When you think of ozone you probably think of the Earth’s atmosphere. Eighth grade science class taught you a few things about ozone, but modern technology and medical advances demonstrate that there’s a lot more to ozone than just the blue sky above. This post covers the surprising uses, benefits and methods of ozone therapy.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy is the use of medical ozone to create a therapeutic response in the body. It stimulates your body’s innate immune system to repair and regenerate. Basically, it helps your body heal itself. So, what is medical ozone?
Medical ozone is a clean gas formed when oxygen is exposed to an electrical charge. The air we breathe, oxygen (O2) is a combination of two bonded oxygen atoms. Ozone (O3), on the other hand, contains three bonded oxygen atoms.
The goal of ozone therapy is to force oxygen into your body’s cells. Think back to your school days again, sitting in biology class you learned about the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. Well, when oxygen enters the mitochondria it repairs it and helps decrease fatigue and better utilize oxygen in the cells.
Ozone therapy can be administered through several methods:
- IV infusion
- Major Autohemotherapy (an infusion diluted with your blood)
- Rectally
- Topically
- Ear, sinus and vaginal insufflation
Is Ozone Safe?
If you do a quick Google search on ozone therapy you may find contradictory statements. The reality is that ozone therapy is not approved by the FDA. That doesn’t mean it is unsafe. Just think, none of your herbal supplements or vitamins are approved by the FDA either. There is simply an insufficient amount of research on ozone therapy for it to be approved.
That’s not to say there are no studies on the topic. Actually, there are many. Ozone therapy has been utilized and heavily studied for more than a century. (1) Countries in Europe have used ozone therapy to treat a multitude of illnesses for the last 50 to 70 years. Sadly, as a non-patentable and naturally occurring medicine there is no incentive for big pharmacy companies to conduct research on medical ozone.
Additionally, ozone is a dangerous gas when inhaled, which is why you should always work with a certified doctor who knows how to administer medical ozone. The best course of action to determine if ozone therapy is something you should consider is to talk with your trusted healthcare provider.
Who can Benefit from Ozone?
Ozone therapy helps your body’s cells repair themselves, but that’s not all it does. Ozone also triggers white blood cells to start producing antibodies which will prevent your immune system from attacking healthy cells. Ozone helps to reduce oxidation of the cells promoting natural antioxidant properties and decreases the level of acidity in the body.
It may not seem obvious at first, but can you guess what that means? Those who struggle with an immune disorder, cancer, or other chronic illness may benefit from ozone therapy.
In fact, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, ozone therapy can support a weight loss journey and the elimination of toxicity. For example, many harmful habits such as alcohol and fast food consumption lead to the destruction of oxygen and the accumulation of toxins in the body. Meanwhile, ozone therapy introduces oxygen back into the body!
How is Ozone Used?
There are many methods of administering ozone therapy. The following highlights some common options.
MAH, Ozonated Saline and Ozone Therapy
MAH stands for Major Autohemotherapy and refers to the process of diluting your blood with ozone after which it is sent back into your body all via IV infusion. The process is simple and completed in about an hour. First, your blood is drawn into an IV bag. Then, your blood and the healing byproducts from the ozone mixing are dripped back into your body. It is a safe, easy process that strengthens your immune system.
HOCATT Ozone Detox Chamber
The HOCATT ozone detox chamber facilitates optimal wellness through a topical and systemic method of ozone exposure. Sessions in the Detox Chamber lasts up to 30 minutes. Some of the reported benefits include:
- Immune support
- Cardiovascular support
- Blood pressure normalization
- Full body detox
- Support for chronic conditions
- Weight and energy management
- Improved mental clarity and memory
- Sexual vitality and stamina
- Healthy, glowing skin
A unique feature of the HOCATT is the addition of carbonic acid which lets ozone reach further in the body. This can positively affect the nervous system.
What Happens at a HOCATT Appointment?
While in the HOCATT Detox Chamber, you comfortably sit in the ozone sauna chamber. Your head remains outside the chamber, keeping your face cool. Carbonic acid, ozone, oxygen and warm steam are released into the sealed off components, away from your head.
Pores and capillaries open with the steam, far infrared and carbon trioxide (CO3). Ozone is administered through the skin. Oxygen levels increase in the blood because of gentle increase in temperature in the HOCATT Detox Chamber. This increases circulation as well as detoxification through the skin.
Session lengths and frequency can vary depending on your level of health and goals. Most users report feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated after their time in the chamber.
Support Wellness, Fitness, Beauty and Health
The HOCATT Ozone Detox Chamber is a highly advanced multi-modal form of ozone therapy. It is a noninvasive and enjoyable intervention. This valuable and therapeutic tool may be used to support a variety of conditions and support greater levels of health.
- Athletic? Some people choose HOCATT for sport and fitness enhancement.
- Thinking about your immune system? The Ozone Detox Chamber is 7 times more effective than a traditional sauna.
- Seeking healthy skin and weight? Concerned about endometriosis, ovarian cysts or other gynecological issues? Research shows that some of the most common health issues faced by women can be supported with ozone. It can even affect fertility positively.
Other Methods of Ozone Therapy
There are several other methods of administering ozone therapy. They are called insufflations and limb cupping or bagging. Ear insufflations are used to help with brain fog, ear infections, tinnitus, and vertigo. Sinus insufflations are used to help decrease inflammation and pressure in the sinus cavity.
Meanwhile, limb cupping triggers the white blood cells to produce antibodies to fight infection as well as decontaminate and disinfect the area directly. Limb-bagging introduces topical ozone gas directly to an affected area of the skin.
Ozone Effectiveness and Side Effects
Used in Europe and as a disinfectant of medical supplies for years, ozone has demonstrated positive therapeutic effects.
Research indicates that ozone may correct oxidative stress by activating your body’s immune system (2) and reducing inflammation. Ozone therapy has also been shown to inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and protozoa. (3)
Bad side effects occur when an individual inhales ozone causing irritation to the lungs. Ozone must be used in the proper amount and the correct place, and should not be inhaled. That’s why it’s so important to work with a trusted healthcare professional.
Which Ozone Therapy is Best for You?
Integrative and functional medicine gets to the root of health and wellness. Contact us to see how ozone therapy might support your health journey. You can reach our contact us page here with questions or to set up an appointment for the Ozone Detox Chamber or other ozone services.
Sources:
- “Ozone therapy: A clinical review – NCBI – NIH.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312702/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2021.
- “Therapeutic relevance of ozone therapy in degenerative diseases ….” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcp.26044. Accessed 11 Mar. 2021.
- “Dental applications of ozone therapy: A review of literature ….” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352003516300260. Accessed 11 Mar. 2021.