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Oxygen offerings at Feelin O2 Good. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

Matthew Forrest wants to spread his philosophy on health and wellness to the Riverhead community

The Riverhead resident opened Feelin O2 Good, a Riverside oxygen bar and wellness center, at the beginning of October with the hope of helping anyone who walks through its doors live a healthier, happier life.

“The four pillars of wellness I primarily focus on through this venue are alkalinity, oxygenation, supplementation and detoxification,” Forrest said. “[With] these four pillars incorporated into somebody’s personal life, you’re guaranteed to have a degree of wellness.”

Forrest said he became focused on health and wellness about 10 years ago, changing his diet and becoming immersed in meditation and yoga. From there, a dream emerged to create a space that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives.

According to MForrest, these adjustments not only helped him overcome a struggle with addiction, but also alleviated symptoms of chronic illnesses he suffered, including Lyme disease.

Matthew Forrest inside Feelin O2 Good in Riverside. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

Feelin O2 Good’s oxygen bar offers six infused oxygen options, including lemongrass and lavender, and each is said to have different benefits.

Forrest said breathing in the oxygen can help alleviate stress, reduce headaches and sinus issues, stimulate the immune system and aid in overall relaxation of the body. The concentrated oxygen is mixed with bubbling water infused with oil and inhaled through a nasal breathing tube. The result is about 95 percent oxygen, while the air we breathe is about 21 percent. The service costs $1 per minute and Forrest recommends 10 minutes of use.

There are no long-term studies confirming the benefits of recreational oxygen use, although the American Lung Association says there is no evidence that it is harmful. Anyone suffering from a pulmonary disease should probably check with a doctor before trying it.

Other services offered at the center include an infrared sauna and ionic detox foot baths, both designed to remove toxins from the body. There’s also whole body vibration therapy, delivered through a machine that vibrates and transmits energy though the body. Forrest said this is beneficial for oxygenating cells.

“We focus on stimulating the human body,” Forrest said of the services and products offered.

Oxygen offerings at Feelin O2 Good. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

The business also sells refillable glass jugs that contain a combination of alkaline water and the probiotic kombucha. The alkaline water, which is made on site, has a higher pH than regular drinking water and is said to help neutralize acids in the body and, Forrest said, stimulate the immune system. He gets his organic kombucha from upstate New Paltz and said many local yoga studios on the North and South forks now purchase it from him to sell to clients.

Feelin O2 Good also carries different soaps, soy candles, organic honey and maple syrup. He said he’ll soon have other products as well, like organic coffees and teas.

He hopes to expand his business by putting a yoga studio in the back of the building and adding a meditation station. So far, he said, he has received a lot of support from the community and is excited to keep it going.

“It’s all part of the dream coming true,” he said. 

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