Breathing Easy: Parsippany Woman Provides Calming Therapy With Oxygen

Mitsu Rajda is a business woman that you might describe as a breath of fresh air. Born in India, she has a Japanese first name, an Indian last name and follows two different career paths, all in the interests of helping others achieve inner peace.

The Parsippany woman is working as a professional mediator in family matters with On Common Ground, an alternative dispute resolution service that preaches a holistic approach to conflict resolution.

And she is a host in a Whippany business called Waiting to2 Inhale!!, an oxygen bar for those wanting to enjoy the comforts of fresh oxygen inhalation. What’s that you say, aren’t we all breathing fresh oxygen all the time?

Some might say New Jersey’s air has less than optimal breathing qualities, but Rajda believes that by sitting down indoors at one of the infusers she uses at her oxygen bar a customer will be able to “refresh, rejuvenate and revitalize” themselves in a 30-minute session.

The bar is situated in what she calls her "lounge" inside a small space she rents from Oxford Learning Center in Whippany. The lounge can accommodate 15 to 20 people. For larger groups, they can spread out into the Oxford space when it is available.

Atop the bar are infusers, which are attached to a generator that dispenses the oxygen. The infusers contain distilled water that is pumped through them and mixed with essential oils such as ylang ylang, eucalyptus, lavender, cloves, orange and more; the scents provide aromatherapy for the client and Rajda believes clients will walk away from the experience with a new, more relaxed sensibility.

Other amenities include free oxygen facials, back and foot massage chairs and free Wi-Fi use.

The oxygen is said to be calming and relaxing and provides a new way to socialize with friends and family members. Rajda suggests oxygen parties for graduations, sweet 16s, birthdays and other family celebrations.

Oxygen bars began in Japan about 20 years ago as a way to help traffic cops who were subjected to heavy air pollution when they were on the job. After that, the concept spread to Toronto and then the West Coast.

Cheers actor Woody Harrelson was the first to open an oxygen bar in the United States. Actor Richard Gere became a fan and fashion designer Donna Karan also has been known to partake.

Some look askance at the oxygen bar concept as a fad for spoiled yuppies just looking for a way to one-up their neighbors and co-workers. Even those who are quick to take up Eastern practices such as yoga and Tai chi are not always convinced this is a useful way to spend one’s time and money.

But Rajda admits that while the scented oxygen has no medicinal value, she claims it can produce a feeling of relaxation, which can be appreciated by overworked New Jerseyans and stressed out parents.

As a result, her company’s emphasis has been on making the oxygen bar a social setting where friends and co-workers can gather on weekends, at night or during the day for a half-hour of oxygen therapy accompanied by some relaxation from massage chairs in the quiet of her gently lighted room.

Mood lamps glow, the oxygen stations bubble with the colored, distilled water and clients sit at the bar or in a massage chair hooked up by a cannula similar to what is used in hospitals to provide oxygen to patients. The oxygen used is 95 percent pure.

There's even a spot for kids to relax in and if their parents allow, they can breathe in the scent of sugar cookies or chocolate covered cherries while hooked up to a canister as well.

Of course, there is the matter of cost. Standard rates are $30 for 30 minutes (the maximum time one can be attached to an oxygen machine for this purpose). Various programs are available in monthly, six-month or one-year memberships.

Disclaimers stress that no medical claims are made and patrons with asthma or emphysema should consult their physician before using “recreational” oxygen. There is no danger from oxygen tanks since Rajda doesn’t use them.

Spend a few moments with Rajda and it might seem obvious why she is a believer in some form of therapy.

The 40-something single mother of three juggles her mediation work and oxygen parties at her Whippany center “catered” events. In fact, some of her business is in New York, so Rajda spends plenty of time commuting. Fortunately, the oxygen equipment is completely portable.

But her days are somewhat flexible since she can make her own schedule, leaving in the middle of the day to pick up a child at school and bring one home or to an activity. With three children, ages 14, 5 and 4, Rajda says the iconoclastic business arrangement works for her. Her office is not far from her Parsippany home where she moved to in the last year.

Waiting to2 Inhale!! Oxygen Bar and Lounge
831 Route 10 East Pine Plaza, Whippany
888-296-1162

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Rajda was a licensed attorney. Rajda attended law school but is not a practicing attorney.