IHHT/ IHT – A revolutionary therapy and training method

Intermittent hypoxia training (IHT/IHHT) – a breakthrough for health and regeneration

Intermittent or interval hypoxia training (IHT/IHHT) is a revolutionary method that utilises and has further developed the positive effect of traditional altitude training. This innovative form of therapy offers a wealth of health benefits that go far beyond conventional training methods.

What is IHHT/IHT?

IHT/IHHT simulates the conditions of altitude training by combining phases of oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) and excess oxygen (hyperoxia) at predefined intervals. Unlike classic altitude training, IHHT takes place in a relaxed environment – sitting or lying down – and is therefore particularly comfortable. A typical session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and is customised to the individual needs and goals of the user.

Scientific background

The scientific basis of IHHT is based on the Nobel Prize-winning research of William Kaelin, Gregg Semenza and Peter Ratcliffe. They discovered that hypoxia stimulates the production of erythropoietin (Epo), a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells. This improves the body’s oxygen supply and increases physical performance. In addition, hypoxia leads to the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates numerous genes responsible for adapting to oxygen deficiency and promoting cell health.

Health benefits of IHHT/IHT

1. Improved cell function: During hypoxia phases, more oxygen enters the cells via the hypoxia-induced more porous cell membrane than would be possible under normal conditions. This leads to the breakdown of damaged mitochondria and the production of new, healthy mitochondria, which improves overall cell health.
2. More energy: IHHT/IHT improves the function of the mitochondria, which act as the energy power stations of the cells. Healthy mitochondria increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cells’ main source of energy. This leads to increased physical performance, improved immune defence and shorter regeneration times.
3. Promotion of self-healing powers: IHHT/IHT can contribute to the balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system under certain conditions. Balanced activity of these systems is crucial for the activation of self-healing processes. The training can significantly improve heart rate variability (HRV), which increases the body’s ability to react appropriately to stress and quickly switch back to a regenerative state.
4. Wide range of applications: IHHT/IHT shows promising results in the treatment of metabolic diseases, diabetes, long-term COVID, cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases and many more. It is now also being used successfully to improve performance in athletes, for rehabilitation after injuries and to treat stress-related illnesses such as burnout and depression.

Conclusion

Interval hypoxia training (IHHT/IHT) offers an innovative and effective method for promoting health and performance. The combination of hypoxia and hyperoxia phases stimulates cell regeneration, improves mitochondrial function and promotes the body’s self-healing powers. Although research in this field is still in its infancy, initial studies are showing promising results which indicate that IHHT could be a valuable addition to traditional therapeutic approaches. IHHT represents a pioneering therapy that has the potential to sustainably improve both the prevention and treatment of a variety of health problems.

Marion Massafra-Schneider