Discover the hyperbaric oxygen therapy centre in the heart of Harrogate

by Fiona Callow

| 21 May, 2024

This story is sponsored by The Heal-Air.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) – maybe the term is familiar to some, but to many others it will be completely new.

Now Tarra Hickson and Callum Priestman, the couple behind one of Harrogate’s newest addition to the wellness scene, want to share exactly what HBOT is all about.

Located on Cold Bath Road in the former Dangerfield and Keane salon, The Heal-Air shares a premises with Pure Skin Clinic – run by Tarra’s sister Jade.

Ahead of planning a visit, here’s what you need to know about the story behind the business, what a HBOT session involves, and much more.

About The Heal-Air

The Heal-Air was initially set up in 2021 by Tarra and Callum after a period of illness saw Tarra exploring alternative wellness methods.

The pair first opened a centre in Hull, but when they moved to Harrogate in 2023, they decided to move the business with them, having identified what they felt was a gap in the market for the area.

Callum said:

We really liked the idea of offering the people of Harrogate the advantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, we are the first and only clinic in the area so we are pleased to offer the locals and surrounding areas the benefits of the treatment.

We have always loved the town after visiting Harrogate many times over the years, when we finally decided to move here full time at the beginning of this year, it only seemed natural to move our existing clinic with us.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment that involves breathing in pure oxygen through a mask, in a specialist, pressurised chamber.

The combination of increased pressure and larger quantity of oxygen aids the lungs in taking in more oxygen, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and carried around the body.

Reported benefits include helping to fight pain, inflammation and infection, as well a providing an overall boost to the immune system.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has previously been used as a treatment method in cases of chronic fatigue, injury and as an overall wellness practice.

How would a typical session work?

Prior to the session, a member of the team at The Heal-Air will conduct a consultation to discuss what customers can expect and answer any questions they may have.

A session can last between 60 or 90 minutes depending on the time decided by the team after the initial discussion.

At the start of the session, the chamber takes about three minutes to reach the determined pressure. Customers can then lie down and relax while breathing through an oxygen mask affixed to their face.

A member of the team will be outside the chamber throughout the whole process, and there are windows on both sides so communication can be maintained throughout.

Many people choose to listen to music, read a book or even binge on their favourite show during the course of the session.

The Heal-Air has a handy frequently asked questions section on its website, which delves further into what can be expected from a session.

Hyperbaric oxygen is not a replacement/substitute for conventional treatments. Make sure you receive thorough medical advice from your GP or a qualified medical professional before you undertake any treatments.