Let’s face it, getting older isn’t exactly easy…sure, the wisdom’s there, but the body? Not so much. That’s exactly where I found myself – a middle-aged guy who’d spent the best part of his life abusing his body, from rugby games that left me battered to a lifestyle full of indulgence in food and booze. Not exactly the poster child for good health, but I got by, telling myself I could just “burn it off.” Well, as it turns out the body doesn’t quite work that way forever. Going forward a few years I suddenly found myself with my best years behind me.
So when I found out about hyperbaric oxygen therapy I thought, “Why not?” I had heard about them before and how they were supposed to help repair your body. I was ready to try anything that wasn’t going to involve some heavy-duty drugs so it seemed like a perfect fit for me.
The Initial Hesitation: Lying in a steel tube for an hour. No Thanks!
However, the only downside for me is that these hyperbaric chambers sounded a bit too… well, claustrophobic for my liking. The idea of being locked in a tube, unable to move for a whole session? Not my idea of fun. I mean, I’m a guy who still has to juggle work, rugby, and the occasional pint, so I needed something that wouldn’t mess with my “lifestyle.”
Then, I saw the Airpod hyperbaric chamber. Now this was different. More like a futuristic recliner than a medical device. It looked comfy, had a glass front (so I didn’t feel like I was stuck in a coffin), and the best part? I could take my mobile phone and laptop in with me. I mean, if I could catch up on emails or play a quick game, maybe I’d enjoy the time spent in there. It seemed like a win-win.
I managed to find Soma House in Buckinghamshire. They were conveniently located just off the M40, near High Wycombe (right on my route to work). I popped in to take a look and to say the least I was impressed. The staff affectionately referred to the chamber as “the spaceship” – to be fair it did look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. I had to sit in it first to make sure it fit, given that I’m no small bloke. To be honest, I was half-expecting to need a seatbelt! But it was surprisingly comfortable – like settling into a first-class airline seat, minus the pretentious air hostess.
The First Session: A Relaxing Surprise
Now, for the actual treatment. Again, I was a little apprehensive going in. The pressure builds gradually as the session starts, and I was told to clear my ears as the air pressure increases (just like on a plane). But no drama there. After a bit of ear-clearing, I was told to just relax.
And, rather surprisingly, it did just that. I’d planned to catch up on some overdue work, but actually, I ended up just dozing through most of the session. Who knew it could be so relaxing? When the session was over and the decompression started, it was smooth sailing. No ear-clearing was required (I think all my yawning helped with that). The staff had told me not to expect much from the first session, but by the end of it, I felt genuinely relaxed – the kind of relaxed that sticks with you all day. And that night? Best sleep I’d had in ages.
The Results: Feeling Better, Playing Better
After a few sessions, I started noticing some unexpected changes. Those annoying little injuries I’d been carrying around for years – nagging knees, a creaky back – well, they started to ease off. And get this: my bi-weekly jog wasn’t the painful chore it used to be. It was almost enjoyable.
But here’s where it got really surprising: I played tag rugby with the lads (yes, my old-man version of rugby), and I made it through the entire game without crashing out early from exhaustion. I’m usually the guy who taps out three-quarters through, but not this time. The extra oxygen from the sessions was doing its job.
The Long-Term Benefits: Turning a Corner with My Health
Fast forward a few months, and I’m now trying to get into the chamber every week or two. And honestly, it feels like I’ve turned a corner with my health. Injuries are less frequent; I haven’t had a cold in ages and I’m bouncing back from business trips quicker than I ever did before. Jet lag? A thing of the past.
Now in fairness, I’m going to need to wait a few years to see if improves my lifespan but for now my quality of life has improved. I may not be turning into a health guru just yet, but I firmly believe in the benefits of this treatment. Plus, if it helps me age with a bit more energy and a lot less arthritis, I’m all in.
If you’re anything like me – a middle-aged, active individual yet someone who is starting to feel the effects of a life lived hard – consider giving the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber a go. It’s not just for the seriously injured or those looking for a quick fix; it’s about improving your health span, so you can keep doing the things you love without feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus.
Ready to See for Yourself?
Soma House’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber is a great way to take your health to the next level. It’s no secret, that none of us are getting any younger – so why shouldn’t we make the most of our youth while we can?
Now I could recommend you go and read one of the many other reviews out there, however, the best thing I could recommend is that you simply experience it for yourself. Of course, I’d recommend Soma House. Their team would be more than happy to show you the ropes and help you get started with a session just like they did for me.
It’s your health on the line and anything that gives you a shot at feeling better, looking better, and staying active is worth trying.
