by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
How fresh is the air you’re breathing? At Exhale in Jacksonville Beach, Dave Reid and Heather Guenther can ensure that you’re breathing 80-90% oxygen. They’ve opened the first oxygen bar in the Jacksonville area. Oxygen bars are part of the landscape in Japan and the West Coast, but here in Florida they’re a rarity.
The bar doesn’t keep oxygen tanks, because 100% oxygen tanks require all sorts of permits and are only given to those who are medically prescribed oxygen. This is primarily because of the highly flammable nature of oxygen, which can be used for explosive purposes. Instead of tanks, the bar uses a filtration system that removes carbon dioxide and other impurities, delivering 82-92% oxygen to their clients, a real boost from the normal 21% or less. As the air is filtered, it’s also infused with various scents for a little aromatherapy.
The steady hum of the air delivery system forces even the most nervous and high strung person to simply focus on their breathing. For a more social experience you can sit at the bar, but if you really want to relax, ask for a massage chair. Extras included in your oxygen bar experience are a complimentary massage and a warm neck wrap.
Although they don’t claim any medical benefits, part-owner Heather Guenther says that “It has been reported to relieve stress and anxiety. It has helped with people who have anxiety and panic attacks.”
They’ve gotten everything from retirees to couples to club kidz in the doors. The clubbers like to wear the disposable nose cannuelas as necklaces and the retirees find themselves newly invigorated after a session. Couples visit the bar as a new and different way to relax.
Even though the reasons for going to the oxygen bar are as diverse as the people who come for sessions, hangover cures are a popular reason for a visit.
“We had a big thing after St.Paddy’s Day. We had several hangover victims…They came in and said they felt 100% better. And that’s actually how we ended up finding out about…[oxygen bars]. We were in Vegas on New Year’s Day feeling very bad. We tried it and we felt great!”
Since Jacksonville Beach has its share of partiers driving around on a Saturday or Sunday morning trying to work up the courage to eat brunch after a late night, it’s a great fit for a quick-fix hangover cure.
Guenther and Reid also offer a mobile oxygen service for parties and corporate events. They will have a certified massage therapist onsite in the next few weeks.
You can find Exhale in the shopping center next to Krystals on 3rd Avenue at 212 3rd Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach. Call 249-7114 for more info and hours.
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