Will 12.9 Million Exam Takers Rush for Better Scores? Expectations Run High

Oxygen Inhalation Services Gain Popularity Among Gaokao Students
Expert: "Not a Cure-All Solution"

As the Chinese university entrance exam, known as the Gaokao, approaches, oxygen inhalation services are becoming increasingly popular among students. Word has spread that these services help improve memory and reduce anxiety.

On June 6 (local time), the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that more and more Chinese exam takers are using oxygen inhalation services, hoping for enhanced memory and relief from anxiety.

Oxygen inhalation services are becoming popular among Chinese students preparing for university entrance exams. According to the Chinese state media, China Central Television (CCTV)

The Gaokao is China’s national university entrance exam, held every June. As exam scores have a major influence on which universities and majors students can pursue, it is considered the most important national exam in China. This year, 12.9 million students are registered to take the Gaokao.

Given the intense pressure of the exam, students and parents are highly interested in various methods said to help boost scores. In recent years, posts introducing the effects of oxygen inhalation for Gaokao students have been widely shared on social media.

High-Concentration Oxygen Inhalation Used for Treating Circulatory Disorders

According to China Central Television (CCTV), the state-run media, oxygen inhalation in hospital hyperbaric oxygen chambers is known to improve sleep quality, enhance memory, and help relieve anxiety.

The Yongfeng County People's Hospital in Jiangxi Province, eastern China, started offering related services on May 23. The hospital announced that more than 30 students used the service within the first week. The 90-minute oxygen inhalation session costs 96 yuan (about 22,000 won).

Dr. Dai Fanbing at the hospital's hyperbaric oxygen therapy center explained, "Inhaling high-concentration oxygen can increase blood oxygen levels, which may help restore organ function. It is mainly used to treat diseases related to circulatory disorders or oxygen deficiency."

Huaxi Fourth Hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, southwestern China, has also been providing oxygen inhalation services to Gaokao students for several years. One male student said, "After inhaling oxygen, I have been able to sleep better and feel more clear-headed during the day."

The scene of the GaoKao exam taking place in Shanghai, China. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News.

Expert: "Oxygen Inhalation Is Not a Cure-All"

However, Dr. Dai emphasized that oxygen inhalation is not suitable for everyone and that it is essential to consult with a medical specialist. He warned, "People with emphysema, ear drum diseases, or severe hypertension should not use this service," adding that he views the tendency for students and parents to see oxygen inhalation as a universal solution for exam preparation with caution.

Wu Feixue, a psychology expert in Jiangxi Province, explained that there are many simple and scientific ways to reduce stress, including sufficient sleep, regular exercise, sunlight exposure, and engaging in hobbies. Wu said, "I hope people do not blindly trust in some kind of magic formula for exam success. These methods may be closer to a psychological placebo effect. Rather than relying on external factors, it is more important to adjust everyday lifestyle habits."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.