When Michael Jackson famously posed inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in 1986, the world was captivated.
The King of Pop claimed the futuristic device (yes, 40 years ago this was pretty much futuristic) could help him live to be 150, and his belief in its powers only fueled the public’s curiosity. Now, decades later, that very chamber has resurfaced, tucked away in a Southern California warehouse.
But was Jackson onto something? Could hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) actually slow aging and improve health?
The Discovery of Michael Jackson Hyperbaric Chamber
DailyMailTV recently uncovered the singer’s hyperbaric oxygen chamber – the Sechrist 2500B – sitting inside a shipping container at Hyperbaric Modular Systems (HMS), a company specializing in hyperbaric treatment. This is the same machine Jackson used for his infamous photo op, which led to widespread speculation about his alleged obsession with eternal youth.
The chamber was originally purchased by Brotman Memorial Hospital with funds Jackson donated after his 1984 accident on a Pepsi commercial set left him with severe burns. Jackson later acquired it himself and moved it to his Neverland Ranch in 1994, reportedly using it for short sessions to rejuvenate his body.
How Does a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Work?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, allowing the body to absorb three times the normal amount of oxygen. This increased oxygenation is proven to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and even combat aging by encouraging cell regeneration.
According to HBOT experts, the treatment is commonly used for medical conditions such as decompression sickness, severe burns, chronic wounds and PTSD. However, its anti-aging potential has been a topic of growing interest, with some studies suggesting it may help slow cellular aging by extending telomere length by 20% – the protective caps on DNA strands that shorten over time.
Did Jackson’s Chamber Actually Work?
Adrian Garay, CEO of Hyperbaric Modular Systems, believes Jackson may have been onto something. “Scientific studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can promote the growth of older cells, essentially slowing down the aging process,” Garay told DailyMailTV. “Michael’s belief that it could help extend his lifespan wasn’t as far-fetched as people thought.”
However, experts caution against viewing HBOT as a miracle cure. While research supports its benefits for certain conditions, there is no definitive proof that it can dramatically extend human lifespan.
In fact, staying inside a hyperbaric chamber for too long can lead to oxygen toxicity, a potentially fatal condition. [1]
Typically, HBOT sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the specific treatment protocol and medical need.
Do Celebrities Use Hyperbaric Chambers?
Yes, many celebrities have reportedly used hyperbaric oxygen therapy for its potential health and anti-aging benefits.
Athletes like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo have incorporated HBOT into their recovery routines, while stars like Justin Bieber and Madonna have also been linked to the therapy.
The treatment is often used to speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
The Legacy of Jackson’s Oxygen Chamber
Today, the 33-year-old chamber remains in storage at HMS, still in working condition. While modern HBOT chambers have surpassed the Sechrist 2500B in technology and efficiency, Jackson’s machine remains a relic of his never-ending quest for youth and health.
The King of Pop’s fascination with hyperbaric therapy might have been seen as eccentric at the time, but as research into longevity and oxygen therapy continues, his legacy as an early adopter of anti-aging treatments lives on.
So, was Michael Jackson ahead of his time? Perhaps. While he may not have lived to be 150, his influence on the conversation around health, longevity, and alternative medicine endures – just like his music.
By the way, here’s the original reportage by DailyMailTV on Michael Jackson Hyperbaric Therapy.
