by Dee McMath

Oxygen Therapy is the inhalation of oxygen usually through a mask or small plastic tubes in the nose, to improve the immune system and destroy toxic waste in the body's cells.

One of the latest fads in America is the Oxygen Bar. Since the late 1990'sInstead of drinks, you take in exotic blends of oxygen often blended with aromatic essences like lavender or ylang ylang. The cost in the States is a dollar a minute, but some say its worth it for the relaxing, feel good factor. Although I don't know of an Oxygen Bar in Andalucia as yet, I'm sure it won't be long. Straightforward oxygen therapy is used in some of the health clinics, especially in and around the Costa del Sol main towns, where there is a very large English speaking resident community.

Oxygen plays an important part in keeping our body's cells alive and healthy. Oxygen helps new cells to grow, by getting rid of toxins, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. From studies by Dr. Otto Warburg, nobel Prize Winner, we know that when cells lack oxygen, cancer can be the result. Oxygen therapy has been used for over 30 years in Germany in the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Practitioners claim that by applying oxygen therapy, invading microorganisms are killed off because the oxygen carries the harmful toxic waste out of the body. The treatment is offered for many ailments, including all types of infection, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia as well as chronic fatigue. Although scientific studies have not been concluded as yet, this therapy is also being used to help cases of herpes and AIDS. Oxygen therapy is said to be one of the most powerful and efficient methods of detoxifying the body and cleansing the blood.

Michael Jackson brought oxygen therapy to public attention, when it was reported that he slept inside his Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber so that he could stay forever young. This is an extreme form of oxygen therapy, which is used extensively in the treatment of chronic degenerative diseases.

There are many forms and methods of oxygen therapy or the similar Ozone therapy, but the most usual that you will find in Andalucia is by inhaling oxygen through a mask or through small plastic tubes placed just inside the nostrils. The mask or tube will be attached to an oxygen cylinder, and the therapist or doctor will control the pressure. You will simply relax and breathe normally, taking in the extra oxygen (the air we breathe normally has around 20% oxygen). I have seen oxygen therapy combined with other treatments for a combined effect. For example there is a natural health clinic in Fuengirola, run by an English speaking, Danish doctor, which offers a combination of magnet therapy, oxygen therapy and acupuncture. The collective effect of the three 'kick starts' the system into a healthier way of functioning and better blood circulation.

Oxygen therapy in its simplest form is special breathing exercises, which increase your intake of O2. Yoga classes provide excellent breathing therapy and is very beneficial for the immune system in general. There are many yoga centres and private yoga classes all over Andalucia - usually advertised in local English speaking press, such as Sur in English, which is free every Friday.

There are also many traditional spas in Andalucia, where you can 'take the waters' and have inhalation therapy, including oxygen therapy.

Until the American-style 'oxygen bars' hit Andalucia, enjoy the therapies to hand and feel good after an extra breath of fresh air with oxygen therapy.

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