China's intense university entrance exam, known as gaokao, takes place annually from 6-8/6 and is widely considered to determine a young person's future. In recent years, advertisements have increasingly highlighted the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for students preparing for the gaokao. This medical procedure involves patients breathing pure oxygen or an oxygen-rich mixture inside a high-pressure chamber.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), this therapy, typically administered in hospital hyperbaric oxygen treatment departments, is believed to help students improve sleep, enhance memory, and alleviate anxiety.
Yongfeng County People's Hospital in Jiangxi province began offering oxygen therapy on 23/5, accommodating over 30 students each week. The 90-minute service costs 96 yuan (15 US dollars). The hospital expressed surprise at the service's popularity.
"Inhaling high-concentration oxygen can increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, helping organs recover or regain function. This process is commonly applied to treat conditions related to anemia or oxygen deficiency," stated Doctor Dai Fanbing from Yongfeng County People's Hospital.
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Inside a hospital's hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Photo: Xinhua |
In Chengdu, Sichuan province, Huaxi Fourth Hospital has also provided oxygen therapy to gaokao-bound students for many years.
"After inhaling oxygen, I sleep better and my mind is clearer during the day," one male student shared.
A parent noted that their child underwent oxygen therapy four times and was satisfied with the results.
"The room was quiet. I only heard my own breathing. I was in a semi-conscious state and quickly fell asleep. Afterward, my brain seemed to restart and felt incredibly clear," an account on social media recounted their experience.
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A group of students at a gaokao test center in Yuncheng, Shanxi province, northern China, on 7/6. Photo: AFP |
However, Doctor Dai reminded the public that the therapy is not suitable for everyone and requires prior consultation with a doctor.
"I am cautious about this trend of using oxygen therapy and students, parents treating it like a miracle cure for gaokao preparation," Doctor Dai commented.
Psychologist Wu Peixue in Jiangxi suggested there are many simple and scientific ways to reduce stress, such as getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and getting sun exposure.
"I hope the public does not blindly trust these supposedly miraculous methods for exam preparation. They only serve as a psychological tranquilizer. Instead of relying on external things, it is better to adjust one's daily habits," Wu advised.
An estimated 13,2 million students are participating in this year's gaokao, a slight decrease from last year.
