Ozone therapy refers to the process of administering ozone gas into your body to treat a disease or wound. Ozone is a colorless gas made up of three atoms of oxygen (O3). Research has found that ozone may be used to treat medical conditions by stimulating the immune system. It may also be used for disinfection and to treat a range of diseases. In the hospital, ozone therapy gas is made from medical-grade oxygen sources.
Ozone therapy works by modulating the body's antioxidant systems, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Ozone exposure leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid oxidation products (LOPs), which in turn activate the body's natural antioxidant defenses.
Ozone therapy can stimulate the immune system by activating specific immune cells and cytokines. For example, ozone has been shown to increase the production of interferons, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), all of which play essential roles in the immune response.
Ozone therapy can improve oxygen delivery to tissues by increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and enhancing blood flow. This can lead to better tissue oxygenation and improved cellular function.
Ozone therapy, particularly prolozone therapy and ozone injections, has been used to manage pain in various conditions, such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and chronic back pain4. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, ozone therapy can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Topical ozone treatment has been shown to promote wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to the affected area, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels, and reducing bacterial load. This is particularly beneficial for chronic, non-healing wounds like diabetic ulcers
Ozone therapy has been used as an adjunct treatment for various infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Ozone's antimicrobial properties can help control infections, while its immunomodulatory effects can support the body's natural defenses
Medical ozone has been used to disinfect medical supplies and treat different conditions for more than 100 years. It may also help prevent infection in wounds. According to a research from 2018, when ozone comes into contact with body fluids, the resulting reactions form more proteins and red blood cells. This increases oxygen supply in your body. Ozone therapy may also disrupt unhealthy processes in your body. Research has shown that ozone therapy can inactivate:
People with breathing disorders may be good candidates for ozone therapy. By increasing the oxygen levels in your blood, ozone therapy may help reduce the stress on your lungs. Your lungs are responsible for supplying oxygen to your blood.
If you undergo ozone therapy for an extremity problem or wound, the ozone gas will most likely be applied directly to the tissue of the affected body part. The gas is administered in a protective covering.
To treat internal disorders, such as HIV, the ozone gas is usually dissolved into blood that was taken from you. Then, the blood with the dissolved gas is injected back into you through an IV. Intravenous use can carry the risk of causing an embolism through the formation of air bubbles.
Ozone therapy is also available as an intramuscular injection. For this injection, the ozone gas is often mixed with oxygen before administration.