SUHAKU – Hydrogenated Zen

Kensington and Chelsea has always been a haven for arts, culture, fashion and all the other elements that make the good life possible and despite being the smallest borough within London, it punches well above its weight. Of late, in a quiet corner not more than a minute’s walk from South Kensington tube, we might have another pioneering precedent set within K&C and the start of a groundbreaking trend at least for this part of the world. Hydrogen therapy has lift-off in London via SUHAKU Space . The lightest element in the universe is being promoted as a key factor to reinvigorating health and unlocking myriad benefits for our bodies. SUHAKU is a zen setting overlooking Thurloe Place – a wellness centre which aims to revolutionise our care and wellbeing. Atsue Morinaga, a physiotherapist and acupuncturist and owner of the clinic, decided to introduce the technology which is very popular in her home country of Japan. So how does it work and how could you benefit from it? Kensington and Chelsea Review were more than enthusiastic about trialling this intriguing therapy especially as it happens to be very much within the Royal Borough.

Its not as if we were scouring the streets of South Kensington looking for a miracle cure to all of our collective wellness woes. The manager of SUHAKU, the wonderfully amiable and super-knowledgeable Mayuko Kataoka, sent us an email one day very kindly inviting us to have a complimentary Hydrogen session. How could we refuse?

Critically, I arrived at the clinic a few hours before my planned train journey to Amsterdam. Mayuko and the SUHAKU team stood atop, what then seemed like, a magical staircase and gave me reassuringly warm welcome. I immediately felt safe, relaxed and cared for. Mayuko sat me down on one of the ultra -comfortable, futuristic lounge pods and filled me in on the history behind the therapy and how it is massive hit in Japan and China and some other parts of Asia such as India. She also apprised me of the huge cost involved in importing hospital-grade machines from Japan to generate hydrogen in an electrolytic cell by splitting water molecules for the clinic as well as the rather cute portable inhalation units which can even be rented out if you end up becoming a hydrogen fanatic -something which is very possible in a good, positive way. It blew my mind when she told me that using hydrogen especially for her eyes has improved her sight so much so that she doesn’t need to use glasses anymore. The state-of-the-art molecular hydrogen inhalation devices optimise the flow and concentration of hydrogen and oxygen to provide the maximum benefit per minute. I was raring to go!!

After Mayuko’s magnificent introduction, the equally kind Noriko proceeded to start off with the treatment. I lay down, took off my necklace and various rings – no further disrobing required – and off I started with the inhalation. The seperated water molecules drifted up my nostrils in a smooth, invigorating micro-breeze and woke up my tired eyes under the goggles. The hospital-grade machine generates 666cc Hydrogen (and 333cc Oxygen) per minute So technically 333cc (per minute) hydrogen drifted my nostrils and 333cc(per minute) went to the eyes. The trick is to reduce oxidative stress within the body by introducing hydrogen molecules. It is a theory similar to one espoused by breath-control practitioners who swear by the counter-intuitive trick of increasing carbon dioxide within the body to stimulate efficient respiration. I feel relaxed and refreshed and a serene feeling gushes and wooshes all across my body. The eyes feel bright and awake, sparkly and keen. Concurrently, Noriko is busy administering a most relaxing massage to complement the already powerful feeling of zen. The sessions lasts 45 minutes and I feel like I have just had a crucial rehaul leaving me in prime position to take on the world. As a reaffirming end move, Mayuko even reinserts my finger under a microscope which we’d used to study blood vessels under the fingernails before the session. Remarkably, the therapy seemed to have straightened out my tiny capillaries and hence improved the flow of blood. Much more detailed studies conducted in Japan have also started showing strong scientific basis for Hydrogen Therapy.

Refreshed and rejuvenated with a twinkle in my eye and a spring in my step, I thanked Noriko and Mayuko and promised to be back very soon. The journey to Amsterdam was a smooth one for several reasons not least the overwhelming sense of wellbeing. SUHAKU Space was a wonderfully uplifting and game-changing experience for me. I intend to go back very soon with high expectations – something that I am sure Mayuko and the team will be more than capable of meeting!