Ozone (O3) gas, discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone therapy has been in use for over a century and is a proven, consistent, safe treatment with minimal preventable side effects. Medical ozone is used to disinfect the environment and treat diseases. Its mechanism of action includes rendering bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and protozoa ineffective, stimulating oxygen metabolism, and activating the immune system. Diseases that can be treated with ozone include infected wounds (e.g., diabetic foot, gangrene), circulatory disorders, geriatric conditions, macular degeneration, allergies, autoimmunity, rheumatism/arthritis, cancer, and viral diseases (e.g., Coronavirus infections and hepatitis B). For the treatment of external wounds, local application as an O3 gas bath on the skin in a closed system has proven to be the most practical and convenient method.

How is it applied?

Ozone therapy is applied through 10 main methods:

  1. Major AHT or serum application method: A certain amount of blood is taken from the patient, mixed with ozone gas at the appropriate dose, and returned to the patient through an open vein. The procedure, performed with completely sterile and disposable materials, takes 20-30 minutes.
  2. Minor application method: 2-5 cc of blood is taken from the individual, mixed with ozone gas at a specified dose, and injected into the muscle. This method ensures the activation of the immune system, and the procedure is completed in 1-2 minutes.
  3. Subcutaneous application method: Ozone gas at a determined dose and volume is injected under the skin using a fine needle. The procedure is completed in 1-3 minutes.
  4. Rectal and vaginal application method: Ozone gas is infused into the patient by administering it rectally or vaginally using a single-use tube or bag.
  5. Ear and nose insufflation method: Ozone gas at a specified dose and volume is insufflated into the ear or nose using special devices. This procedure takes a few minutes.
  6. Intra-articular (inside the joint) application method: Ozone gas at a specific dose is injected into the joint using an appropriate needle.
  7. Mass or lesion inside application method: Ozone gas is given into the mass or lesion with a suitable needle.
  8. Intramuscular application method: Ozone gas is applied directly to painful muscle areas with mesotherapy needle tips.
  9. Bagging method: Application of ozone gas in a closed system inside a special plastic bag. It is used for wounds, especially on hands and feet. Each session takes 10-30 minutes.
  10. Thermal ozone method: Patients sit or lie inside special thermal ozone cabins. The patient’s head remains outside, and sweating is induced by steam and infrared. After opening the pores, ozone gas is introduced into the environment for 20-45 minutes to initiate the ozoneization process. This method, taking place in a completely painless and enjoyable environment, requires the patient to be not too full and to consume plenty of fluids before the procedure.

Benefits of Ozone Therapy

  • Accelerates metabolism and facilitates weight loss.
  • Has a strong analgesic effect.
  • Used in the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
  • Regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland.
  • Increases insulin release from the pancreas.
  • Dilates blood vessels and eliminates vascular blockages.
  • Increases the production of white blood cells protecting the body from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and cancer.
  • Protective against cancer; reduces side effects in cancer treatment.
  • Increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
  • Kills microbes even at low concentrations.
  • Enhances cell energy production.
  • Makes antioxidant enzymes more effective.
  • Eliminates accumulated toxins in the body.
  • Balances and strengthens the immune system.
  • Increases blood production and bone marrow function.

Who is not eligible for ozone therapy?

There are very limited diseases in which the application of ozone is contraindicated. These include:

  • Favism, a disease that progresses with an enzyme deficiency in red blood cells known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
  • Excessive alcohol use.
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • Advanced anemia and certain blood disorders (Hemophilia, bleeding-clotting diseases).
  • Chronic recurrent pancreatitis.
  • Newly developed heart attack and active bleeding in cerebral stroke.
  • Individuals with an allergy or intolerance to ozone (a very rare condition that mostly arises from intolerance to the smell).

In this regard, certain laboratory analyses should be conducted before the application to check the patient’s condition.

References

Sharma A, Shah M, Lakshmi S, et al. A pilot study for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the moderate stage using intravenous administration of ozonized saline as an adjuvant treatment – registered clinical trial. Int Immunopharmacol. 2021;96:107743. – PMC – PubMed

Zheng Z, Dong M, Hu K. A preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of ozone therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. J Med Virol. 2020;92:2348–2350. – PMC – PubMed

Nazarov E. Adaptive hypothesis of system ozone therapy or why the ozone shifts always physiological and biochemical parameters of the organism towards the standard level? J Ozone Ther. 2019;3:47.

Re L, Mawsouf MN, Menéndez S, León OS, Sánchez GM, Hernández F. Ozone therapy: clinical and basic evidence of its therapeutic potential.