Oxygen Therapy FAQs

Hyperbaric chambers are equipped with a two-way speaker system, which also includes a phone handset for the operator to have private conversations with the patient.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled.  It is used for a wide variety of treatments.

Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBOT, oxygen is dissolved into all of the body’s fluids, the plasma, the central nervous system fluids, the lymph, and the bone and can be carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked.  In this way, extra oxygen can reach all of the damaged tissues and support the body’s healing process.

The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas.  It is a simple, non-invasive and painless treatment.

  • If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
  • If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
  • If there has been a change in any of your medications.
  • If you have skipped a meal prior to your HBO treatment.
  • If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your treatment.
  • If you have any concerns or anxiety.
  • If you suffer from claustrophobia.

You should not feel any noticeable difference once the chamber reaches treatment pressure. During compression and decompression, you may experience a slight pressure in your ears, similar to the feeling of descending in an airplane, which can be alleviated by swallowing or opening your mouth and popping your ears.

The process is similar to being referred for physical rehabilitation. Once your doctor has identified the need for HBOT, he or she may contact us with your name and contact information. We would be happy to answer your doctor’s questions about your eligibility at that time. They may then fax, post or email our office a completed referral form.

Hyperbaric oxygen is used to treat all conditions which benefit from increased tissue oxygen availability, as well as infections where it can be used for its antibiotic properties, either as the primary therapy or in conjunction with other treatments.

Common medical conditions treated with HBOT include chronic non-healing diabetic foot wounds, compromised skin grafts and flaps, chronic bone infection and bone/tissue injury resulting from radiation therapy.

It has long been known that healing many areas of the body cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue.  Most illnesses and injuries occur and often linger, at the cellular or tissue level.  In many cases, such as circulatory problems; non-healing wounds; and strokes, adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area and the body’s natural healing ability is unable to function properly.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides this extra oxygen naturally and with minimal side effects.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the quality of life of the patient in many areas when used alongside standard medicine.  Many conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue have responded favorably to HBOT.

Yes. There are several things you can do to improve your success rate:

  • Always keep appointments. Regular, consistent participation in therapy will help you the most.
  • If you smoke, consider stopping or at least cutting back. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen needed for healing your wounds. All the benefits of HBOT will be increased if you quit.
  • Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest will enhance your body’s ability to heal.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a physician and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks like all medical treatments, overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe. The risks will be discussed with you before you sign your consent form for therapy.

A treatment plan is based on your diagnosis or condition. The number of sessions required varies according to each patient’s individual requirements, which will be discussed during your initial consultation. Some conditions need only 2-5 treatments, many other conditions require 20-40 treatments or more depending on the severity of the individual’s case.

Each treatment session takes approximately 1– 2 hours, depending on your requirements.

Patients are accepted either by self-referral or by physician referral. All patients are evaluated by during an initial consultation and treated based on their specific needs.  Please call the clinic on 0330 016 1000 to schedule a consultation.

The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. The hyperbaric chambers are pressurized gradually, giving your ears and sinuses time to acclimatize to the changed atmospheric pressure. To minimize the risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears.

The pressure in the chamber is increased gradually. The change feels similar to ascent and descent on an airplane ride. You might feel your ears pop. Patients report all kinds of other effects and feelings during treatment.

There are many benefits associated with intermittent exposure to doses of Oxygen Therapy:

  • Angiogenesis – Oxygen Therapy allows oxygen to reach low oxygen (hypoperfused) tissue and stimulates the growth of blood vessels to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to compromised tissue and bone so that it is better able to repair itself.
  • Infection-Fighting – high levels of oxygen enhance the function of the cells that fight infection in our bodies and also helps eliminate infections caused by bacteria which cannot live in an oxygenated environment, such as gangrene
  • Vasoconstriction – Oxygen Therapy produces constriction of blood vessels which can reduce edema while, at the same time, delivering significant levels of oxygen to poorly perfused tissue

Oxygen Therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment administered by delivering 100% oxygen at pressures greater than two to three times the normal atmospheric (sea level) pressure to a patient in a chamber. Oxygen Therapy promotes healing by increasing the oxygen concentration in the body at the cellular level. Oxygen Therapy is FDA approved and has been proven effective as an adjunctive therapy for specific indications. It is used around the world. Oxygen Therapy has clearly been demonstrated to drastically enhance the body’s ability to heal.

Most illnesses are caused by microbial organisms. Our cells are toxic due to the high levels of environmental pollutants and the preservatives in our foods. When cells become congested with toxins, they don’t allow for sufficient oxygen to enter the cell, and the cell becomes predisposed to the disease. Oxygen Therapy increases the strength of the cell and forces oxygen into the cell to aid in the detoxifying process. Our cells love and need oxygen to thrive! The good news is that bacteria, fungi, microbes, and viruses cannot survive in an oxygen-rich environment!

Breathing oxygen at an increased pressure greatly enhances the supply of life-giving oxygen to the tissues. To understand how Oxygen Therapy works, one must first realize that under normal conditions (one atmosphere absolute or ATA), we are subjected to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch of pressure. The air we breathe is composed of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. During Oxygen Therapy, those conditions are altered. The pressures can be increased while 93% oxygen is breathed by the patient.

Generally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a relaxing experience – in fact, most people drift off to sleep. Your body will be detoxing and this is normal. However, some people may experience minor symptoms associated with detoxing after the treatment.

Following your first few sessions, you may experience fatigue as the body sweeps itself clear of toxic debris that has built up in the body. This is safe and normal during the healing process.Alternatively, you may feel more alert, awake and energized with no detox symptoms – it will depend on your own body.

Alternatively, you may feel more alert, awake and energized with no detox symptoms – it will depend on your own body.

Daily sessions will enable the body to gain a threefold increase in the rate of healing. Generally, 8 sessions are advised but Your therapist will discuss your lifestyle and health goals before any treatment are commenced.

After treatment, occasional oxygen therapy treatments are recommended to ensure that oxygen levels remain optimum.

Rest Therapy FAQs

The water is fully filtered 3 times between each float, passing through a hot tub caliber filter. The Epsom salts are a natural disinfectant and are at a super loaded amount. We are also required to put a minimal amount of a disinfectant (bromine) by Vancouver Coastal Health, however with that said, you will not smell like you just came out of a public swimming pool.

Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.

Every week we perform a very in-depth maintenance of our facilities focusing on our tanks. We add fresh epsom salt and water, with the entire volume being replaced over a period of 10 weeks. Between the super-concentrated salt solution, an approved oxidizing agent (bromine), a UV light disinfectant filter, and 10-micron cartridge filter, these are probably the cleanest recreational water sources you’ll encounter!

Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, earplugs, body wash/shampoo, blow dryer, etc.).

Please see our list of tips & best practices to help you enhance your experience in the tank.

We opened with 5 brand new Oasis float tanks at our Gastown and Kitsilano locations (expanding Gastown to 9 tanks in early 2014). Our location in Victoria uses 4 Genesis tanks.

Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

Absolutely! There will be a womb within a womb! Floating can relieve a lot of the aches and pains caused by pregnancy. If you are in your third trimester or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in.

Only one person per tank. We have many float tanks though, so bring your friends, family or loved ones to float alongside you!

Float House opened in May of 2013 as the first float centre in the Greater Vancouver area (and one of the largest in the world) in Gastown, quickly expanding to Kitsilano and Victoria.

You can get out anytime. There aren’t any latches on the tank doors and you control your experience, that said, the 90-minutes usually go by quite quickly.

No – your skin doesn’t even prune up. You do absorb a lot of magnesium from the Epsom salt which has oodles of benefits.

Nope. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.

Floating has been around for over 40 years and has oodles of published research to back it up. No mumbo or jumbo here.

Health Culture books Rest Therapy Sessions in 60-minute increments. However, you are more than welcome to book a Session for more than one hour!

REST is perhaps the easiest pastime imaginable. However, there are a few ways you can prepare for the best Rest Sessions possible.

  • New clients need to arrive 30 minutes before appointment time. (Those who arrive late will need to reschedule—this is to preserve the quietness and integrity of all our floats, which we start simultaneously.)
  • Avoid shaving, tanning, waxing—or anything else that would increase the sensitivity of your skin. We provide Vaseline in each Pod Suite to protect any small cuts and grazes from stinging!
  • Hair color needs to be “set” before coming into float (your shower water is running completely clear). Please reschedule if it is not.
  • We encourage clients to avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before floating for the most relaxing experience.
  • Females experiencing their menstrual cycle the day of their float MUST reschedule their appointment.
  • Because floating is so relaxing, if you come on an empty stomach, you may be distracted by stomach grumbles. We recommend eating something small prior to your float but allowing at least 30 minutes to digest before your appointment.
  • There’s a lot of salt in our Rest pod. Thus, it is best to avoid wearing your “best clothes”.
  • We provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, q-tips and complimentary flip-flops—towels are also offered as a complimentary perk, or for a minimal rental charge depending on location.
  • We encourage clients to float nude for the greatest experience— room does have its own shower and changing area. Of course, feel free to bring a swimsuit if you’d like!
  • Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted to float.

There are many benefits of Rest Therapy—three of the most significant are relaxation, pain relief, and better sleep.

A summary of benefits, both Physical and Mental includes:

Physical Benefits:

  • Deep Relaxation and Theta Wave Production
  • Increased Blood Circulation
  • Increased Healing Ability
  • Pain Management
  • Increased Immune Function
  • Enhanced Athletic Training

Mental Benefits:

  • Stress Reduction
  • Increased Creativity
  • Increased Sensory Acuity/Reaction Time
  • Sleep Schedule Maintenance
  • Feelings of Euphoria and more benefits!

We pride ourselves on providing an experience in which all guests can be comfortable experiencing Rest Therapy.

Guests are in complete control of their Rest Pod lid, which may be left open, partially open or closed. Each Pod features a multicolored LED light which is in the total control of the guest. A selection of music options—including the option to bring your own music are available for each session.

Each Rest Pod also features a 2-way intercom connecting to the front desk should you need help or have any concerns in your session.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask your Rest Consultant for assistance!

REST Therapy is safe for just about everyone! However, those with epileptic conditions or who have kidney disease (as the kidneys are responsible for processing Magnesium) should take extra precautions in consulting their physician before floating.

Yes! In fact, pregnant clients may experience some of the greatest relief from Rest Therapy—physically and mentally. The added weight and pressure on the mother’s body is likely to cause pain and discomfort, the weightless impact of Rest Therapy can provide much relief!

Many clients report a unique and memorable experience floating while pregnant.

Rarely, clients may experience nausea. This is typically indicative of a detox reaction responding to stress—which is often held in the stomach. Ultimately, releasing this stress is beneficial—thought it may be uncomfortable at the moment.

While this level of nausea is fairly uncommon, we do ask that guests exit the pod if they believe they may be sick. Rest Therapy is powerful; please remember to drink plenty of water after your session!

We encourage clients to relax and release any worries of dozing off while in the Rest Pod. Each Rest Pod contains just 10 inches of highly salinated water—thus, it is not required that guests know how to swim. This solution supports you no matter how you might toss and turn in the Rest Pod.

Though it is difficult to accidentally flip onto your belly in the tank, if this occurs, the extremely high salt concentration (1,000 lbs) immediately causes discomfort in the eyes, nose, and mouth.

The high level of Epsom Salts in each Rest Pod actually prevents the skin from wrinkling! It will, however, leave your skin silky smooth.

Cryotherapy FAQs

No, this treatment uses a dry cold and only lasts for 3 minutes.

No sooner than 4 hours before training and 48 hours after training for athletes during training and competition. Many clients prefer one or two sessions a week for maintenance.

Low temperatures have been used to treat inflammation for centuries – think of athletes using ice to ease the pain of sore muscles. Modern applications to treat rheumatoid arthritis began during the 1970’s in Japan. Several clinical studies have also been conducted in Europe, where the practice of Cryotherapy is more common.

The vapour used in the chamber is made of the same nitrogen that is in the air we breathe. The heavier nitrogen vapour remains inside the chamber, so you only breathe the air in the room.

The chamber is uncovered so your head remains outside the chamber and you can exit at any time.

The treatment lasts for up to 3 minutes. The last 30 seconds of the treatment is the coldest

Cold and dry nitrogen vapour is being released. Stable cooling temperature is maintained over the entire body and there is constant monitoring by a trained operator.

Clients are required to wear underwear, jogging bottoms or compression shorts. Women can also wear a bra, sports bra or bikini top. Two pairs of socks, slippers and a robe will be provided.

Our cutting-edge Cryotherapy chamber fills with nitrogen vapour, quickly lowering your skin temperature. The treatment lasts an average of 3 minutes and your head remains outside the chamber. You can exit at any time.

The skin sends signals to the brain, stimulating regulatory actions that effectively activate the nutrients in the body that help natural healing. Once out of the chamber the body immediately reheats.

Whole Body Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel alerted and energetic. The positive effects from each session typically last for six to eight hours. Many clients report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy.

Absolutely. The liquid nitrogen is used during the Whole Body Cryotherapy session is a cooling agent that does not come into contact with the skin. A trained technician is present at all times during each session. We use a Juka cryosauna that has a magnetic door closure that opens easily and can be pushed open with minimal effort at any time during the session. This time limit can never be exceeded–the machine will automatically turn off after 3 minutes.

No. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The frequent stimulation of the immune system can help prevent recurring colds and the severity of the future colds.

AquaDetox FAQs

Yes. In fact, sessions are much safer and easier than the common enema.

An enema only reaches the rectum and lower part of the colon, whereas with AquaDetox the entire length of the colon is reached and it is many more times effective. According to learned centenarian Dr. Norman Walker, “One colon irrigation is equivalent to 30 enemas.”

No. In fact, many people report their AquaDetox sessions as being both refreshing and relaxing.

It is possible to cleanse the entire length of the colon during a professionally administered session. The small intestine is not specifically involved; however, the small intestine may be cleansed with the help of an oral intestinal cleanser.

If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of AquaDetox for you, you should consult your physician or licensed healthcare practitioner. Contraindications for the use of the Angel of Water include, but may not be limited to: recent colon, rectal or abdominal surgery, congestive heart failure, intestinal perforations, carcinoma of the rectum, fissures or fistula, severe hemorrhoids, abdominal hernia, renal insufficiency, first or last trimester of pregnancy and cirrhosis of the liver. Professionally administered AquaDetox is otherwise very safe.

The Angel of Water system uses single-use, sterile rectal nozzles. The use of sterile disposables coupled with the implementation of the Angel of Water’s multi-stage sanitation protocol with EPA registered disinfectants leaves no danger of contamination.

Actual session time is about 30-40 minutes, but you should plan on about 1 ½ hours for your first consultation with a session.

No. Some consider it a good time to have a session since your body is already cleansing. Your flow will not interfere with the success of the session. However, some women prefer to wait until after their period is over to do a cleansing session.

Refrain from eating about 2 hours before the cleansing, be as relaxed as possible and maintain a positive, cheerful attitude.

Usually not, but everyone is different. Some report a slight feeling of tiredness, but this is similar to the feeling you have after exercising vigorously. After a session, sipping warm liquids is usually very soothing. If you have concerns, consult with your AquaDetox therapist.

Yes. You can work just as you would after a regular bowel movement.

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