Hydrogen power: How the tiniest molecule in the universe could offer big health rewards

I lay for 45 minutes on a therapy bed, goggles on and tubes up my nose, wondering whether I could possibly feel the hydrogen molecules penetrating my cells. I was at Suhaku Space, the UK’s first dedicated hydrogen therapy centre, on the second floor of a converted house in South Kensington. Much like hydrogen therapy itself, the centre, which opened in 2023, feels fresh out of Japan, with the clean lines and hi-tech minimalism of an Asian wellness clinic.

After a glass of complimentary hydrogen-infused water, I was given a capillary analysis, which involved examining my finger under a very powerful microscope. On a large screen, I watched my blood vessels in motion. Next came a vigorous, skilful and comprehensive 30-minute massage that extended to my fingertips, followed by 15 minutes alone on the bed.

Hydrogen (H2) is the smallest molecule in the universe. Its tiny size allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and cell membranes with ease, making it an intriguing subject for researchers investigating its potential effects in the human body.

Getty Images

Once inside our cells, hydrogen apparently likes to clean: a 2007 study published in Nature Medicine, led by Dr Shigeo Ohta, found that molecular hydrogen could selectively reduce certain harmful “free radicals”, leaving healthy ones intact. These findings helped fuel interest in hydrogen therapy, particularly in Japan.

Free radicals are molecules produced naturally every time our body converts food into energy. Questionable lifestyle choices, like smoking, drinking or eating too many potato chips, can increase their production. When they accumulate, they can damage cells, contributing to accelerated ageing and disease. Yet clinical trials have revealed that wiping out all free radicals harms rather than improves our health: some play important roles in fighting infections and signalling cell repair. Hydrogen’s ability to target harmful free radicals without disrupting these beneficial functions is one of the reasons it has attracted extensive scientific interest.

Atsue Morinaga, the physiotherapist, acupuncturist and wellness expert who founded Suhaku, believes that the treatment has considerable potential. She tells me that clients report feeling calmer, clearer and more refreshed after sessions. She also believes hydrogen can support the body’s ability to regulate its immune system, “leading to better bodily functions at every level”.

Japan has remained at the forefront of research. There hydrogen inhalation therapy is popular as a non-invasive approach to supporting healthy ageing, recovery and overall wellbeing, although the evidence for its benefits in humans is an evolving area of research. Morinaga vows to change that, hoping to bring the treatment to a wider audience in the UK.

Once inside our cells, hydrogen apparently likes to clean

“During the Covid pandemic,” she tells me, “I witnessed some remarkable cases following hydrogen inhalation therapy, including individuals who recovered from severe injuries. These experiences convinced me that hydrogen therapy has the potential to help many more people, and it became my mission to make it available in the UK.”

When my session ended, I felt subtly but undeniably charged-up, in a relaxed way — a bit like I had emerged from a particularly good, particularly hot sauna. It was a feeling that I don’t think a massage alone would yield. My capillaries were checked again, and ta-da, the blood flow seemed to have improved. Whether this was down to the hydrogen or the excellent fingertip massage, it’s hard to tell.

What I can say with certainty is that the benefits of hydrogen therapy are scientifically supported, even if early-stage. And that the process felt sufficiently good for me to book in again.