A few days back, I wrote a blog on the subject of ‘Chronic Pain-Seniors’, problems faced by senior people, and possible treatment options. In response to this blog, one of my friends commented that there is one more treatment for chronic pain, and this is known as ‘OZONE THERAPY’, and he has benefited from the same. This prompted me to do further study on this therapy. Here are some facts about the same:
What is Ozone Therapy
Most of us think that the capabilities of Ozone (O3) were limited to the ozone layer that protects us from the sun’s UV radiation (like sunscreen for the earth), but the fact is that ozone’s therapeutic potential is very vast. Ozone, while toxic to humans and animals when inhaled, is extremely beneficial when delivered intravenously, via rectal or vaginal insufflations (absorbed by inner tissue), through the ear canal, and topically through the skin via ozonated oil. Ozone has a therapeutic potential as a powerful antimicrobial-even for difficult bacteria and viruses- as well as stimulating the immune system.
How it Works
Ozone as a medical tool has been around for over 150 years, primarily as a surface disinfectant and a treatment for wounds and infections. The ozone generator was patented in the year 1896. It was later used during World War I to topically treat infected wounds and reduce inflammation. One can think of ozone as a kind of supercharged oxygen. We already know that oxygen is essential to life and it is no pushover when comes to therapeutic potential. You can become oxygen deprived just by not breathing deeply enough, and low oxygen levels lead to brain damage.
However, ozone goes an extra step beyond oxygen in its therapeutic activity. The body, once has absorbed O3 (Ozone) into the bloodstream, quickly uses that third oxygen molecule and creates lipo peroxides, oxidized fat molecules, that go on to stimulate the immune system and initiate ozone’s beneficial effects. In general, peroxides are bad, science talks about the dangers of oxidation and free radicals. But is all about the dose, and the way the body uses them.
After all, oxidants and free radicals are endogenously created in the body, and the body does nothing without an intention to keep itself alive. In this case, the ozone creates these peroxides that instigate a rapid immune response, quickly going to work cleaning up infections and toxicity in the body. Plus, with the remaining O2 molecules, one is still getting some extra oxygen systemically throughout the body, and that has excellent therapeutic benefits too.
Ozone Therapy Benefits
- Reduce Inflammation-Despite its stimulatory effects on the immune system, ozone paradoxically lowers inflammation systemically and locally in the tissue where it is applied
- Improve Brain Function- One of the ozone’s greatest effects is its ability to restore and boost cognitive function. People receiving ozone, where one of their major symptoms is chronic brain fog, feel their brain is ‘turn back on’ when ozone is administrated.
- Reduce Microbial Load in Chronic Infections- Ozone is a potent antimicrobial. For this reason, it may be so effective that it is pulling double duty- killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., and provoking the immune system to attack and clean up the infection simultaneously.
- Even at the time of Covid 19, the researchers/experts went on to say that ozone combined with antiviral treatment reduced inflammation and lung damage sustained from the virus, and overall it seems to be useful for curbing systemic inflammation, stimulating immunity, and protecting heart and circulatory function in cases of viral infection.
Conditions Supported by Ozone Treatment
Ozone therapy has been used to treat-
- Lyme Disease
- Covid 19
- Fungal and yeast infections, like candida
- Wounds via ozonated oil or contained gas.
- Dental issue via ozonated water
- Skin infections, via topical ozone gas or ozonated oil.
- Fibromyalgia/chronic pain/ complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Joint pain and inflammation-ozone can be directly injected into the affected area.
- Aging-related illnesses/longevity.
Side Effects of Ozone Therapy
Ozone, if it is accidentally inhaled, will irritate the lungs and may cause coughing depending on how long is the exposure. Potential side effects have more to do with immune response rather than the ozone itself. If the immune system is stimulated too quickly, then the person experiences flu-like symptoms that usually go away after a period of hours. This can be avoided by taking ozone treatment slowly and increasing the dose over time.
In the USA, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the medical use of ozone. As per them ‘Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy. In order for ozone to be effective as a germicide, it must be present in a concentration far greater than that which can be safely tolerated by man and animal’. Even in India it is still not approved, but many Ozone Treatment Centres are operating in many cities of the country.
The Choice is Yours on Ozone Therapy
It is an extremely exciting treatment option for those with chronic illnesses as well as those looking to optimize their health. It supports immunity, lowers inflammation, stimulates more energy cells, and provides oxygen. With many methods of administration, ozone is an extremely adaptable therapy and can be adjusted to personal tolerance over time.
Friends, if you have any further news on this topic, please do give your feedback.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
8th June 2023