The History of Oxygen Bars
The first known reference to the recreational use of oxygen is found in Jules Verne's 1870 novel Around the Moon. In this work Verne states "Do you know, my friends, that a curious establishment might be founded with rooms of oxygen, where people whose system is weakened could for a few hours live a more active life. Fancy parties where the room was saturated with this heroic fluid, theaters where it should be kept at high pressure; what passion in the souls of the actors and spectators! what fire, what enthusiasm! And if, instead of an assembly only a whole people could be saturated, what activity in its functions, what a supplement to life it would derive. From an exhausted nation they might make a great and strong one, and I know more than one state in old Europe which ought to put itself under the regime of oxygen for the sake of its health!"
In recent times, the oxygen bars have been known to have originated in Japan. It is believed that the traffic police in Tokyo, one of the most densely populated and polluted cities in the world, started exhibiting lung problems. They were given oxygen masks and kiosks were opened in several places in Tokyo where the cops could go to “relieve their lungs.” The general public took to the idea and started feeling the benefits of oxygen.
Woody Harrelson from "Cheers," "White Men Can’t Jump," "Flint," "Pulp Fiction," "Indecent Proposal" etc., while on a trip to Japan, recognized the health and business potential of this phenomenal concept. He is credited with bringing the concept of oxygen bars to the U.S. and opening his first oxygen bar and restaurant “Exotico” in Los Angeles, next to his yoga studio.
Today, oxygen bars appear at many venues: nightclubs, salons, spas, health clubs, resorts, tanning salons, restaurants, coffee houses, bars, theme parks, airports, ski chalets, shopping malls, hookah bars, yoga studios, chiropractors, casinos, at dentists’ and many more places. Many companies offer the benefits of oxygen bars to their employees as a part of their wellness programs. They are also in demand by corporations and individuals for special events.
Oxygen bars, although highly beneficial, are meant for recreational purpose only and are not to cure any diseases or ailments.
Mike H
8:24 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
who, or what, supplies your oxygen?
Oxygen Lady
10:35 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Oxygen generators are used in oxygen bars generally.
DD6479
6:16 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Interesting concept....although I do still prefer the idea of tree's using photosynthesis to produce the stuff naturally =)
Oxygen Lady
9:14 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Nothing beats that :-) Although the oxygen in the air is enough at 21% (which went down fromn 35% a long time ago), it is mixed with a lot of toxins and carcinogens due to pollution. These toxins are breathed in unwittingly by us causing many health problems. That is why people go to high elevation resorts for clean air.
And most of all, the natural air does not have the aromas to stimulate your senses (barring the ones you get when you travel on the Turnpike or elsewhere near chemical plants) :-)
Joanne Flexser
7:35 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I think I'd try it if one was nearby.
Oxygen Lady
9:06 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
You are likely to see one soon, probably on Rte.53.
Mimi Gold
11:45 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
I would love to have an oxygen bar here in Morris County. I know the way I feel when I have oxygen after a medical procedure and it feels like I would be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!! Actually it just makes me feel clear headed.
Roopa
9:39 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I've tried oxygen bars a few times. I sat for 15 minutes, stared at a wall and breathed. I left with a ringing sensation in my head and slight nausea. At a dollar a minute, I would much rather spend my money on a manicure, pedicure, and massage, and maybe follow it up with a shot of wheatgrass. I am also very curious about those aroma oils people are inhaling through the cannulas... "The FDA warns that some flavoring methods use oils, which if used improperly, and droplets are inhaled, might contribute to an inflammation of the lungs."
Oxygen Lady
10:38 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
The primary purpose of oxygen bars is recreational. Most normally healthy people have a very positive experience. Yours is more of an exception. Manicure and pedicure sure make the hands and feet look pretty but it is a well known fact that very toxic chemicals are used in them which are inhaled during the process. Well, it's a matter of choice :-) As far as aromas are concerned, the operative phrase is, "if used improperly". When used correctly, they work wonders. There is no chance of anything entering into the body except aroma infused oxygen.
Oxygen bars are all about having an open mind and having some wellness infused fun!
Roopa
10:13 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Actually, after some more research, oxygen bars could be harmful to your health:
http://scienceblog.com/969/oxygen-bars-may-be-harmful-to-your-health/
http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=2506
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21800
Oxygen Lady
5:06 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
The above articles - actually there are only two - are floating on the internet since 2003. There are thousands of others that claim the benefits of oxygen. Dr. Oz went into the hyperbaric chamber and came out singing praises - http://www.oprah.com/health/Life-Extension-Technology-and-Tissue-Regeneration/4
FDA gives discretionary powers to the states to allow oxygen bars and states like NJ have opted to do so. Besides, if the concept had been so agregious, FDA would have shut them down a long time ago. In any case, millions of people take herbal supplements which are not approved by the FDA. But people take them anyway.
Simply put, those who are skeptics or have a pre-existing medical condition, should NOT use oxygen bars.
The rest.................... ENJOY!!!