In this treatment, a pressurized chamber forces higher than normal levels of oxygen into the tissues and plasma of the body. Essentially, "HBOT is a method of restoring wellness [which] can reverse pathological states in which the fact that too little oxygen is reaching the cells (hypoxia) is a component." In other words, since many disease states are caused by a shortage of oxygen to the cells, HBOT can greatly benefit people who suffer from such conditions.