental consciousness, sharpening cognition, and uplifting energy levels. In this way, all discomforts induced by sub-health are effectively relieved, restoring physical vitality and allowing people to embrace a healthy, fulfilling life.