Hyperbaric Health & Spa

Paulina Godinez never would have bet on becoming involved in holistic medicine, let alone being so directly and deeply embedded in a business of this nature. While working towards a business administration degree and juggling two jobs, she was unsure where her education would take her. Now, she works full-time educating visitors, maintaining equipment and taking care of administrative duties at Hyperbaric Health & Spa, a business founded by her father-in-law, Ed Panas.

Originally from Poland, Panas founded the spa in light of his personal experience as a visitor of oxygen chambers in Europe. Joint pain, along with other medical concerns, prompted him to search for alternative medicine, ultimately leading him to open a wellness spa of his own after moving to Edmonton.

Panas happily introduced Godinez to the family business, where she quickly assisted him in his pursuit of introducing Canadians to new approaches to physical healing. 

During the pandemic, Panas was in line for delayed surgeries involving his hip and knees when he received an atypical call from his doctor. Godinez recounts the story, reciting the doctor’s words: “I don’t know what you’re doing, but you don’t really qualify for the surgery anymore.” Panas’ passion and belief in his oxygen spa therapy stems from first-hand experience with life-altering results, which he credits to the high oxygen level in his cells from continued use of the chambers. 

Holistic approaches to physical healing, while mostly unconventional in Canada, are more common outside of North America. “Oxygen treatment is routine in other countries,” says Godinez, adding that some countries, including Poland, don’t require visitors to sign health waivers, a striking contrast between Canadian norms. 

Treatment at Hyperbaric Health & Spa looks different for everyone. Oxygen chambers are among other holistic approaches to treating physical and psychological circumstances. Red-light therapy, a salt chamber, and oxygen therapy are offered in one location within the facility.

Godinez typically recommends at least four visits within two weeks as a reasonable and effective introduction to the oxygen chambers, allowing the visitor to build a foundation for healing the body. “The reason is that you want to fully saturate your body and get it to a point where it relaxes,” she adds.

The chambers are spacious, comfortable and well-maintained, helping to dilute claustrophobic sensations. They are equipped with a bathroom and even a bookable suite for guests wishing to have a private room. Godinez also remarked on visitors remotely working from within the chambers. 

“Once you’re through the door, it just becomes amazing,” Godinez says about exploring unconventional treatments for physical and mental health. Electric cryotherapy, designed to boost overall well-being by targeting the circulatory system, is set to be a future installation at the spa.

Godinez also recognizes the importance of consulting with a doctor throughout the healing process and encourages visitors to journal throughout their journey to keep track of the various changes in their minds and bodies. 

Hyperbaric Health & Spa is located at 10328 – 73 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, Alberta.