A Whakatāne couple are bringing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Whakatāne.

Taylor and Lila Ulufonua have established Revive + Thrive hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy on The Strand, across the road from their popular eatery, Cafe 4U.

The hāora hub, which opens today, offers oxygen therapy, red light therapy and PEMF pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Mr Ulufonua has many years of experience in the health industry as a distributor of natural supplements and alkalised hydrogen water. As well as Cafe 4U, the couple have also run a security company for 12 years.

Inspiration for the hub came from their research on oxygen therapy and learning of its results in skin rejuvenation, beauty, recovery and general wellbeing.

Mr Ulufonua said he had been looking into hyperbaric oxygen therapy for personal use for the better part of a decade.

“It’s used by celebrities and sports stars, so many in the world.

“We want to take it out of that corner and make it available to everyone,” Mr Ulufonua said.

“Some people would call it alternative, but it’s just oxygen and pressure – I’d say it’s traditional, its natural, as we need both daily – direct oxygen to the cells and oxygen to the brain.

“Studies do show us it has anti-inflammatory effects. The research shows people noticing a difference after their first sessions.”

From mid-next week, customers will be able to book a 60- to 90-minute session in an oxygen chamber after a thorough prior consultation.

“It’s a very safe therapy.

“We recommend the sessions for most people, but anyone with sinus issues or a punctured lung, we advise to check with your doctor before undergoing hy-perbaric oxygen therapy,” Mr Ulufonua said.

“It’s actually good practice to discuss with your GP about any therapy you’re looking at or would like to try.”

Three Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers will be available at the hub, with more expected as the business develops.

Their plan is to build awareness and educate the community, with online interviews/podcasts with doctors, scientists and experts across the world, and to host conversations and presentations for the community and clients.

“We want to help the everyday person understand the science behind this, and to encourage people and give them opportunities to do their own research into these therapies.”

Revive + Thrive will also have hyperbaric oxygen chambers available for lease to households for periods of longer than eight weeks.