Ozone therapy involves introducing a specific mixture of ozone and oxygen gas into the body to promote various biological effects. This medical-grade gas is created using specialized equipment that converts pure oxygen (O2) into ozone (O3), which is a less stable molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. The therapy leverages ozone’s reactive properties to stimulate the body’s systems, potentially leading to improved oxygen utilization and enhanced overall wellness. The gas is never inhaled because it can irritate the airways and lungs, making the administration methods a precise and controlled process. Techniques used to administer ozone are categorized primarily by whether they aim for a systemic effect throughout the body or a localized effect in a specific area.
Systemic Administration Through Major Autohemotherapy
Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) is a primary method for achieving a systemic effect by treating the patient’s blood outside of the body before reintroducing it. This procedure begins with the withdrawal of a precise volume of the patient’s blood, typically ranging from 50 milliliters to 200 milliliters. The blood is collected into a sterile container, such as a vacuum flask or a blood bag, which contains an anticoagulant like sodium citrate or heparin to prevent clotting.
Once the blood is stabilized, a specific volume of the ozone/oxygen gas mixture is introduced into the container under sterile conditions. This gas is prepared using a medical ozone generator to ensure a precise, therapeutic concentration. The ozone concentration for systemic MAH is carefully controlled, often ranging from 10 to 40 micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL), though some protocols use concentrations up to 78 µg/NmL.
The ozone gas and the blood are gently mixed, allowing the ozone to react with components in the blood, including red and white blood cells. This process creates short-lived compounds that signal the body’s cells, which then circulate throughout the entire system when the blood is returned. The ozonated blood is then reinfused into the patient’s vein, usually via an intravenous drip, completing the MAH procedure in a closed system to maintain sterility and control the exact dosage.
Delivery Methods via Insufflation
Insufflation introduces the ozone/oxygen gas directly into a body cavity, allowing absorption through a mucosal lining. Rectal insufflation is the most frequently used of these techniques, often considered a systemic alternative to Major Autohemotherapy due to the colon’s high absorption capacity. During this procedure, a small, flexible catheter is gently inserted into the rectum.
The medical ozone gas is then slowly administered through the catheter into the lower intestine, with typical volumes ranging around 200 cubic centimeters (cc). The absorption of the ozone’s reactive products into the circulatory system provides both local effects on the colon wall and systemic effects throughout the body. This method is generally quick and non-intrusive, and it bypasses the need for blood processing.
Other forms of insufflation target more localized areas, such as the ear and the vagina. Ear insufflation involves piping ozone gas into the ear canal, which may be used for issues affecting the head or sinuses. Similarly, vaginal insufflation introduces the gas into the vaginal cavity, primarily for localized conditions.
Targeted Local and Direct Applications
Ozone can be applied directly to a specific site for a localized effect, bypassing the systemic circulation pathways. This includes local injections into joints, muscles, or subcutaneous tissues.
For instance, a technique known as Prolozone involves injecting the gas, often combined with other substances, directly into an affected joint space (intra-articular) or into muscles (intramuscular) to address pain and localized tissue concerns.
For external issues like chronic wounds, infections, or ulcers, a method called topical bagging is often employed. This procedure involves placing an airtight plastic bag around the affected limb, sealing it to prevent gas escape. The medical ozone gas is then introduced into this sealed environment, where it acts directly on the exposed skin and tissue.
The ozone is left in contact with the wound for a specific duration, typically between 10 and 30 minutes, and a charcoal filter is used at the gas exit point to neutralize any remaining ozone. Beyond bagging, ozone can be dissolved into products for direct application, such as ozonated water for rinsing and ozonated oils applied topically to enhance healing.