Chinese students turn to oxygen therapy ahead of university entrance exam

File: South China Morning Post

According to South China Morning Post, with the annual gaokao examination widely regarded as one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life, students across China are seeking new ways to gain an advantage before test day. One increasingly popular option is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which supporters claim can improve sleep quality, enhance memory and relieve stress. Hospitals offering the service have reported a surge in demand. Yongfeng County People’s Hospital in eastern Jiangxi province launched a special program for exam candidates in late May and received more than 30 students within its first week. The 90-minute session costs 96 yuan (about US$13).

Doctors say breathing high-concentration oxygen can increase oxygen levels in the blood and support the body’s recovery processes. Some students who underwent the treatment reported sleeping better and feeling more focused during the day, while parents said they were satisfied with the results. However, medical experts have urged caution. Dai Fanbing, a doctor at the hospital’s hyperbaric treatment centre, warned that oxygen therapy is not suitable for everyone and should not be viewed as a miracle solution for exam preparation. People with certain medical conditions, including emphysema and severe hypertension, are advised not to undergo the treatment.

Psychologist Wu Peixue also questioned the growing trend, saying there are more effective and scientifically proven ways to manage exam stress, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and maintaining healthy daily routines. Despite the debate, interest in oxygen therapy continues to grow as millions of students prepare for the gaokao, an exam that many families believe can play a decisive role in shaping a student’s academic and professional future. More than 13 million students sat this year’s gaokao, making it one of the largest university entrance examinations in the world.