Ozone Therapy

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Dr. Whitney Baxter

Ozone (O3) is a reactive molecule that is generated when oxygen (O2) is exposed to high energy, splits, and recombines into a triplet molecule[iii]. Ozone naturally exists in the earth’s atmosphere to protect us from harmful UV radiation and is formed during lightning storms. Do you remember the smell of a thunderstorm? That’s ozone!

Ozone is generated in a clinical setting when oxygen is exposed to an electrical spark[i]. Clinical use of ozone has a rich history, dating back to 1902[ii]. It was shown to treat middle ear infections, and for the treatment of infectious diseases during the first world war[iii]. Clinical protocols have since been developed to target specific conditions, after more clinical studies emerged proving its safety and efficacy. 

The Mechanisms Of Ozone Can Be Broken Down Into Four Main Categories

  • Stimulating the antioxidant defences of the body by creating mild oxidative stress [i,iii]

  • Encouraging efficient oxygen utilization by the body tissues for the production of energy (in the form of the high energy molecule known as adenosine tri-phosphate, or ATP).

  • Beginning the cascade of immune activation and tissue remodelling[iv],[v]

  • Directing antimicrobial action[vi] through disruption of microbial cell walls (fungi and bacteria) and prevention of virus-to-cell contact.

Trauma (in the form of infection, chronic pain or damaged cells) sets off a cascade of inflammation, endothelial damage and decreased ability to utilize the oxygen necessary for activity, repair and growth[i]. Ozone supports the body in reversing these processes.

Clinical Uses Include (but are not limited to):

  • Immune modulation: increased defense systems against infectious disease

    • Including: chronic hepatitis, Lyme disease[vii], Herpes 1 & 2, acute infections

  • Cardiovascular disease[viii]

  • Autoimmune conditions[i,ix]:

    • Has been shown to reduce chronic inflammatory processes in rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis[x].

  • Allergies

  • Chronic pain [i,iii]

  • Macular degeneration[xi]

  • Peripheral vascular disease[i]

  • Fibromyalgia[xii]

  • Topically for skin infections and atopic dermatitis or eczema (improves microbiome diversity)[xiii]

In order to maximize the effects on antioxidant systems, oxygen metabolism, and the immune system, ozone therapy should be used in conjunction with modalities that support these systems of the body. Examples include a diet rich in proper nutrients for detoxification, antioxidants, mitochondria support, exercise, and therapies that optimise liver and endocrine function. Your naturopathic doctor can customise a treatment plan including these important components for you.

Preparations for Ozone therapy

It is important to have an initial consult with your naturopathic doctor prior to ozone therapy as there are a number of important screening tests and some medical conditions that are contraindicated.

·  Vasovagal (fainting) episode:

  • As with all IV and injection therapies, you may feel light headed and some people do faint.

  • Naturopathic physicians are trained in emergency medicine and are prepared if this does occur.

  • To prevent this from happening come to your appointment well hydrated (avoid coffee and black tea) and have something to eat prior to the visit.

· Avoid antioxidants like vitamin C , grapeseed extract , etc. for 5 hours before and after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does it hurt?

    • Just a little pinch (if any) to insert the needle into the vein (or joint) and that’s it! The idea is to ensure you are comfortably seated or lying down if need be.

  • Are there any side effects?

    • The most common side effect is bruising at the site of injection

  • How long does it take?

    • 20-40 minutes depending on the practitioner’s ability to establish a viable vein for MAH.

Procedures and Mechanisms of Action

There are a number of different ways to administer ozone therapy and your naturopathic doctor will determine the best method depending on your symptoms. The most common ways are through major autohemotherapy (MAHT) and minor autohemotherapy.

  • In MAHT, a small amount of blood is drawn, mixed with a specified ozone concentration indicated for your case, and infused back into your body. This produces an immune response that up-regulates cells such as antibodies and intermediates that function in antiviral, antimicrobial and tumour surveillance[xiv].

In minor autohemotherapy, a small amount of blood is withdrawn, mixed with ozone and injected intramuscularly. This procedure enhances our immune system’s first line of defence known as the cellular or innate immune response.

Ozone in Orthopedics: Prolozone

  • This procedure involves ozone injections intraarticularly, intramuscularly and close to injured areas to promote tissue regeneration. This application is suitable for injuries and arthritis.

  • Other applications of ozone therapy include vaginal or rectal insufflation, locally onto the skin for conditions such as ulcers and infections.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment for ozone therapy, click below for our online booking!

Written By: Dr. Whitney Baxter




References

[i] Shallenberger, G. (2011). Principles and Applications of Ozone Therapy; A Practical Guideline for Physicians

[ii] Elvis, A. M., & Ekta, J. S. (2011). Ozone therapy: A clinical review. Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, 2(1), 66–70. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.82319

[iii] Rade, B. (2014). Ozone Therapy: An Effective Solution for Acute and Chronic Pain. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review. 

[iv] Smith, N. L., Wilson, A. L., Gandhi, J., Vatsia, S., & Khan, S. A. (2017). Ozone therapy: an overview of pharmacodynamics, current research, and clinical utility. Medical gas research, 7(3), 212–219. https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.215752

[v] Bocci V, Luzzi E, et al. (1994). Studies on the Biological Effects of Ozone: 5 Biotherapy. 7;83-90

[vi] Gulmen S, Kurtoglu T, Meteoglu I, Kaya S, Okutan H. (2013). Ozone therapy as an adjunct to vancomycin enhances bacterial elimination in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus mediastinitis. J Surg Res. 185:64–69.

[vii] Rowen R. J. (2018). Ozone therapy as a primary and sole treatment for acute bacterial infection: case report. Medical gas research, 8(3), 121–124. https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.241078

[viii] Idriss NK, et al. (2008). J AM Coll Card. Volume 52, Issue 12, 9. 971–978

[ix]. (2004). Guidelines for the Use of Ozone in Medicine. German Medical Association of Ozone Application in Prevention and Therapy

[x] Hernandez-Rosales, F. and Picrin-Duany, Y. (2019). Hashimoto’s Chronic Thyroiditis Treated with Systemic Ozone Therapy. Journal of Ozone Therapy. Accessed from: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=7222593

[xi] Borrelli, E. et al. (2012). Effects of Major Ozonated Autohemotherapy in the Treatment of Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study. International Journal of Opthalmology. Volume 5, Number 6.

[xii] Moreno-Fernández A1, Macías-García L1, Valverde-Moreno R1, Ortiz T1, Fernández-Rodríguez A1, Moliní-Estrada A2, De-Miguel M1. (2019). Autohemotherapy with ozone as a possible effective treatment for Fibromyalgia. Academic Rheumatology Portal.

[xiii] Zeng, J. et al. (2019). Topical Ozone Therapy Restores Microbiome Diversity in Atopic Dermatitis. Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital. International Immunopharmacology. Volume 80.

[xiv] Tau, G., & Rothman, P. (1999). Biologic functions of the IFN-gamma receptors. Allergy, 54(12), 1233–1251. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.1999.00099.x