30 Dec 2017
The O2Chair - a zero-gravity chair with a twist
BY Lauren Heath-Jones
The O2Chair, developed in France by inventor Jean-Louis Portales, is a zero-gravity chair with a twist. It gently rocks clients with specific movements up and down the spine, as headphones play meditative instructions to 'breathe in' and 'breathe out' – all while a stream of pure oxygen is dispersed near the face.
The tilt and swing of the chair is said to improve blood circulation and promote the ‘relaxation response’ – an alpha brainwave state where the mind is confident and fully present. The result is said to create a sensation similar to the feeling of being 'naturally high'.
It is designed to be used in spa relaxation areas as a tool for encouraging relaxation and mindfulness pre- or post-treatments, without the cost of a therapist.
Studies have shown that the O2Chair reduces heart rate and blood pressure while increasing physical energy and athletic performance. By generating a better oxygen supply to the cells, results show an increase in blood circulation and the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s natural stress-reducer. Eighty-nine percent of respondents reported a reduction in stress and feelings of wellbeing within a few minutes on the O2Chair, and the benefits last long after the treatment.
"Many of us don’t even realize how shallow we are breathing, until we take time to focus on breath," says Bob Reznick, CEO of O-4Life, the North American distributor of the O2Chair.
"O2Chair is an ideal 'mindfulness hack' for stressed-out spa guests to get a jump start on their mediation practice, sleep better, temper a hangover or get a burst of creative inspiration. People feel better when they breathe better."
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