What is Ozone Therapy?
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy has a long history in medicine that can be traced back to the late 19th century when ozone was first used in the medical field. But it was in the early 20th century that ozone therapy gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, where it was extensively researched and used for various health conditions.
During World War I, ozone therapy was used to disinfect wounds and promote faster healing.
In the 1930s and 1940s, ozone therapy started gaining attention in the United States but then was quickly abandoned (along with many other natural therapeutics) in favor of the more profitable pharmaceuticals.
In recent decades, as more and more people begin to see through the facade of the medical matrix, there has been a resurgence of interest in ozone therapy as a complementary approach to conventional medicine. Research and clinical studies have focused on understanding its mechanisms of action and exploring its potential benefits in various health conditions.
In the United States today ozone therapy is widely used in alternative medical settings and is starting to find its way into certain conventional treatments as well. Here are some common areas of medicine where ozone is being used:
1. Dentistry: Ozone is used in dentistry for its antimicrobial properties. It can be applied to treat dental infections, disinfect root canals, and promote oral health and healing of damaged tissues. Checkout my favorite dental ozone products here and enjoy a 10% discount.
2. Orthopedics: Ozone injections are often used to alleviate pain and promote healing in musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, torn ligaments and tendons, trigger points and surgical scars. Learn more here.
3. Dermatology: Ozone is utilized in some dermatological treatments to address skin conditions like fungal infections, eczema, and wound healing. Shop skincare here.
4. Chronic Infectious Diseases: IV or rectal Ozone therapy is frequently used as a primary or adjunctive treatment for chronic infectious diseases including Lyme disease, viral infections, and mold illness.
5. Complementary Cancer Treatment: Some integrative cancer clinics offer ozone therapy to support conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Ozone can be paired with high dose IVC and other natural immune boosting infusions or used as a standalone. It is believed to enhance the body's immune response, reduce the side effects of harsh pharmaceutical protocols and increase tolerance to toxins found in chemotherapy. I think of it as an amplifier- it amplifies the effects of (and increased the body's tolerance to-) anything else its paired with.
6. Wellness and Anti-Aging: Ozone saunas and Ozone IVs are utilized in wellness clinics to promote detoxification, boost energy, encourage cellular oxygenation and support overall well-being.
It is important to note that the use of ozone therapy in the United States varies in terms of regulations and availability. It is important for individuals considering ozone therapy to consult qualified healthcare professionals who have experience and training in its administration. Ozone gas, while often used for home cleaning and odor removal should NEVER be breathed in directly as it is extremely damaging to the lungs.
So how does ozone therapy work?
Ozone therapy has multiple effects on the body that contribute to its therapeutic benefits including:
1. Antimicrobial Properties: Ozone is capable of killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It achieves this by damaging the cell walls and membranes of pathogens, disrupting their metabolic processes, and inhibiting their growth and replication.
2. Activation of the Immune System: Ozone therapy stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells which fight infection, regulate inflammation and promote healing.
3. Increased Tissue Oxygenation: Ozone therapy improves oxygen delivery to tissues and stimulates the release of oxygen from red blood cells, improving cellular oxygenation in areas with poor blood flow or damage. Oxygenation supports tissue repair, enhances cellular metabolism, and aids in healing processes.
4. Regulation of Inflammation: Ozone therapy helps regulate the inflammatory response in the body by modulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress.
5. Modulation of Oxidative Stress: While ozone therapy itself induces a controlled oxidative stress, it also stimulates the body's antioxidant defense systems. This results in a hormetic response, where the body adapts to the oxidative stress by increasing its natural antioxidant capacity, which can have long-term benefits for overall health.
These mechanisms of action work together to create a multifaceted therapeutic effect in various health conditions. Ozone therapy's ability to combat pathogens, enhance immune function, improve oxygenation, regulate inflammation, and modulate oxidative stress contributes to its potential benefits in wound healing, infectious diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, and supportive cancer care, just to name a few.
But with all these benefits, are there any risks?
While medical ozone therapy has been proven to be very safe when administered by trained professionals, there are a few potential risks and contraindications to consider.
1. Lung Irritation: Inhalation of unaltered ozone gas can cause respiratory irritation and lung damage. It's important to note that all therapeutic inhalation therapies involve a filtration process that changes the ozone gas to less toxic compounds like oxygen and hydrogen before it is inhaled. No one should ever attempt to inhale unaltered ozone gas, such as is used in home and office cleaning procedures.
2. Ozone Toxicity: High concentrations of ozone can be toxic to the body. Ozone should be administered in controlled and precise doses by experienced practitioners to minimize the risk of ozone toxicity. It is essential to follow proper protocols and guidelines.
3. Allergic Reactions or Detox Reactions: Some individuals may be hypersensitive or allergic to ozone or other ingredients used during the treatment, like heparin in the case of IV ozone. It is important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities before undergoing therapy. Allergic reactions may manifest as skin rashes, itching, or respiratory symptoms. In my experience most undesired reactions are generally due to increased detox and immune activation, but these can sometimes feel similar to allergic reactions. If your total body burden is high, which is the case in most people with chronic illness, then it is possible that your first few treatments could result in a Herxheimer reaction if too high a dose is given without proper preparation and drainage support. Herxheimer reactions occur when the body is stimulated to discharge toxins from the cells, but the liver and kidneys cannot keep up with the discharge efforts and toxins flood the system instead of exiting the body, creating rashes, or flu-like symptoms as the body attempts to discharge the toxins through the skin. Experienced physicians will mitigate these reactions by using patient-specific dosing and titration schedules.
4. Bleeding Disorders: IV Ozone therapy requires the use of an anti-clotting agent to prevent clots from forming during the procedure. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing ozone therapy.
5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Ozone therapy's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been extensively studied. As a precautionary measure, it is generally advised to avoid ozone therapy during these periods due to the lack of data on its potential effects on the developing fetus or nursing infants. Again, a well trained physician will be able to give you more individualized recommendations.
6. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency: G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells' ability to handle oxidative stress. Ozone therapy induces controlled oxidative stress, which can potentially exacerbate symptoms in individuals with G6PD deficiency. It is important to screen for this condition before considering high dose ozone therapy.
7. Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions such as recent heart attack, severe liver or kidney disease, or those who have undergone recent major surgeries may need to avoid or approach ozone therapy with caution. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific circumstances.
It is essential to emphasize that the risks and contraindications mentioned above are general considerations, and individual cases may vary. The decision to pursue ozone therapy should always involve a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess the individual's medical history, current health status, and specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Is Ozone Therapy Safe?
As mentioned above, ozone therapy is very, very safe when administered by a trained professional. The high tolerance and ease of adjusting the therapy to meet the needs of each individual make it an ideal treatment for many people looking to overcome chronic disease or enhance longevity.
B. How Long Does Each Ozone Therapy Session Take?
Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) also known as Ozone IVs generally take about 1 hour to administer.
Rectal ozone treatments can be administered quickly and in the comfort of your home in about 5 mins.
Prolozone injections can be administered fairly quickly with average treatment times ranging from 5-30 mins, depending on the number of sites injected.
C. Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
See above for a full explanation of risks.
D. Is Ozone Therapy Covered by Insurance?
No, ozone is still considered experimental and not covered by insurance. Because it cannot be patented or sold by a pharmaceutical company, it will likely never be a covered service.
E. How Many Sessions are Required for Optimal Results?
This is a great question that I cannot answer outside of an individualized assessment. The optimal number of sessions will depend on your current situation, your goals and what other adjunctive treatments you are doing. For those simply looking for longevity, once a week to once a month is most common. For those looking to heal from a chronic condition, treatments can be given up to 3x per week. Certain conditions, like cancer, lyme disease and mold illness may require weekly treatment for several months or years. And for acute conditions like cold and flu, one session may be the golden ticket.
In conclusion, ozone therapy has been widely used and studied for longer than most conventional therapies. Its relatively inexpensive and packs a powerful punch when it comes to immune support and cellular detox. The risk/benefit profile of ozone is heavily tilted toward the benefit side making it a very appealing option for those looking for a more natural, self-healing approach to wellness.
If you have any questions and would like to book a consultation with Dr. Terra to discuss if ozone could benefit you, please use this link to schedule a prospective client call.
If you would like to schedule an Ozone treatment you may call 509-888-2235 or email [email protected].
