How Ozone Therapy Is Applied and Who It May Be Harmful For

How Is Ozone Therapy Applied and Who Can It Be Harmful For? Comprehensive Scientific Guide

Modern medicine is evolving towards a “holistic” approach that aims not only to treat disease, but also to maintain health and maximize the body's self-healing potential. One of the most powerful and most researched methods at the center of this evolution is undoubtedly Ozone Therapy applications.

Medical ozone not only carries the oxygen that every cell of our body needs, but also acts as a biological stimulant that regulates the immune system, increases antioxidant capacity and relieves circulatory disorders. However, as its popularity grows, so does the lack of information about this treatment. Questions such as “Is ozone only for blood purification?”, “Can everyone have ozone?”, “Who is it dangerous for?” are the most basic issues that are on the minds of our patients.

Ozone therapy, although it may seem like a simple procedure, is actually a medical procedure whose dosage, method of application and patient selection are extremely sensitive. While it can lead to serious complications when performed in the wrong hands or in inappropriate patients, it can turn into a miracle that dramatically improves quality of life when applied with the right protocols. Medlook Polyclinic in Nisantasi, Istanbul In this comprehensive guide, we discuss the ozone protocols that we apply in accordance with international standards (Madrid Declaration), the technical details of the application methods and the “red lines” (contraindications) of this treatment with a detailed explanation of more than 1200 words.

What is Medical Ozone? How is it Different from the Gas We Breathe in the Air?

Öncelikle bir kavram karmaşasını gidermek gerekir. Atmosferin stratosfer tabakasında bulunan ve dünyayı UV ışınlarından koruyan ozon ile tıpta kullanılan ozon aynı moleküler yapıya (O3) sahip olsa da, elde edilme şekli ve saflığı tamamen farklıdır. Tıbbi ozon; asla atmosferden toplanmaz. %100 saf medikal oksijenin, yüksek voltajlı elektrik akımı üreten özel jeneratörlerden geçirilmesiyle elde edilir. Ortaya çıkan karışım, %95 ila %99.5 saf oksijen ve %0.5 ila %5 ozon gazından oluşur. Bu hassas karışım, vücuda verildiğinde anında biyokimyasal reaksiyonlara girerek “oksidatif stres” yaratır. Ancak bu stres, kontrollü ve düşük dozda olduğu için vücudu “şoklayarak” uyandırır ve antioksidan savunma sistemini harekete geçirir.

Part 1: How is Ozone Therapy Applied? Anatomy of the Methods

Ozone therapy does not consist of a single method. There are different application methods according to the type of disease, the patient's vascular structure and the targeted area. The methods we use most frequently in Medlook Polyclinic are as follows:

1. Major Autohemotherapy (Blood Ozonation): The Gold Standard

It is the most widely used method to achieve systemic (affecting the whole body) benefits. Here is how the process works step by step:

• Blood Collection: 100-120 cc of blood is drawn from the patient into a sterile and vacuum-sealed glass bottle (ozone-resistant sets). The vial contains a small amount of sodium citrate or heparin to prevent blood clotting.
• Ozonation The dose (gamma) ozone gas determined by the physician is injected into the bottle with a closed circuit system.
• Mixing: The bottle is gently shaken. The blood, which is dark red (venous) at this stage, turns bright red as soon as it reacts with ozone (O3). This color change is visual evidence of ozone binding to erythrocytes.
• Back Yield: The ozonized blood is returned to the patient through the same vascular access in about 10-15 minutes.

This procedure is completely painless and is also known as “Blood Washing”. It is the most effective method for diabetes, hypertension, chronic fatigue and anti-aging.

2. Minor Autohemotherapy: Immunization

It is used to create a more specific immune response. 2-5 cc of blood from the patient is mixed with the appropriate dose of ozone in a syringe and injected intramuscularly (usually in the buttocks). This method creates a kind of “auto-vaccine” effect for the body. It is especially preferred in the treatment of allergic asthma, psoriasis, recurrent infections and acne.

3. Rectal Insufflation (Intestinal Insufflation)

It is used in patients who cannot have intravenous access (children, chemotherapy patients) or in intestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, fistula). Ozone gas is introduced into the rectum through a special cannula. The intestinal mucosa absorbs ozone very quickly. Since ozone reaches the liver directly through the “Portal Vein”, it can be even more effective than the major method in liver detox and Hepatitis treatment.

4. Local and Intra-Articular Injections

Ozone gas is injected directly into the painful area for herniated discs, knee arthritis (gonarthrosis), torn meniscus or muscle pain (fibromyalgia). Thanks to the powerful anti-inflammatory effect of ozone, the edema dissolves quickly and the pain is reduced.

5. Bagging Method

It is used for wounds that do not close, diabetic foot ulcers, burns or fungal infections. The limb (hand or foot) is placed in a special plastic bag. The bag is filled with ozone gas and the gas comes into contact with the skin. With the powerful germicidal (bactericidal and fungicidal) effect of ozone, the infection is dried and tissue healing is accelerated.

For detailed research on the clinical efficacy of different application methods of ozone therapy Article in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) database you can examine.

Section 2: For whom ozone is contraindicated (Absolute Contraindications)

Although ozone is a “natural” treatment, it is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. As Medlook Polyclinic, we take our patients through a detailed anamnesis and blood test process before starting treatment. Here is why ozone is definitely NOT TO BE DONE situations where it is required:

G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) Enzyme Deficiency

This genetic disease, popularly known as “Broad Bean Poisoning” (Favism), is the most important red line of ozone therapy. The G6PD enzyme protects red blood cells against oxidative stress. Ozone therapy creates a controlled oxidative stress in blood cells. If the person lacks this enzyme, the red blood cells cannot withstand this stress and break down (hemolysis). This can lead to severe anemia and kidney failure. For this reason, every patient in our clinic is asked for a G6PD test before treatment.

2. Uncontrolled Hyperthyroidism (Toxic Goiter)

Ozone therapy accelerates basal metabolism. Ozone can cause a metabolic storm (thyrotoxicosis crisis) in patients whose thyroid gland is already overactive (hyperthyroidism) and not controlled with medication. However, it can be safely applied in patients whose thyroid hormones have normalized with medication; it is even very useful in Hashimoto's (hypothyroidism) patients.

3. Severe Anemia and Bleeding Disorders

Ozone is not administered to patients with very low hemoglobin levels or active bleeding (stomach bleeding, brain bleeding, etc.). Caution should also be exercised in case of thrombocytopenia (lack of clotting cells) as the risk of bleeding may increase.

4. First 3 months of pregnancy

Ozone has not been proven to have a teratogenic (disabling) effect on the fetus. However, due to medical ethics and the sensitivity of the first trimester (risk of miscarriage), it is not preferred in the first 3 months of pregnancy. It can be applied in the following months with the approval of the doctor.

5. Acute Alcohol Poisoning and Recent Heart Attack

In acute situations with intense oxidation in the body (after alcohol intake) or after a recent (first 4-6 weeks) heart attack (myocardial infarction), ozone is postponed until the body stabilizes.

Section 3: Side Effects and the “Healing Crisis” (Herxheimer Reaction)

When applied correctly, ozone has almost no side effects. However, there is a situation that our patients sometimes think of as a “side effect”, which actually shows that the treatment is working: Herxheimer Reaction.

As ozone kills bacteria, viruses and fungi in the body or draws toxins from the tissues into the bloodstream, the immune system may experience a temporary “cleansing crisis”. After the first 2-3 sessions, the patient may feel mild fatigue, headache, flu-like malaise or a slight fever. This indicates that the body is eliminating toxins (detox effect). By drinking plenty of water, it passes by itself within 24-48 hours and is replaced by high energy.

Section 4: Ozone Safety: Why Medlook Polyclinic?

Ozone gas is toxic to the lungs when inhaled, but healing when it mixes with the blood. This fine line requires the expertise of the practitioner.

• The Art of Dosage: The effect of ozone depends on the dose. While low doses stimulate immunity, high doses may suppress it. In Medlook Polyclinic, dose adjustment is made at microgram level according to your disease (Diabetes, Cancer, Infection, etc.).
• Material Quality: Ozone gas is a very strong oxidizer. Ordinary plastic sets or IV bags melt in contact with ozone and release carcinogenic substances (phthalates). In our clinic, only ozone-resistant silicone sets, glass bottles and teflon apparatus used.
• Technology: The ozone generators we use are medical devices with precise calibration, produced with German technology and capable of photometric measurement (instantaneous measurement of the dose of the gas given).

Section 5: Proven Benefits of Ozone Therapy

Who should get ozone? Almost everyone outside of the contraindicated group can benefit from ozone to protect their health or manage their illnesses:

1. Immune Boosting: Increases resistance in those who are frequently ill.
2. Circulatory Disorders: Increases tissue oxygenation in diabetic foot wounds, varicose veins and vascular occlusions.
3. Anti-Aging and Detox: Scavenges free radicals, slows down aging and brightens the skin.
4. Chronic Pain Reduces the need for painkillers in fibromyalgia and rheumatic diseases.
5. Metabolism Acceleration: It supports weight loss processes and facilitates fat burning.

Ozone therapy can be combined with other medical treatments (e.g. Glutathione Therapy or IV Vitamins) in combination multiplies the efficacy. For more information on this synergistic effect International Scientific Committee on Ozone Therapy (ISCO3) you can follow their broadcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does ozone therapy last?

The major treatment (blood ozonation) takes about 20-30 minutes, including preparation. After the procedure, the patient can immediately return to his/her daily life and drive a car.

How many sessions do you need?

Depending on the disease, a “cure” of 10-12 sessions in total, usually 2 sessions per week, is recommended. After the course is over, a “reminder dose” once a month ensures that the effect is permanent.

My veins are thin, can ozone be done?

Yes, our experienced nurses perform the procedure comfortably with special butterfly-tipped needles, even in the thinnest veins. There is no strain as the blood collection is done with a vacuum.

Does ozone dilute blood?

Yes, ozone increases the elasticity of red blood cells and improves blood fluidity (by lowering viscosity). Therefore, it creates an aspirin-like effect and reduces the risk of clots. However, dose adjustment should be made in patients using blood thinners.

Conclusion Oxygenate Your Health

Ozone therapy is one of the safest, most natural and effective “bio-regenerative” treatments offered by modern medicine. However, in order to get the maximum benefit from this powerful treatment and to avoid the risks, you must be at the right address. Medlook Polyclinic's expert physician staff in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, does not leave your health to chance. Contact us now to find out if ozone therapy is right for you and to create your personalized treatment plan. Book your free pre-consultation appointment today.