What is ozone therapy?
If you’re thinking about trying ozone therapy, you’ve come to the right place to find out more about it. Since its discovery in the mid-nineteenth century, ozone (O3) gas has been shown to have numerous therapeutic effects when utilised correctly in a clinical environment. We’ll unpack the science behind ozone, the positive effects it can have on the body, and some of the main benefits associated with ozone therapy. Hopefully, this will enable you to ascertain whether it is the right form of treatment for you.
What is ozone?
Ozone is a colourless gas made from the oxygen chemical element. It is different from the oxygen molecule (O2) because it has an extra atom (O3). You will have heard of the ozone layer which is present in the earth’s atmosphere and serves to protect us from UV radiation. However, ozone also has a long history of therapeutic use and has even been used to disinfect drinking water. The first ozone generator was created in 1896 by Nikola Tesla, the famous electrical engineer. This Tesla Ozone Company machine would bubble ozone through oils to make therapeutic gels. Very cool.
In general, ozone increases the amount of oxygen in your blood when injected into the bloodstream, which can trigger healing effects, such as in chronic conditions and illnesses considered difficult to treat. Medical ozone is used as part of safe, non-toxic therapy to stimulate the body’s own immunity and directly target viruses, bacteria and pathogens, therefore, helping to restore balance.
How is ozone therapy administered?
Ozone therapy can be administered in a number of different ways:
- Direct application, whereby O3 gas is placed on a wound using a protective coating.
- injections into muscle/tissues.. as injections into the bloodstream are outdated and unsafe and shouldn’t be administered as too dangerous.
- Ozone 10 passes IV treatment, where blood is drawn from the patient’s vein, mixed with ozone, and reinfused into the bloodstream. This happens 10 times in total and is thought to achieve stem cell activation to promote cell recovery and regeneration.
- The latest modality, L1D 20 passes ozone therapy. This is the most powerful and effective ozone therapy out there and we are one of the few worldwide practices offering this revolutionary treatment.
- Ozone insufflation (blowing into body cavities such as rectal or vaginal). This can help ease chronic problems and issues like inflammation or a leaky gut.
Is ozone therapy dangerous?
There are a few medical professionals that have concerns about the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy. But in reality, ozone therapy is CE Approved (meaning it meets EU standards) and numerous studies have proven it safe for human application. However, because it involves ozone gas (which can be dangerous if inhaled directly), researchers have continued to explore its effects on the human body to ensure no harmful effects can come of it.
A 2011 review by Ekta et al stated “Ozone therapy has been utilized and heavily studied for more than a century. Its effects are proven, consistent, safe and with minimal and preventable side effects.” However, it must be applied in a controlled, clinical environment, like our own facilities. Better safe than sorry.
What is ozone therapy used for?
Healing chronic joint and muscle pain
Ozone therapy is an incredible option for those with long-standing chronic issues. We know that it can be so difficult to treat, and you may have had various practices already that haven’t worked. But this could be the one that finally works for you.
The subcutaneous injections we mentioned earlier can treat chronic pain in joints and muscles. Researchers in this study believed that ozone gas promotes new cartilage growth and reduces inflammation, saying “an effective treatment option for musculoskeletal disorders as it promotes tissue hyperoxygenation as well as treating painful syndromes affecting muscles, tendons, and joints.”
Treating diseases
Although ozone therapy is a new practice in the clinical space, there are a number of reliable studies detailing its positive effects. The aforementioned 2011 study reported that ozone therapy can be effective in treating arthritis, fighting viral diseases (such as HIV and SARS), and treating ischemic heart disease.
Although there are no external studies to support us on this, we personally —at London Natural Therapies— have seen great results with the coronavirus, particularly as a treatment for long COVID.
Strengthening the immune system
Other possible benefits include strengthening the immune system, creating white blood cells, stopping infections and rectifying immune system deficiencies by destroying bacteria and viruses. This, of course, also applies to the coronavirus and its prevention.
In our personal experience in our clinic, we have also found that ozone therapy is a safe, effective and upstream anti-aging treatment when administered in the correct way. This benefit goes hand-in-hand with a rejuvenating benefit and systematic detox (also in our experience).
Easing skin problems
Ozone therapy could also be effective in aiding skin problems such as eczema, acne and pimples. It can even disinfect wounds and erase scars.
At London Natural Therapies we are renowned for our professional, patient-centred approach to health and wellness, combining cutting-edge science with natural therapies. If you need some more information from one of our professionals, please don’t hesitate to contact us.