Breathe it all in Oxygen therapy could help many

W e all know that taking a few deep breaths can calm us down. But can breathing actually cure alcoholism, acne and autism? Some medical professionals believe so, with the help of a hyberbaric chamber. The chambers deliver 100 per cent oxygen to patients (we usually breathe 21 per cent) by increasing the ambient air pressure – the same as happens when you fly in an aeroplane. But, rather than being squashed into a plane seat, you lie alone in a quiet, comfortable chamber for a maximum 90 minutes. Practitioners of Hyberbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) claim it helps alcoholics and drug addicts by cutting withdrawal times in half, and that it heals and rejuvenates s skin by eliminating spots a and wrinkles. Parents of autistic children c have reported that, after their children have h had HBOT, there have h been noticeable differences d in cognition and a connection, such as improved i language skills and better eye contact. At £40 for an hour’s session at Castle Craig Hospital in Scotland, it’s less than most airline tickets.