What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy is a complementary treatment method in which medical ozone gas (O₃) is used for therapeutic purposes and is applied especially to strengthen the immune system, improve blood circulation and purify the body from toxins. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing gas consisting of three oxygen atoms and has antiseptic properties that eliminate bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ozone used for medical purposes is obtained by converting pure oxygen into ozone through special generators and is applied to the patient in a controlled manner. Ozone therapy increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, allowing cells to receive more oxygen and thus helping the metabolism to function more healthily. At the same time, due to its regulating effect on the immune system, it is preferred as a supportive method in many health problems such as autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, circulatory disorders and infectious diseases. Application methods include different methods such as vascular access (major autohemotherapy), intramuscular injections, intra-articular ozone, rectal applications and ozone saunas. Thanks to the balancing effect of ozone therapy on the antioxidant defense system, the body's natural healing process is accelerated and general health is improved. However, as with any medical practice, it is important that ozone therapy is administered in doses determined by specialist physicians and in a controlled manner, otherwise some side effects may occur. You can call our clinic for Adana ozone therapy to get detailed information and make an appointment for your treatment.
How is Ozone Therapy Applied?
Ozone therapy is known as a complementary medicine application performed by administering controlled and specific doses of ozone gas to the body. It is thought that ozone is a three-atom form of the oxygen molecule and may have immune system supporting effects. The treatment can be applied with different methods; one of the most common methods is intravenous (IV) ozone application. In this method, a certain amount of blood is taken from the patient, ozonated with a special ozone generator and then returned to the patient through the vein. This technique, also known as major autohemotherapy, is applied to support the immune system and increase oxygenation in the body. In addition, there are different methods such as rectal insufflation, intra-articular ozone injections, intramuscular applications, subcutaneous ozone therapy and the use of ozonated water or oil. The method to be applied is determined according to the general health status and needs of the patient. It is thought that ozone therapy can help cleanse the body of free radicals by creating a detox effect, support cellular renewal and increase circulation. However, it is accepted that the treatment must be applied by specialist physicians and in appropriate doses.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy can have a positive effect on many health problems.
Strengthens the Immune System: Ozone therapy increases the activity of immune cells, making the body more resistant to infections.
Improves Blood Circulation: Ozone improves circulation by increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It can accelerate the healing process by regulating blood circulation, especially in diabetic patients.
Has Antibacterial, Antiviral and Antifungal Effects: Ozone gas has the ability to destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi. Therefore, it is used in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Has a Detox Effect: Ozone therapy helps remove toxins from the body and supports cell renewal.
Good for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia: It can relieve symptoms by increasing the energy level in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia patients.
Effective Against Skin Diseases: Ozone therapy supports skin renewal in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Diseases for which Ozone Therapy is Used
Ozone therapy is used as a complementary and supportive method in a wide range of diseases. First of all, in immune system diseases, especially in diseases that weaken the immune system such as autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV, ozone therapy strengthens the body's defense mechanism and helps fight diseases more effectively. Circulatory disorders are also one of the areas where ozone therapy is frequently applied; especially in cases such as diabetic foot wounds, varicose vein problems and vascular occlusions seen in diabetic patients, the blood flow increasing and oxygenation improving effect of ozone is used. In chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and muscle pain, which are among the diseases of the musculoskeletal system, ozone injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and migraine, ozone therapy can slow down the course of the disease by increasing the oxygenation of brain cells and improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, it is known that ozone helps to eliminate pathogens in the body thanks to its antiseptic effect in the fight against infectious diseases (viral, bacterial and fungal infections). Skin renewal and inflammation reduction can be achieved with ozone sauna or ozonated oil applications in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, acne, psoriasis. Ozone therapy is also used as a supportive therapy in liver diseases, respiratory diseases and even in the treatment process of some types of cancer with its detox effect. Thanks to these versatile application areas, ozone therapy is increasingly preferred as a complementary method alongside modern medicine.
Side Effects and Risks of Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy is generally considered safe when applied at the right doses and under the supervision of a specialist, but it may have some side effects and risks. Exposure to ozone, especially through inhalation, can cause lung irritation and respiratory problems such as coughing and shortness of breath. Therefore, it is important not to inhale ozone gas directly. In addition, some patients may experience dizziness, light-headedness or headache due to the circulation-accelerating effect of ozone therapy. Since the detoxifying effect of ozone allows the body to quickly eliminate toxins, digestive system problems such as nausea, vomiting or mild diarrhea may also be experienced. Since it is a therapy that can change blood pressure, some patients may experience hypotension (low blood pressure) or, rarely, hypertension (high blood pressure), so patients with high blood pressure should be careful. In ozone therapies applied through the skin, reactions such as redness, mild itching or sensitivity may occur, but these effects are usually temporary. Ozone therapy may be risky for individuals with certain genetic diseases such as G6PD deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) and should be avoided by such patients as it can cause destruction in blood cells. Ozone therapy is also not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with serious cardiovascular disease and patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, it is extremely important for the person to undergo a detailed health assessment and to be guided by a specialist doctor before undergoing ozone therapy.
Who is Ozone Therapy Not Suitable For?
Although ozone therapy is used as a supportive method in many diseases, it can be risky for some individuals and there are situations where it should definitely not be applied. First of all, ozone therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, because the effects of ozone on the fetus are not fully known and it can interfere with hormone balance during pregnancy. In addition, ozone therapy poses serious risks for individuals with G6PD deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency); in people with this genetic disease, ozone can cause serious health problems by causing the breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis). Since ozone therapy can cause sudden changes in blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, it can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in these individuals. Individuals with chronic advanced pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma are extremely sensitive to ozone gas; inhalation of ozone can irritate the lungs, causing shortness of breath and serious respiratory problems. Patients with coagulation disorders and bleeding tendencies may have an increased risk of bleeding due to potential vascular damage that may occur during ozone therapy. In individuals who have had an organ transplant, ozone therapy may overstimulate the immune system, causing the body to reject the transplanted organ. In addition, since scientific studies have not yet yielded definitive results on whether ozone therapy is suitable for active cancer patients, it is not recommended to be applied without a doctor's supervision. In patients with severe anemia, ozone therapy may put extra strain on the blood cells, which may increase symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. Therefore, a detailed health assessment should be made before undergoing ozone therapy, and a specialist doctor should determine whether the person is suitable for this treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozone Therapy
What is ozone therapy and how does it work?
Ozone therapy is a complementary treatment method that uses medical ozone gas for therapeutic purposes. Ozone gas is a triatomic form of oxygen, and when applied to the body, it increases oxygenation of cells, strengthens the immune system, and provides a detoxifying effect.
Which diseases does ozone therapy help with?
Ozone therapy is used as a supportive treatment for many conditions due to its immune-boosting and circulation-improving effects. These include chronic fatigue, diabetic foot ulcers, joint disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis), fibromyalgia, circulatory disorders, skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis), respiratory diseases, and infectious diseases.
How is ozone therapy administered?
Ozone therapy can be applied using various methods. In major autohemotherapy, blood is taken from the patient, mixed with ozone, and then reinfused. Rectal ozone application allows ozone to be absorbed through the intestines. Intramuscular or intra-articular ozone injections are especially used for pain and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, ozone can be absorbed through the skin via ozone sauna treatment.
Are there side effects of ozone therapy?
Yes, incorrect use or overdosing of ozone therapy can cause side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, blood pressure changes, skin reactions, and respiratory irritation. Direct inhalation of ozone can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath.
Who should not receive ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, people with G6PD deficiency, patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe lung diseases (COPD, asthma), clotting disorders, organ transplant recipients, and those undergoing active cancer treatment.
Does ozone therapy cause pain?
No, ozone therapy is generally a painless procedure. There may be a slight needle prick sensation during blood-based methods. Intramuscular or intra-articular ozone injections may cause brief discomfort, but it is usually tolerable.
How soon are the effects of ozone therapy seen?
The effects of ozone therapy vary depending on the patient’s health and the disease being treated. Generally, after several sessions, increased energy, reduced pain, and overall health improvement are noticed. Chronic conditions may require longer and more regular treatment.
What effects does ozone therapy have on the immune system?
Ozone has an immune-modulating effect that makes the body more resistant to infections. Due to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, it can eliminate pathogens in the body and prevent excessive immune reactions in autoimmune diseases.
Can ozone therapy be used in cancer treatment?
Ozone therapy is not considered a direct treatment for cancer. However, it can be used as a complementary method to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, support the patient’s general immunity, and increase oxygenation. Cancer patients should always consult their oncologists before undergoing ozone therapy.
How many sessions of ozone therapy are needed?
The number of ozone therapy sessions depends on the patient’s health and the condition being treated. Acute cases may require 5-10 sessions, while chronic diseases might need 10-20 or more sessions. The duration and frequency of treatment should be determined by a doctor based on the individual patient’s evaluation.