With the increasing level of pollution in cities such as Chennai, people hardly know the amount of polluted air they breathe in every day. The burning of fossil fuels and emissions from vehicles and factories have all led to a very high level of atmospheric pollution. The effects are all too well known: allergies and asthma point to the dearth of fresh air.
Mrs. Meenakshi Krithivasan has opened the first oxygen parlour at the Spencer Plaza on Anna Salai. She says clinical tests in western countries have shown that periodic inhalation of clean air with 97 per cent oxygen can have a beneficial effect on one's body.
The therapy claims to provide relief from respiratory ailments such as wheezing, asthma, cough and pulmonary diseases. Combined with other relaxation techniques, it helps maintain oxygen in the body at an optimum level, thereby rejuvenating it.
In the ``Oxyzen'' parlour, one is seated in an adjustable recliner, in a relaxed position. Disposable nasal cords extending to the tip of the nostrils are put in position. All one has to do is sit back and breathe in fresh oxygen.
One can choose any aroma such as rose, lavender, mint and lemon oil. One can get a combination of various flavours too. To make the experience enjoyable soothing music is played through earphones.
Will the concept be successful? Why not, asks Mrs. Krithivasan. When bottled water was introduced first in the market for a price, many were sceptical about its success.
Now one can see every other person carry a water bottle wherever he goes. Like that this concept also will pick up as it has a soothing effect on body, mind and soul, she adds.
