Ozone Therapy Basics

OZONE THERAPY

Overview

The term ozone therapy describes the process where the ozone gas is administered into the body, the purpose of which is to treat a wound or a disease.  The ozone gas is uniquely colorless and consists of three oxygen atoms (O₃).  It find great clinical applications through stimulation of immune functions. It is also employed in the disinfection and treatment of diseases. Clinically, ozone therapy gas is produced from clinical-grade oxygen sources.

Photo credit: Spa in Spain 

Everyone has experienced ozone in one way or the other

You may have noticed at some point that the air around you emits a fresh, poignant odor after a thunderstorm. The fragrance seems to be a familiar one but unfortunately, you have never been able to place it. The fragrance is similar to the one perceived at waterfalls and ocean waves, as well as when the fields of snow are hit by sunlight. The smell perceived is that of ozone, a natural gas. However, it isn’t only nature that can produce this substance. With advancements in science and technology, this gas can be produced at will. Artificial ozone has the exact characteristics as that produced naturally.

The ozone gas is a cleansing gas; this explains why one has the feeling of cleansing wherever around it. Ozone cleanses the atmosphere. When we are exposed to this gas, it also cleanses our bodies.

The question goes – why does the weatherman use such a dismal, dire tone to pronounce the ozone count? Why are the elderly advised not to jog? Why are the sick advised not to even step outside? Why is the high ozone count attributed to car emissions?

The reason for this is that ozone is produced not only by natural phenomena but also by pollution. Ozone is formed when moisture, temperature and sunlight interacts with pollutants. Thee pollutants are mainly hydrocarbons formed from carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, and also from the partial combustion of fuel in car engines.

It suffice to say that the concentration of ozone is highly dependent on the level of pollution in that region. However, what we have not been told is that ozone helps in cleansing and without it, the level of pollution in our cities would be greater than normal.

Despite its not-so-pleasing reputation, ozone has become an interesting subject in medical research due to its potential healing effects – the ozone therapy.

The ozone therapy is quite versatile. This is because it can be utilized both medically and at home. The ozone therapy can be administered into various body organs, and through the skin. It can also be administered to damaged body parts and painful body parts.

According to a 2004 review of ozone therapy:

“During the past decade, contrary to all expectations, it has been demonstrated that the judicious application of ozone in chronic infectious diseases, vasculopathies, orthopedics and even dentistry has yielded such striking results that it is deplorable that the medical establishment continues to ignore ozone therapy.”¹

Right from its inception, ozone therapy has proven useful against a number of ailments and afflictions including liver disease, cancer, viral diseases, auto-immune disorder, geriatric conditions, AIDS and SARS, Lyme disease, allergies, macular degeneration and cardiovascular diseases.

How does the ozone therapy work?

The ozone therapy interrupts harmful processes taking place in the body. It also inhibits the growth and development of bacteria that poses a threat to optimum health. For instance, a person who has an infection on some part of the body can stop its spread with ozone therapy. Studies have shown that ozone therapy is effective in the treatment of infections caused by:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Protozoa
• Fungi
• Yeast

Ozone therapy also helps to expel the infected cells from the body. Once these cells are eradicated, new ones are produced by the body.

What conditions can be treated by ozone therapy?

The ozone therapy can treat many conditions. These include:

Respiratory disorders

People with respiratory disorders benefit greatly from ozone therapy. Ozone therapy loads the blood with oxygen thus minimizing the stress on the lungs. We know that the lungs are responsible for supply of oxygen to the blood.

Currently, clinical trials are ongoing for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Diabetes

Research has also shown that ozone therapy helps combat the complications of diabetes. Diabetic complications arise due to oxidative stress in the body. Because ozone therapy supplies fresh oxygen to the blood, it is evident that diabetic patients could have a better prognosis. Diabetic patients usually have poor wound healing. Research has however shown that ozone therapy can help in skin and tissue repair.

Immune disorders

People suffering from immune disorders can benefit greatly from ozone therapy because it helps to stimulate the immune system. A 1991 study showed that ozone therapy can cause a complete inactivation of the HIV. However, there is need for more research to verify the efficacy of ozone therapy in HIV treatment.

Preparing for ozone therapy

The best preparation for ozone therapy is made by consulting your physician or healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may give the therapy by mixing the ozone gas with blood drawn from your body. The blood is then reinjected into your system.

It is advisable that patients sleep well the night prior to the therapy. On the day of the therapy, do well to eat a healthy breakfast. Also hydrate by drinking enough water.

The treatment

Ozone therapy can be administered by a number of ways. Your healthcare provider will draw up the plan that best suits your condition and body system. That said, ozone therapy may be given in three ways:

Direct administration to the tissue: If you are undergoing the therapy for an injury a problem with your extremities, then the gas will be administered directly to the affected tissue. Administration is done in a protective covering.

Intravenous administration: When treating disorders that occur internally, the ozone gas will be dissolved in the blood extracted from the recipient’s body. The blood is then injected back into the body through an intravenous administration.

Intramuscular administration: Ozone therapy can also be administered intramuscularly. Here, the ozone gas is mixed in sterile water or the recipient’s blood before administration.

How effective is ozone therapy?

There have been mixed results from studies on ozone therapy. However, most studies have yielded promising results. Many clinical trials are ongoing for most ailments ranging from HIV to arthritis.

One trial showed that a new ozone therapy medication could be very effective in treating people with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Studies are also ongoing on subjects with knee arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. No results have been released for now. It is also believed that people suffering back pain from herniated discs will also derive positive benefits from ozone therapy.

Are there any side effects?

Many health facilities are not using ozone therapy at this time, and some risks are associated with its usage. The gas does not have an even number of atoms, thus resulting in its unstable nature. This makes it unpredictable.

Great caution is applied by healthcare providers when using the ozone therapy. Red blood cells are at risk of damage when exposed to high concentrations of oxygen, hence measurements must be done precisely.

Consult your physician about the possible side effects and compare them with the potential benefits. You are also advised to checkout other treatment alternatives to help chose the best plan of treatment for your condition.