What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone gas quickly turns into molecular oxygen and oxygen radicals when it comes into contact with a living organism. This situation creates a mild oxidative stress in the body and is perceived as a threat by the organism. This response involves the stimulation of antioxidant enzymes involved in defense systems, and the affected area is enriched with oxygen and cleared of toxins. In order for the mechanism of action of ozone gas to work effectively, it is vital to calculate the treatment dose correctly. Since this chemical molecule has toxic effects at high concentrations, treatment methods should always be carried out under expert supervision. Patients should be closely monitored for the specified period of time.
What are the Benefits of Ozone Therapy?
There is limited but qualified evidence that ozone therapy has positive effects on a variety of medical conditions. This therapy offers potential benefits for the following conditions.
- Strengthening the Immune System: Ozone therapy contributes to supporting the immune system and strengthening defense mechanisms against cancer.
- Increasing Defense Power Against Infections: Increasing defense against microorganisms is one of the areas where ozone therapy is effective.
- Treatment of Respiratory Disorders: Studies especially in the treatment of COPD show that intravenous ozone therapy increases the quality of life and exercise capacity.
- Treatment of Diabetes Complications: Ozone therapy shows promising results in the treatment and management of diabetes-related complications. By activating antioxidant mechanisms, it will reduce oxidative stress and accelerate healing.
- Fighting Viral Diseases: Ozone therapy helps in the treatment of HIV and other viral diseases.
- Musculoskeletal System Disorders: It is also potentially effective in the treatment of disorders such as disc herniation, fibromyalgia and arthritis.
- Wound Care and Disinfection: Ozone therapy supports the disinfection of wounds and reducing the risk of infection.
In light of this information, it is known that ozone therapy can play an important role in the treatment of many more health problems.
How is Ozone Therapy Applied?
Ozone therapy can be defined as the exposure of ozone gas to the body for the purpose of treating some diseases or healing wounds. Ozone is a natural gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O3). This therapy can be applied in different ways:
- Skin Applications: Ozone gas can be penetrated into the body by applying ozone directly to the skin or by using a method called ozone sauna. Ozone solution can be applied to the skin, especially for wound healing and reducing the risk of infection.
- Blowing Ozone Gas: It may be preferred to blow ozone gas through the ears, vagina or rectum. However, this practice is not a widely preferred method.
- Autohemotherapy: In this procedure, the patient’s blood is taken, mixed with ozone gas and injected back into the patient’s body. This procedure is especially known as the major autohemotherapy procedure and is a preferred method.
- Oral Ozone Therapy: Ozone gas can be dissolved in oil or water and taken orally and absorbed through the intestines.
- Muscle Injection: Injecting ozone therapy into muscles is usually administered together with oxygen. In this method, the liquid containing oxygen and ozone molecules is injected into the individual’s muscles with the help of a needle.
- Ozone Bagging: The limb to be treated with ozone is placed in a bag resistant to ozone gas and surrounded by it. Then, ozone gas is filled into the bag from a small area. In this way, ozone gas is absorbed into the limb in the bag, allowing that area to heal much faster.
Each form of administration can be used for specific conditions and treatment purposes. However, it is important not to breathe ozone because it can cause irritation to the airways. In particular, more scientific studies are needed on the safety and effectiveness of ozone therapy.