IHHT (Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training)
At a glance:
- IHHT is breathing training that simulates altitude training in the mountains, but in a comfortable and controlled way.
- It increases cell energy and improves oxygen utilization through alternating hypoxia and hyperoxia phases.
- IHHT is individually adaptable and ideal for athletes, people with a lack of energy, stress sufferers and the health-conscious.
IHHT – Your altitude training for everyday life
Stronger mitochondria and better quality of life with IHHT
What is IHHT?
The Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT) is a form of breathing training in which alternating phases with reduced oxygen content (hypoxia) and phases with increased oxygen content (hyperoxia) are used. This training simulates conditions at high altitudes, where the oxygen content in the air is lower, and stimulates the body to use oxygen more efficiently. This strengthens the mitochondria, which are at the heart of the body's energy balance and metabolism.
This is not a workout that will make you sweat. You relax, but your body works at a cellular level because it adapts to new conditions and thus trains itself.
What are the advantages of IHHT treatment?
- Improvement of cellular energy production: Hypoxia stimulates mitochondrial formation, which improves energy production in the cells.
- Improved oxygen utilization: The body learns to use oxygen more efficiently, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes and people in physically demanding jobs.
- Reduction of oxidative stress: Controlled hyperoxia supports the breakdown of free radicals.
- Strengthening of the immune system: Hypoxia can modulate inflammatory processes and strengthen the immune system.
Can IHHT training also help me?
A holistic treatment for almost everyone.
Who is IHHT training suitable for?
IHHT (Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training) is suitable for a wide target groupas it offers various health and performance-enhancing benefits. Here are the main groups that particularly benefit from IHHT:
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts:
- Increased performance: IHHT improves oxygen utilization and supports stamina, which is particularly beneficial in endurance and high-performance sports.
- Recovery and regeneration: The improved energy supply and cell health accelerate regeneration and increase resilience.
People with a lack of energy or exhaustion:
- Chronic fatigue: IHHT can increase energy levels and improve mitochondrial function, which is helpful for fatigue and tiredness syndromes.
- Stress and burnout prevention: IHHT supports stress resistance, by making the body more resilient and efficient.
People who want to improve their general health and vitality:
- Anti-aging and cell health: IHHT stimulates mitochondrial renewal and combats oxidative stress, which helps to maintain cell health.
- Strengthening of the immune system: Training can strengthen the immune system and thus promote health in everyday life.
People with chronic health problems:
- Cardiovascular diseases: IHHT can support heart function and stimulate circulation, which can be beneficial for people with mild cardiovascular problems (but under medical supervision).
- Metabolic disorders: IHHT supports the metabolism and can help to regulate blood sugar and fat metabolism.
People in rehabilitation:
- Rebuilding fitness after illness: IHHT can help during recovery from certain illnesses by promoting energy production and cell regeneration.
- Recovery after injuries: Training can support blood circulation and cell healing, which can be helpful in the healing of injuries.
We can offer our consultation to privately insured patients as well as to patients with statutory health insurance as self-pay patients. You can easily book appointments in our preventive medicine yourself via our online calendar here:
Take a deep breath. Live better. Be at your peak with IHHT.
The Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training in Potsdam.
How does IHHT treatment work?
IHHT treatment in our practice
IHHT uses a special breathing mask and a breathing device that regulates the oxygen supply, enabling controlled hypoxia and hyperoxia phases. For example, a typical sequence might consist of breathing air with a reduced oxygen content for a few minutes (around 10-15% oxygen, which corresponds to an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 meters), followed by a phase with an increased oxygen content (up to 40% oxygen). This alternation process is repeated several times over a session duration of around 30 to 60 minutes. A change from hypoxia to hyperoxia always takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
We use an IHHT oxygen device from Cellgym. This company is the leading manufacturer in Germany.
The treatment must be carried out by our qualified specialist staff and we will look after you during this time. All you need to do as a patient is relax while the oxygen and your mitochondria do their work for you!
How often should I do IHHT training?
We recommend performing interval hypoxia-hyperoxia training approx. 2 to 3 times a week over a period of 4 to 6 weeks . This gives the body enough time to recover between sessions.
Good to know
What is the difference between IHHT and real altitude training in the mountains?
Mountain power – even in the flatlands.
What makes Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training so interesting for non-mountaineers?
Availability: IHHT can be carried out practically anywhere, including in our practice in Potsdam. There is no need for a trip to the mountains or a high-performance training camp at special altitudes (1,800 to 3,000 meters). Not everyone has access to these regions or the opportunity to train there regularly.
Controlled conditions: The oxygen level is regulated precisely and safely by a device during IHHT. Training takes place in short, controlled hypoxia and hyperoxia intervals that can be adapted to individual needs and fitness levels. When training in the mountains, on the other hand, the oxygen level depends on the actual altitude and cannot simply be changed. Adjustments can only be made by changing altitude or staying for long periods of time.
Adjustment time: The alternating hypoxia and hyperoxia phases allow the body to adapt more quickly to the conditions, as the oxygen supply is "refreshed" by hyperoxia phases in between. This enables a shorter, more effective training session. In true altitude training, adaptation to the altitude can take several days to weeks and often involves side effects such as headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Hyperoxia phase: IHHT training involves phases of increased oxygen concentration. You do not have this phase during altitude training in the mountains.
Health safety: During IHHT, the oxygen supply is monitored throughout the entire session so that the training can be carried out safely under our medical supervision, even for people with health restrictions. Altitude training, on the other hand, can be a health challenge for the untrained and can even carry a risk of altitude sickness, especially with abrupt ascents. Not to mention the risk of injury during mountain hikes and strain on the joints.
Time saving: An IHHT session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes and can be easily integrated into everyday life without long adjustment times or travel expenses. Effective altitude training often requires a longer stay (several days to weeks), which is not always compatible with work and everyday life.
Cost saving: Regular IHHT sessions cannot be compared with the logistical and financial effort of frequent mountain tours at high altitude. Consistent altitude training in the mountains requires nothing less than a lifestyle change, for which you have to spend a lot of money.
