Catching your breath in Bombay

Bombay has become increasingly polluted in recent years

By Sanjeev Srivastava in Bombay

There is a new bar in the central Bombay district of Dadar - but it does not serve beer to revitalise its customers.

Instead, it dispenses oxygen.

The oxygen shot should help with the stress of everyday life

Bombay's first oxygen bar - Breathe O2 - is about a week old and has already built for itself a faithful list of clientele who come in daily for their 20-minute shot of pure oxygen which costs them 200 rupees ($4.50).

"It's amazing nobody ever thought of it," says Dr Vikas Punamia who runs the bar with his wife and father.

He is so encouraged by the response that he plans to open more such oxygen bars in different parts of the city.

Dr Punamia says the idea of opening an oxygen bar first struck him when he was in Los Angeles recently.

"The smog there is so heavy and the oxygen level in the air is only 12%," he says.

Revitalising

"Bombay is better with the oxygen level at 18%. I first used an oxygen bar in LA and it made me feel so much better and it was then I thought of opening one in Bombay where pollution not only leaves one fatigued, but also cause serious respiratory and chest ailments," he said.

Inhaling pure air cleanses the toxins of the skin, making it softer, younger and more glowing

Vikas Punamia

Although not everyone is convinced, Dr Punamia maintains that a 20-minute shot of oxygen not only makes one feel re-energised but is actually good for your oxygen-starved lungs.

The oxygen bar itself is a small air-conditioned chamber with two reclining chairs and an oxygen machine.

Pure oxygen is given to the customer via a tube which connects the machine with the nostrils.

The oxygen comes with soothing music and in five aromatic flavours: nirvana (meditation), synergy (freshness), tropical dreams (romantic melody), pick-me-up (re-energiser) and stress buster or tension reliever.

The 20-minute oxygen may well be out of reach for an average Bombay resident

But one thing is certain.

A breather at Breathe O2 will definitely help those who can afford it.