Mountaineers acclimatise their bodies gradually before climbing to high altitude. IHHT is a way of applying this principle of adaptation in a clinical setting, with measurement and a personalised dose.
What is it?
IHHT stands for Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Training. During the session, air with a reduced oxygen content and air with an increased oxygen content are breathed alternately through a mask, switching within minutes.
A short, controlled low-oxygen stimulus is a hormetic stimulus that activates the body’s adaptation mechanisms. The phases with oxygen-rich air support recovery. The balanced repetition of these two phases is the basis of the application.
How is it applied?
Before the application, your physician assesses your health and, if necessary, measures your exercise capacity with spiroergometry. During the session, your blood oxygen saturation and pulse are monitored continuously by the device. When your oxygen level falls to the set limit, the system automatically switches to oxygen-rich air. In this way, each session adjusts itself to your body’s response on that day.
What happens in a session?
You sit or lie in a comfortable chair. The session lasts about 30–45 minutes; meanwhile you can read, listen to music or simply rest. Most people describe the session as a calm and relaxing experience. The intensity is kept low in the first sessions and increased gradually.
Who is it considered for?
It may be considered for those who want to support their energy and endurance, those who work at a demanding pace and struggle to recover, people who cannot exercise or can exercise only to a limited extent, and those who want to improve their performance in a deliberate way. Eligibility is always determined at the physician consultation.
Points to note
In conditions such as pregnancy, serious heart and lung disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe anaemia and acute infection, the application is not performed or is planned only with a physician’s approval. If you feel any discomfort during the session, it is stopped immediately.
Related measurements
The following measurements may be used to plan and monitor this application:
Which programmes include it?
Depending on your assessment results, this application can be planned as part of our one-month programmes and, where appropriate, the Healthy Living Retreat. It is always carried out following a physician’s assessment.
Other applications in the same area
- Cryotherapy. A whole-body cold application in the cryo chamber, limited to a few minutes and under specialist supervision. Explore
- Infrared hyperthermia. Sessions in which body temperature is raised in a controlled way using infrared rays. Explore
- BEMER vascular therapy. Painless physical vascular therapy sessions, taken lying down, aimed at supporting microcirculation. Explore
Frequently asked questions
How long do hypoxia applications (IHHT) take?
About 40 minutes. The exact duration is planned by our team according to your assessment and programme.
When and how are the results of hypoxia applications (IHHT) reviewed?
The change is assessed at the end of the programme with spiroergometry and measurements. Your results are always reviewed with a specialist physician, in clear and understandable language.
Is any preparation needed for hypoxia applications (IHHT)?
We send you the necessary preparation instructions before your appointment.
Who are hypoxia applications (IHHT) not suitable for?
Eligibility is always determined by a physician’s assessment. In conditions such as pregnancy, cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled chronic illness, some applications are not performed or require a physician’s approval.