Okay so at first this concept reminded me of the movie The Lorax where the evil mayor is actually packaging and selling air- something that should be freely available to all people. However, after doing some research I learned that not all air is created, and some of us may require higher concentrations of oxygen in order to heal at the speed necessary for optimal energy, healing and overall health.

The Science:

Air is made up of a combination of mostly gases: 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen and small amounts of many other gases like carbon dioxide, neon, and hydrogen. For most people with healthy lungs, 21 percent oxygen is sufficient, but for many people with health issues, supplemental amounts of oxygen is necessary to maintain normal body function. According to the American Lung Association, supplemental oxygen improves sleep, mood, mental alertness, stamina, and allows individuals to carry out normal, everyday functions. 

Who is it for:

This treatment is also helpful for people who are not necessarily sick, but maybe just need an extra boost of healing after after bodily stress like an intense workout or surgery. When this extra oxygen is delivered to your bloodstream, it aids the natural processes of your body to fight bacteria and stimulates the release of super healing substances like growth factors and stem cells.

My experience:

Claustrophobic? ehhh this might not be the best for you. There are other ways to receive oxygen besides a hyperbaric chamber but this way is particularly helpful because you are receiving 100% oxygen. The air pressure in a hyperbaric chamber is increased two to three times higher than normal air pressure. This means you need to clear your ears several times just like an astronaut or scuba diver. Under these conditions, your lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.

My takeaways:

Woah energy! I left feeling like I chugged a red bull. Brain fog gone and boobs less sore from my recent breast lift surgery. Worth the $40 session? Meh, maybe after a night of drinking or surgery or really crappy night’s sleep. As a fairly healthy person who gets good sleep and cares well for my body I dont think its a regular investment for me right now.