HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY IS A PAINLESS, non-invasive form of therapy that allows one to inhale pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. It is also known as a ?dive? because it resembles diving underwater. Among its benefits are faster healing of wounds and injuries, better skin and sleeping patterns, even quick recovery from hangovers and migraine.

Buying oxygen, an element naturally found in our surroundings, may initially sound strange. But oxygen therapy has been going on since the ?60s, says Mark Cupino of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Inc., an oxygen clinic in Alabang Town Center.

?Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Inc. opened in 2008, and we?ve had regular patrons who go here for alternative treatments,? Cupino says.

Cupino got the idea of setting up HBOT, Inc. when he got a knee injury from basketball and underwent surgery and oxygen therapy. He wanted to bring in a more accessible and affordable oxygen therapy center for the public, so he set up HBOT, Inc. in a popular mall.

The HBOT, Inc. chamber, which Cupino sourced from the US, offers ?mild? treatment (there are varieties in strength, per machine type). It is around 10 feet long and 32 inches in diameter when inflated, resembles a CT scan machine, and supplies pure oxygen at a rate of 10 liters per minute.

It is generally a safe process that is also offered in bigger hospitals, says Cupino. HBOT, Inc. is supervised by Dr. Lester Suntay, who trained on Hyperbaric Medicine in Long Beach Memorial Hospital in 2007.

?Those who want to try it out shouldn?t be scared. A client could call and schedule a treatment. His blood pressure, ears and lungs will be examined first. A nurse will be on his side while he is inside the chamber. We entertain walk-in clients as long as the machine is available,? Cupino says. ?A treatment usually lasts an hour. How often you should have it depends on your needs; some do it daily, others, once a week.?

Relaxing experience

The claustrophobic ones may experience anxiety when inside the chamber, so bring your mp3 player. Most clients, Cupino says, get used to the sensation of being lulled to sleep inside the chamber that they doze off.

Who needs the oxygen treatment? HBOT, Inc. suggests:

Smokers?The chemicals in cigarettes inhibit oxygen flow throughout one?s body.

Drinkers?Alcohol cuts off the oxygen supply to the brain and damages the liver by constricting blood vessels and reducing the delivery of oxygen to liver cells.

Rehab patients and diabetics?Stroke survivors respond better to therapy and more oxygen promotes faster healing of wounds.

Athletes?For muscle build-up, increased energy, better stamina and endurance, faster recovery from injuries

Overweight people?Oxygen therapy promotes faster metabolism.

Kids with autism?Those who have undergone treatment reportedly became less hyperactive, had better sleeping patters and improved attention span.

Derma regulars?If you are into peelings and abrasive dermatological procedures, extra oxygen will make downtime more comfortable because skin heals faster with less irritation.

HBOT, Inc. also has an Oxygen Lounge where you can sit on a couch and inhale oxygen (similar to using a nebulizer) through your nose for 30 minutes while enjoying a back or foot massage.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Inc. is at 3/F, Wellness Lane, Festival Supermall, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Call 9943305, 0915-7972266; e-mail hbot_ph@yahoo.com; visit http://www.hbot.com.ph.