Can HBOT and Red Light Therapy Calm the Nervous System and Support Emotional Balance?

A Deep Dive Into Brain, Mood, and Light-Based Healing

What Exactly is HBOT and Red Light Therapy (and Why Does it Matter)?

Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation affect millions of people. While traditional talk therapy and medications help many, others continue to struggle with persistent symptoms. Increasingly, science is turning its attention to biological therapies that target the brain directly.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and red light therapy are two of the most promising tools in this space. These treatments don’t just manage symptoms. They aim to shift the biological environment of the brain reducing inflammation, increasing oxygenation, and supporting cellular repair.

This guide is for you if you:

• Experience anxiety, brain fog, or mood swings

• Want evidence-based support beyond medication

• Are curious about light and oxygen as tools for nervous system regulation

A Brief History of Mental Health Interventions

Mental health care has come a long way. From early psychoanalysis to today’s integrative approaches, our understanding of the brain has evolved dramatically. However, many treatment models still focus primarily on behavior and cognition overlooking the brain’s biological terrain.

Recent advances highlight the role of inflammation, oxygen deficiency, and impaired mitochondrial function in mood disorders. That’s where HBOT and red light therapy come in: offering non-invasive ways to target the root causes of mental health challenges.

Important Terms and Concepts to Know

Anxiety Disorders:

Conditions characterized by excessive worry, nervous system arousal, and difficulty regulating stress responses.

Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation):

A therapy that uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells, reduce inflammation, and improve energy production.

HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy):

A method where you breathe concentrated oxygen in a pressurized chamber. At Oxygen and Light, this is done at 1.3 ATA with a nasal cannula.

Neuroinflammation:

Chronic low-grade inflammation in the brain that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction:

Impaired energy production in brain cells. Both HBOT and red light aim to restore this function.

The Breakdown

Red Light Therapy for Anxiety

Red light therapy improves the way brain cells use energy and helps calm inflammation that disrupts emotional balance:

• Cassano et al. (2019) used model-based dosimetry to suggest that targeted red light could modulate emotional brain regions.

• Hamblin (2016) detailed how red light may protect brain cells, promote neurogenesis, and support mood regulation.

• Rosson et al. (2022) included red light in an umbrella review of biological interventions for mental disorders.

HBOT for Anxiety and Mood Disorders

HBOT increases the availability of oxygen in the brain, improving the function of neurons and supporting detoxification:

• Bennett (2018) and Cassano et al. (2016) highlight HBOT’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in mood disorders.

• Though more research is needed, many patients report improved sleep, focus, and emotional regulation after sessions.

Research on Red Light and HBOT for Anxiety and Mood

Photobiomodulation has been shown to influence regions of the brain involved in emotion regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Cassano’s work has emphasized its potential in both anxiety and depression through its effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis.

HBOT’s role is slightly different but complementary. By saturating tissues with oxygen, it enhances mitochondrial output and supports brain repair. Studies from Bennett and others have pointed to reduced anxiety-like symptoms in patients undergoing HBOT for brain injuries or chronic stress conditions.

Together, these therapies target the physical roots of mental distress not just the psychological symptoms.

Safety and Considerations

Red light and HBOT are generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals.

At Oxygen and Light:

• HBOT is delivered at a low pressure (1.3 ATA), which reduces risks while enhancing benefits.

• Red light therapy is non-invasive, silent, and painless.

  Possible side effects include:

• Mild sinus pressure or ear discomfort during HBOT

• Light sensitivity during or after red light therapy

Always consult your healthcare provider, especially if you have neurological conditions, respiratory illness, or are on mood-stabilizing medication.

Where Can I Learn More?

Recommended Resources:

• Cassano et al. (2016, 2019) – Neurophotonics

• Hamblin (2016) – BBA Clin

• Bennett (2018) – Diving Hyperb Med

• Rosson et al. (2022) – Neurosci Biobehav Rev

Podcasts:

• The Huberman Lab

• FoundMyFitness

• Brain Health Revolution

Books:

• The Concussion Repair Manual by Dr. Dan Engle

Key Takeaways

• Red light therapy and HBOT support mental health by targeting oxygenation, inflammation, and energy metabolism

• Clinical and pre-clinical studies show promise in managing anxiety and mood dysregulation

• These therapies are gentle, drug-free, and increasingly accessible

If you're ready to explore new frontiers in emotional resilience, check out our new patient special today!