It has happened! You'll pay for O2

November was a bad month for Dilliwalas Stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab sent the smoke into the city and like a meme said Instagram created a filter just for users in the Capital called the hazy filter Protests were held at India Gate schools remained closed on very bad days Masks were distributed It is my first year in the gas chamber and so a friend texted me this message Add fresh turmeric avla and probiotic to your daily meals It will keep the immunity goingFriends from Mumbai texted try not to breathe Aryavir Kumar a professional golfer and businessman decided he was going to help the helpless Five months ago he launched Oxy Pure an oxygen bar that offers 15minutes sessions that cost anything from R299 to R499 depending on the essential oils usedI had tried it while travelling across the US and Europe and realised it would be a perfect to introduce in Delhi It is not a medication and we dont claim to cure disease In fact we dont allow the sick to avail the service Only healthy 18yearolds and above he says claiming the treatment helps with headaches stress and muscle recovery for athletesExplaining the technology involved he says the cylinders that are part of the set up require an oxygen concentrating machine Its not like the oxygen tank at hospitals We dont use medical oxygen The air that comes out of the tank purifies the air around us Usually while breathing we inhale 21 per cent oxygen The tank he claims has the capacity to release 95 per cent The customer ends up inhaling 50 to 60 per cent since the nasal vents are not vacuum sealed The essentials oils which are diffused in water are mainly for fragrance and rejuvenationI settle into the bar chair in the compact fourseater space and stare at four cannisters bubbling in yellow purple green and red light respectively Four tubes dangle from these and I take a whiff of the air flowing out smelling of lavender lemongrass eucalyptus and orangeNursing a headache I decide to go with eucalyptus While the lavender is fragrant it is a strong smell for a first timer the attendant explains He hands me a disposable nose vent to wear and ties the tube around my neck What do I do I ask sitting up straight He laughs Madam you can relax Use your phone if you like But we suggest closing the eyes and concentrating on your breathing Take a few deep breaths once in a whileI shut my eyes and concentrate on the sound of the water in a fountain running down from a glass It reminds me of taking naas with a spoonful of mentholated ointment in a hot vessel and towel over the head Five to seven minutes into the session I sit back reply to text messages wave at a few window shoppers looking at me curiously and go through a promotion leaflet placed on the table There have been a 17 per cent rise in death and disability due to diseases caused by air pollution across the country it saysBreathing polluted air is equal to smoking 45 cigarettes In November 2017 pollution levels reached 999 The fact that I will step into this same pollution in a couple of minutes is a kill joy15Number of minutes the session lastsVerdictThe idea is to relieve the body for a couple of minutes Wed do it occasionally if we are in the area but wouldnt visit the bar especially for the session After the session we notice that the pressure points around our temples are not throbbing anymore But we are deep breathing regular air again which brings us back to square one Doesnt itRating 35At A3 Saket District Centre District Centre Sector 6 Pushp Vihar New DelhiThe expert saysWhile the session may be a good idea for short rejuvenation and quick relief from a headache it cant override a bad nutrition plan and unhealthy lifestyle Its like going for local skin facials rather than first focusing on eating the right foods to reduce inflammation prevent hormonal imbalance and most importantly boost gut health A good digestion and stabilised hormones are fundamental to optimal health An oxygen bar is an addon Oxygen bars and air purifiers help with a healthy life but cant replace diet and exerciseKarishma Chawla nutritionist and lifestyle educator coachCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates