Longevity, biohacking, quantified self, neurotech: these are all words that, quite frankly, were not in my vocabulary until about a week ago.
I recently visited a new immersive wellness centre in Toronto to get a better understanding of what these buzzwords actually mean and why a growing number of athletes, celebs and other health enthusiasts are so drawn to them.
Tucked into the heart of Yorkville, Supernatural is a unique facility founded by local health performance expert John Kozman. The 5,000-square-foot space is nestled perfectly between Equinox and Whole Foods — arguably the most on-brand location for a place dedicated to longevity.
The entryway leading to Supernatural.
Given my upbringing and the mental health struggles within my family tree, I’m not exactly the poster child for someone obsessing with longevity. I mean, considering everything going on in the world right now, why would anyone want to stick around for longer? But, alas, if I make it to 85, the average lifespan for women in Canada, that’s a generous run!
I will admit, a big part of me does want to take better care of my body and, more importantly, to manage this hellish brain fog I experience on a regular basis. I don’t necessarily dream of being a “Superbeing” like Bradley Cooper in Limitless, but I do wish to be a better being, period.
On a recent Saturday morning, I found myself at Supernatural, trying the centre’s three-hour First Time Protocol, an introductory circuit featuring treatments such as cryotherapy and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. As it turns out, the oxygen chamber was recently booked by Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram. If it’s good enough for the Notorious B.I.3, surely it’s good enough for me.
The exterior of the oxygen chamber at Supernatural.
The hyperbaric oxygen chamber itself is a futuristic-looking, four-person pod with interiors that resemble a fancy private jet cabin — or at least what I imagine one looks like, since I’ve never actually flown in a PJ… yet.
For 30 minutes, I sat quietly inside, listening to music while breathing oxygen through a small nasal cannula (a soft tube placed inside the nostrils). The chamber works by filling the pod with pure oxygen at higher-than-normal air pressure. This causes your lungs to absorb more oxygen than usual, which is carried through your bloodstream to help your body recover.
It can support benefits such as tissue repair and wound healing while also reducing inflammation and improving circulation, among the reasons why it’s increasingly popular among all-star athletes.
Another chamber I stepped inside, albeit only for three minutes, is the full-body cryotherapy chamber, about the size of an average shower stall. Supernatural’s website states the chamber can “boost endorphins, reduce inflammation, enhance recovery, and support cellular rejuvenation.” They certainly weren’t lying about the first part.
The cryotherapy chamber at Supernatural.
Wearing the provided towel, slippers, and mittens, I braved the cryotherapy chamber while Charli XCX’s “365 Party Girl” looped through my headphones (although, in that moment, it felt more like 365 Cryo Girl). The first few minutes hit me with a bone-chilling -25 degrees C before dipping to an even colder -35 degrees for the final 45 seconds.
I expected misery and torture, but surprisingly, the music and headphones the staff supplied me with made the time fly. When I stepped out, I felt invigorated and energized. The staff mentioned that some people use the chamber daily, and while I’m in no rush to make it a routine, perhaps a biweekly session seems worth it for the endorphin boost alone.
My favourite treatment turned out to be the re:set frequency therapy, a multi-sensory experience that combines sound, vibration, and light with music specifically designed to help your mind and body chill out.
The re:set frequency therapy room at Supernatural.
The staff suggested it after I mentioned that I’m a highly anxious, stressed-out person. It also fit perfectly with my New Year’s resolution to heal my nervous system.
I sank into the chair and immediately felt like I was on a trip, if you know what I mean. I also imagine this is what it must be like to play a real-life version of Rainbow Road in Mario Kart, with all the colours, music and movement. It was so much fun that I wished it would never end.
After my B12 shot, the final treatment in the First-Time Protocol was pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Once again, I just lounged on a chaise for about 30 minutes while machines did all the work, sending low-frequency waves (which felt more like taps) through my body.
The pulsed electromagnetic field therapy room at Supernatural.
These waves are said to stimulate cellular electrical activity, reduce pain, improve circulation, and boost energy production “at the mitochondrial level.” It felt unusual and a little uncomfortable, but hey, now I can honestly say I’ve tried it, right?
Supernatural also offers other treatments I’m curious to try on my next visit, including IV infusions and the lymphatic drainage suit.
Two lymphatic drainage suits are tucked into a corner at Supernatural.
The full-body suit uses gentle, sweeping strokes and rhythmic pressure to stimulate the flow of lymph (the clear fluid that carries waste, toxins, and immune cells around your body). For people like me who can sometimes feel bloated or “puffy,” this appears to be a quick and harmless remedy.
The waiting room at Supernatural.
I used to be skeptical about biohacking, and perhaps a part of me still is. I’m not fully converted, but after visiting Supernatural and speaking with the friendly and highly knowledgeable staff, I feel informed and equipped with the knowledge to explore these treatments further if I choose.
It’s also much more accessible than I expected. The First-Time Protocol costs $250 plus tax, while a 60-minute session in the oxygen chamber runs $125, and a quick trip in the cryotherapy chamber is just $68. For those really committed to their wellness journey, the centre also offers multipacks, making it easier to incorporate these treatments into a regular routine.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what works for you. After all, it’s your body, your choice, your pace.
Supernatural is located at 55 Avenue Rd.
