Ozone therapy might be the latest holistic craze everyone is buzzing about, but its healing properties were actually discovered over 150 years ago.
One of the first known medical uses of ozone (O3) dates all the way back to 1870, when a doctor used ozone to purify blood in a test tube. It goes back even earlier, if you factor in a German dentist who is said to have used ozone in his dental practice.
Ozone was also used for its potent antimicrobial properties during World War I to disinfect wounds and treat serious infections like gangrene.
Over the years, ozone therapy for healing has grown, with researchers looking into its effectiveness for various medical conditions. After many published articles and successful case studies supported its healing benefits, influential holistic health practitioners began heavily using it in the 1990s and 2000s.
Now, in 2024, ozone therapy is a therapy that is widely used for those seeking natural healing for anything from pain and inflammation to infection, immune disorders, skin conditions, breathing issues, and more. In fact, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), as of 1929, more than 114 diseases were listed for treatment with oxygen/ozone therapy.
In this article, we will help you better understand ozone therapy and the many ways modern doctors and medical clinics are using ozone therapy for healing.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy is a popular alternative medical treatment that uses the unique properties of medical-grade ozone (O3) to help people achieve optimal health and well-being.
Ozone, made up of three oxygen atoms, is a more reactive and potent form of oxygen compared to the two-atom oxygen we get from the air we breathe. This unique makeup is what gives ozone distinct and powerful healing properties.
The primary goal of ozone therapy is to use O3 to enhance the body’s oxygen levels and support cell regeneration, which involves repairing or replacing damaged cells. Increased oxygen levels can potentially enhance immune function and encourage natural healing by improving blood circulation and cellular oxygenation (the process of delivering oxygen to your cells for energy and repair.) Ozone is also known for its strong antimicrobial properties, which can help combat viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Research into ozone therapy is ongoing, but it holds promise for promoting healing and supporting overall well-being by strengthening the body’s ability to fight infections, reduce inflammation, and address underlying factors that lead to various medical conditions.
Additionally, ozone therapy is also showing promise in promoting healthy aging and longevity due to its potential to reduce oxidative stress and promote cellular health.
How Ozone Therapy is Used for Healing
The healing benefits of ozone therapy are very impressive. Studies show it may enhance circulation, increase the oxygen content in cells, and boost the immune system’s efficiency. By improving the oxygenation of tissues and enhancing the function of red blood cells, this unique, natural therapy shows a lot of promise in minimizing cellular damage and helping heal numerous ailments and conditions.
Many people have found ozone therapy to be a safe alternative or addition to other medical treatments, as it simply adds O3 to your blood and filters that blood right back into your body. That said, you should always consult with your healthcare provider before exploring ozone therapy for healing.
For more information on how ozone therapy is used for healing, read “Benefits of Ozone Therapy.”
Issues Ozone Therapy Can Help Heal
While ozone therapy has been used since the 1800s, it is still considered a relatively new approach in alternative medicine, because more research is needed to understand its full potential.
New clinical trials for ozone therapy applications are underway, but so far, here are some of the most common conditions in which people are using ozone therapy for healing:
Pain and Inflammation
Ozone therapy may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation by promoting oxygen delivery to tissues and enhancing cellular repair. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis, where inflammation is the root cause of discomfort and joint damage. It has also been used with success to manage back pain from herniated disks.
Circulatory Disorders
It is believed that ozone therapy could improve blood circulation by increasing the flexibility of red blood cells and enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues. This can help manage pain and swelling in people with circulatory disorders such as peripheral artery disease or chronic venous insufficiency.
Breathing Issues
Ozone therapy is shown to increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which can help reduce the strain on the lungs as they work to oxygenate the blood. Therefore, O3 may be beneficial for people with breathing issues such as asthma and COPD.
A 2014 study examined the use of IV ozone therapy, where ozone is mixed with blood and injected, for treating COPD. The results showed improved quality of life and exercise capacity in former smokers with COPD.
Diabetes
Many complications from diabetes are a result of oxidative stress in the body. Research suggests that ozone therapy might address oxidative stress by activating the body’s immune and antioxidant systems and reducing inflammation.
Research also found that ozone therapy can aid in wound healing, which is very common in those with diabetes. One study found that ozone therapy specifically helped in healing diabetic foot ulcers by closing the wounds and reducing infection risks.
More research needs to be done, but it seems that ozone therapy holds promise in lessening some of the complications associated with diabetes.
Immune Disorders
Ozone therapy might benefit those with immune disorders due to its potential to stimulate the immune system. A 2018 study revealed that injecting ozone mixed with blood into individuals with HIV significantly reduced their viral load over two years, meaning less of the virus was present in their bodies, which could improve long-term health.
Infections
Ozone’s antimicrobial properties make it a potential solution for some infections. By directly killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ozone therapy can help manage infections resistant to conventional treatments.
Fatigue
Ozone therapy may boost energy levels and combat fatigue by improving oxygen utilization and promoting better cellular metabolism. This could be really helpful for those with chronic fatigue syndrome or anyone recovering from an illness that leaves them feeling drained.
Allergies
Ozone therapy might help manage allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. By improving oxygenation and reducing the body’s inflammatory response, it is possible that O3 could help with symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching.
Skin Issues
If you have psoriasis, eczema, or acne, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ozone therapy could help contribute to improved skin health.
What Happens During and After Ozone Therapy?
The exact steps of ozone therapy depend on the delivery method. There are several ways to administer medical-grade O3, but it should NEVER BE INHALED. Inhaling it can cause severe irritation and fluid buildup in the lungs.
One of the safest and most commonly used methods for delivering ozone therapy is mixing it with your blood through a process called autohemotherapy. This sounds complicated, but it is actually very simple.
Ozone gas is dissolved in a sample of your blood and then put back into your body through an IV – that’s it. This delivery method of ozone therapy is generally well-tolerated and minimally invasive.
Patients sometimes report mild sensations of warming and tingling during treatment, but pain is not a typical complaint of ozone therapy when performed by experienced practitioners. The only potential for pain is the tiny needle prick during the blood draw.
It is also a very quick treatment. We suggest that patients set aside one hour for ozone therapy treatment, but the process itself typically only takes about 30-45 minutes.
Once therapy is complete, you can continue with work and most other activities as soon as you leave your session. The only thing we advise is that you drink plenty of water and avoid intense physical activity on the day of treatment. This allows the body to focus on healing and recovering without additional stress.
Most patients of ozone therapy describe an instant “refreshed” feeling as soon as treatment is complete that continues to improve for days to come. In cases of illness recovery or fatigue, a single session may be all that is needed to feel rejuvenated. However, when it comes to ozone therapy for healing, a series of sessions is advised for ongoing support.
Who Can Administer Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional that has completed specific training and certification in ozone therapy treatment so they have a solid understanding of ozone’s medical applications and safety protocols to ensure effective and safe administration.
Healthcare providers who typically administer ozone therapy include:
Licensed Medical Doctors (MDs)
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Physician Assistants (PAs)
Clinics offering ozone therapy should be accredited, maintain up-to-date certifications, and follow best practices for ozone administration. Additionally, clinics offering ozone therapy should provide thorough consultations before treatment to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for ozone therapy and to create a personalized treatment plan.
Where to Find Ozone Therapy for Healing
Relieve Health specializes in helping men and women take control of their healthspan through personalized health and wellness solutions that support extended and enhanced lives. Our therapies range from hormone replacement therapy and medical weight loss to IV vitamin therapy and ozone therapy. We also offer advanced medical aesthetic treatments for whole body health– inside out!
Our team of experienced practitioners has the knowledge and expertise to safely administer ozone therapy for healing. Click here to find a Relieve Health clinic near you and book a complimentary ozone therapy consultation today!
