The Tamesis
I’ve never had a test that could reveal your biological age, but I’m pretty sure the results wouldn’t be satisfactory. Chronic stress, short sleep, and an endlessly accelerated pace of life are not friends of anti-aging or longevity. My lifestyle is not entirely unhealthy—I eat well, I exercise, and my only vice is an ongoing love of sweets—but there are times when I fall short when it comes to emotional and mental balance.
Of course, when I was invited to try hyperbaric oxygen therapy (also known as HBOT) at the new Le Capsule wellness space at Hotel Brahe in Madrid, I didn’t hesitate. After all, the treatment is hot in the longevity and biohacking fields, both of which prioritize slowing or counteracting aging through optimizing habits and cutting-edge interventions.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Despite the current hype, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not new. It has its origins in providing medical services to submariners and military personnel during the First World War; Madrid’s Hospital Gomez Ulla remains home to the Ministry of Defence’s leading underwater and hyperbaric medicine unit. But its recent mainstream appeal has partly to do with athletes and celebrities showing off its benefits, often on Instagram, and partly to the public’s growing interest in not just living longer, but living better.
“There is a growing demand for treatments that focus on longevity, recovery and optimal performance, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy naturally meets these needs,” explains Ana Jovanovic, Spa Director at Talise Spa at Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, which has also recently added hyperbaric oxygen therapy to its offerings. “Today, people are increasingly seeking evidence-based, results-driven treatments that go beyond holistic spa treatments to optimize health and vitality. Guests often describe leaving their room feeling profoundly calm, relaxed and enhanced mental clarity, making it a rejuvenating and immersive wellness experience. And, because the treatment delivers more oxygen to the blood, it supports cell repair, energy production and overall vitality.”
What happens during hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Even with all my enthusiasm, the steps toward the room gave me pause. I know the science — breathing pure oxygen under pressure increases the amount of oxygen carried by the blood, thereby promoting healing, reducing inflammation and boosting cellular energy production — and Jovanovic describes Talise Spa’s rooms as “a cocoon-like experience where guests lie comfortably on slabs and the room is gently pressurized, creating a slight sensation in the ears similar to that of an airplane rising,” but the room itself, reminiscent of an old UVA tanning bed, is still intimidating. Once sealed, the capsule becomes airtight, meaning you can lie inside but be virtually unable to move. The thought that I couldn’t open it caused a brief unease.
A few words of comfort from the therapist immediately eased the situation. For obvious reasons, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not recommended for anyone who is truly claustrophobic. However, those who are not clinically claustrophobic may just need a little time to adjust. In my case, the built-in microphone—a therapist’s ever-present lifeline—was enough to calm me down. Ultimately, the experience felt like taking a nap in a cool, oxygen-rich environment without the panic I feared.
“Once the cabin reaches maximum pressure, guests breathe near-pure oxygen, creating a deeply restorative environment. Sessions typically last 60 minutes, providing time for a nap, meditation or relaxation,” explains Jovanovic.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
According to Le Capsule, “Oxygen accelerates the body’s healing process and increases energy production by stimulating ATP production.” During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, oxygen is dissolved not only in the blood but also in the plasma. This allows it to reach damaged tissue more efficiently, reducing inflammation and speeding recovery. The combination of blood- and plasma-based transport allows for higher oxygen saturation, especially in areas such as the brain and heart, supporting neurovascular regeneration. Here are some more reasons to try:
1. Reduce inflammation
“It has significant anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce swelling, joint pain and post-exercise soreness, making it particularly attractive to active and health-conscious guests,” says Jovanovic.
2. Promote skin health
“The treatment also supports anti-aging by boosting collagen production, accelerating wound healing and improving skin tone, complementing traditional beauty spa treatments,” says Jovanovic.
3. Strengthen the immune system
“Additionally, HBOT supports immune function and aids in cellular detoxification, in line with modern biohacking concepts,” Jovanovic said.
4. Reduce stress
“Finally, by improving oxygenation to the brain, it promotes relaxation, cognitive clarity, and stress recovery, making it an overall wellness experience,” Yovanovich says.
How often should you have hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
However, all of these significant benefits require consistency. Most programs recommend two to five sessions per week, usually taking a few weeks before noticeable results appear. The long-term benefits—improved skin quality, sharper cognitive function, and a significant slowing of certain aging processes—are only achieved with regular practice. “The frequency of HBOT sessions depends on the individual’s health goals,” Yovanovich noted. “To maintain overall health, most guests will benefit from taking one to two classes per week. Athletes or those seeking to accelerate recovery can safely perform daily classes for one to two weeks with professional guidance to optimize results.”
