Wellness in the sky: Well this may sound like a myth, something as simple as air — yes, what we breathe in every day — offers plentiful wellness benefits. While oxygen may seem like an endless resource, especially in our lush island home, as we age, the body’s oxygen distribution starts to deplete. As aging can cause inflammation and narrow blood vessels, there is a decrease in oxygen flow from red blood cells. This is why we slow down as we age; our oxygen is on “budget” mode. Thankfully, there is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) to the rescue. By pumping the body with a higher concentration of oxygen, you can somewhat turn back the clock, as heightened oxygen can kick-start our body’s internal healing process, unlocking many benefits. 

The health-and-wellness perks of mHBOT include heightened endurance and performance. If you are an athlete or fitness enthusiast, physical stamina can be amped by delivering more oxygen to the muscles. Reduced inflammation and swelling can also result, especially for chronic varieties. By boosting the body’s oxygen, our immune function can operate more superiorly, fighting off disease. More oxygen can also boost energy levels, alleviate fatigue and pain, as well as support the body in eliminating toxins and other waste. Most importantly though is perhaps improving cognitive brain functions, making us sharper and more focused, thanks to the increased supply of oxygen to the brain. 

How does it work? The therapy occurs in a pressurized environment, or tank, that enables us to absorb the oxygen required for plasma and other fluids. Thankfully, there are a few spots in the islands where you can experience this type of therapy first-hand. 

One such place is North Shore Hyperbarics, on the North Shore of O’ahu (northshorehbot.com; 808-286-0849; by appointment only). Jamie Geitner, owner, shared that one of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to be sick or in pain to use the oxygen chambers. “One of the best benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is that it is preventative. It prevents sickness by boosting the immune system, it prevents heart attacks by growing new blood vessels, etc.” 

What makes North Shore Hyperbarics so unique is that they offer in-home rentals for their state-of-the-art oxygen chambers, so you can experience the therapy in the comfort of your own home. “We come to set the chamber up in your home and teach you how to use it. You are able to get in as many sessions as you’d like. Even the entire family can use and benefit from it.” 

The big question is also how much is too much? How much therapy do you need? According to Geitner, this is not an overnight job. “It took years for your body to feel the way that it does today … It won’t take one or two sessions to make it all go away. The beauty in hyperbarics comes with many consecutive sessions.” 

Marsha Sakamaki of The Wellness Center for Healthy Living (thewellnesscenterforhealthyliving.com; 808-258-1901) is another advocate of oxygen therapy. Finding herself faced with health issues following a serious accident, she spent years in rehab, but she did not find the relief and comfort she was seeking. “At one stage, I was swallowing seven prescription drugs every day! Yet, I was determined to not give in to my rapidly declining health and began searching for alternative solutions.” 

Thanks to her educated experimentation, she was able to reverse her diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and she no longer depends on prescription drugs. “As I continue to seek out new ways to help me regain optimum health and peace of mind, I have acquired a broad base of knowledge that goes well beyond assisting only me. I began to realize that I could help others in both understanding their particular problems and in developing a program to improve their quality of life.” 

Sakamaki established her wellness center in 2018. And yes, they are proponents of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. As HBOT enables more oxygen to permeate your tissues, providing many benefits and reaching areas of the body that have been deprived, by helping your body on a cellular level, you can address some deep-tissue wounds and start your journey to better health. One-hour to 40- hour packs are provided at her center, allowing you to go at your own pace. 

As with all treatments and therapy, make sure to clear any methods with your health care provider prior.