WHAT IS OZONE?
Ozone is a chemical compound consisting of three oxygen atoms (O3). It is a very high energy-carrying form of diatomic normal atmospheric oxygen (O2). Thus, the structures of these two kinds of molecules differ from each other as follows:
O3 is a colorless gas with a characteristic odor at room temperature. (felt after stormy weather, in high places or by the sea). Its name comes from the Greek ozein meaning “to smell”. It was discovered in 1840 by the German chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein (1799-1868). Near ground levels, one particle per 10 million air particles is present in the form of smoke at concentrations of O3 (= 0.1 ppm = 200 µg/m³). At an altitude of 2000 meters, it decreases much less to 0.03 – 0.04 ppm.
Thanks to its very strong oxidizing and very effective disinfecting properties, it is also used as a germicidal in treatment plants that provide drinking water around the world.
WHAT IS OZONE THERAPY?
Ozone for therapeutic purposes
Medical ozone is always used as a mixture of pure ozone and pure oxygen. Depending on the application, the ozone concentration varies between 1 and 100 µg/ml (0.05 – 5% O3). The ozone therapist, a doctor trained in ozone therapy, determines the complete dose to be taken by the patient based on the patient’s condition and medical indication.
Characteristics and effect
Due to the well-known bactericidal, fungicidal and virutic properties of medical ozone, it is used for disinfection of infected wounds and also for the treatment of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
Its ability to increase blood circulation is used in the treatment of circulatory disorders and makes ozone invaluable in rejuvenating organic functions.
When used in low doses, it increases the body’s resistance, in other words, ozone activates the immune system.
In response to this activation by ozone, the body’s immune cells produce cytokines (message carriers, such as interferon or interleukin). The application of medical ozone, especially to patients with weakened or impaired immune systems, leads to very successful results.
Small amounts of ozone applied, known as Major Autohemotherapy, eventually activate the body’s own oxidants and enzymes that destroy free radicals. Thus, it is understood why ozone is used in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Indications
Thanks to its selective properties, medical ozone is used in 6 basic areas:
1. Treatment of circulatory disorders and geriatrics
2. Hepatitis, herpes (herpes) in the treatment of diseases caused by viruses.
3. In infected wounds and inflammatory diseases that do not heal well: Inflammatory bowel diseases (colitis, proctitis, etc.), burns, infected wounds, fungal infections
4. In cancer treatment, ozone is used in the form of “major autohemotherapy” or as “minor autohemotherapy” in low doses as an additive or complementary to the immune system.
5. With its special applicator to prevent tooth decay in dental treatments
6. Anti-aging
Application Methods
WARNING: Direct inhalation of ozone gas is inconvenient as it causes irritation in the lungs. In the light of clinical studies, the validity of 6 application forms has been predicted.
1.Major autohemotherapy (treatment by taking blood from the patient’s arm) is used in geriatrics (age-related diseases), to provide revitalization in circulatory disorders, in viral diseases and to activate the general immune system.
In this application: Generally, 100 ml of the patient’s blood is taken, after it is mixed with 100 cc of ozone in certain gamma, which is exactly determined from the ozone generator, it is given back to the patient in the same way. Here, sterile ozone-resistant consumables and vacuum bottles, antibacterial filters are used. Ozone fully reacts with red and white blood cells and thus increases their vital activity = metabolism. This activated blood (not ozone or oxygen!) is immediately returned to the patient from the same blood drawn arm.
2. In the method called minor autohemotherapy, 2.5 -3 ml of ozonated blood is given back to the patient by intramuscular way, as if vaccinating from the arm. With this method, non-specific immune system activation is performed: It is used in allergic diseases and to strengthen the immune system in general.
3.External treatment: It is carried out by circulating ozone gas in a special plastic boat in a closed system or by applying it in bags suitable for different parts of the body. These consumables are made of ozone resistant material. The part of the body to be treated is pre-moistened with water, because ozone does not affect dry areas. This application is very effective in treating ulcers, wounds, open wounds, post-operative lesions, herpes and infected areas. Other methods are ozonated pure water and ozonated pure medical olive oil for skin infections such as eczema, fungus, lichen.
4. Rectal Application: Although the application of ozone in this way does not seem very pleasant, it is not that uncomfortable (rectal insufflation). The patient does not feel any discomfort. Ozone gas is absorbed directly by the sensitive intestinal wall (membrane); In addition, the tubes and bags are completely hygienic since they are disposable. This method is generally indicated for inflammatory diseases of the intestines, but has recently been used for general health and rejuvenation because it is less invasive.
5. Intra-articular Administration; (intra-articular ozone administration); Ozone gas (by trained people), as the name suggests, is slowly injected into the joint. This method is applied to the joint with painful inflammatory disease (it can be applied in arthritis, recurrent arthrosis, general pathological stiffness)
6. Dentistry Applications: It is used in the prevention and treatment of some gingival disorders and intraoral viral infections by using ozone water in various concentrations and gamma as mouthwash to prevent caries by applying it with special tips on decayed teeth with special ozone gas generators.
IN WHICH DISEASES IN GENERAL OZONE THERAPY CAN BE DONE?
Many pathological conditions improve or completely resolve with ozone therapy. This has been proven by a series of medical studies and medical publications. As a rule, ozone is applied in addition to other treatments in the treatment of diseases, it is included in the complementary therapy group.
Many therapists in Europe have come together and formed the “Medical Society for Ozone Application in Prevention and Therapy”, so that all patients can learn the latest innovations in ozone therapy quickly, the purpose of this group is to develop and advance the knowledge of doctors and patients on this subject. Information exchange has accelerated and developed over the years.
Medical ozone is a completely safe, practical, effective and inexpensive treatment method if applied in accordance with the rules.
Circulatory disorders
In addition to other symptoms in arterial circulation disorders, coldness in the legs and pain in the feet after short walks are among the symptoms of circulatory disorder. This situation creates an important indication for ozone therapy. The success of ozone therapy in circulatory disorders has been proven by many medical studies. Ozone can be used in addition to or as a complement to conventional therapy.
Anti-aging (aging back) and revitalization
Stress in business life, intense work pace, mental and physical fatigue respond very well to ozone (O3) therapy. People feel renewed vigorous and vigorous with the general well-being associated with ozone increasing the metabolism activation of red and white blood cells. Professional athletes and women benefit greatly from this treatment. Ozone increases the physical endurance of the body.
Treatment in the elderly (Geriatrics)
Elderly people respond quite well to ozone therapy. Here, ozone provides better use of oxygen by the tissues, activates the immune system and activates the body’s own antioxidants and cells that fight against free radicals. Beyond that, it has positive effects on circulatory disorders in the brain. In such circulatory disorders, complaints such as decreased physical performance, difficulty in walking and dizziness can be seen. In addition to being used as a complementary therapy here, ozone therapy is also used to increase the quality of life.
Ozone therapy in eye diseases
Age-related circulatory disorders, atrophic and degenerative changes also affect our eyes. For example, senile macular degeneration can develop in the center of the retina. Because of this, the sequelae can be seen in varying degrees, up to optic nerve atrophy. Improvements in vision have been observed in clinical studies. If the treatment is continued, an increase in visual performance has been observed or it has been determined that worsening is stopped.
Cancer
Ozone therapy in cancer patients is quite successful as a complementary therapy. Here, ozone is used to activate the immune system. At low doses, immune cells – such as lymphocytes, helper and suppressor cells, lymphocytes, and natural killer cells – are activated through ozone-initiated biological reactions to produce messenger proteins, including interferon called cytokines. In fact, ozone allows the body to produce its own interferons and interleukins in increased amounts. By administering ozonated blood to the patient, a positively enhanced Immune immune system reaction is initiated, which also contributes to an increase in the overall resistance and vitality of the body.
Skin fungi and infected skin lesions
The fungi and bacteria-destroying property of ozone has been used successfully for years in the purification of drinking water. These properties make medical ozone a very effective treatment agent, especially feet with bacterial infections, fungal infections on the trunk, fungal / mycotic infections of the mucous membranes cannot resist ozone.
infected wounds
Local treatment of infected wounds, eg open bedsores (decubitus ulcers), ulcers of the lower leg (Ulcus cruris), non-healing wounds of diabetics and gangrene, medical diseases are the classical application areas of ozone. Here, first of all, we make use of the disinfectant property of ozone, in other words, its bactericidal and fungicidal effect, to obtain germ-free and clean wounds. After cleaning the wound, the healing process is accelerated by applying low doses of ozone.
Intestinal Diseases: proctitis and colitis
Local application in the form of rectal ozone gas blowing has proven to be very beneficial in inflammatory bowel diseases, especially in the early period. In many cases, 10 consecutive sessions of ozone are sufficient.
Diseases caused by viruses
Herpes simplex (facial herpes), herpes zoster
Both types of herpes are caused by viruses. Herpes labialis, an often recurring and unpleasant disease, is very successfully treated in the form of a combination of medicinal ozone with other medicinal methods.
Complementary application with ozone is beneficial in herpes zoster, it can be treated in two different ways as ozonated water compresses and ozonated blood transfusion.
Liver inflammation (Hepatitis A, B, C)
Inflammation of the Liver is counted among the classical treatments for medical ozone. While hepatitis A (HVA = hepatitis virus A) can heal without any problems and completely, compared to others, the other form of the virus, hepatitis B (HVB = hepatitis virus B), often has a chronic course. Here, in addition to classical medical treatment methods, successful results have been obtained with ozonated blood transfusion or controlled administration of ozone/oxygen gas via the rectal route. The same methods also apply to hepatitis C, which has an incubation period of years and cannot be diagnosed as a liver disease until it becomes chronic.
Inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases
When we divide inflammatory joint diseases into three stages, especially stages 1 and 2, in other words, cases where there is no severe bone deformation, respond to medical ozone applications. Gonarthrosis (inflammation of the knee joint) or the active arthritic form of the knee and shoulder joints belongs to the class of treatment responsive. In addition to standard medical methods – specific exercise therapies – intra-articular ozone injection is successfully applied in such cases. In addition to its ability to strengthen the immune system and activate the cartilage metabolism, the fully anti-inflammatory properties of ozone are utilized here.
Arthritis/ Rheumatic Conditions – Chronic polyarthritis
Rheumatic conditions include many painful diseases related to the skeletal or muscular system, which can also cause functional limitations. In general, medical ozone application is used for complementary purposes in combination with physical therapy. In studies of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic polyarthritis, ozone is successful as a complement to major autohemotherapy in non-acute conditions. The effect used here is the anti-inflammatory effect.
In Dentistry:
Tooth decay: It is defined as a treatable and preventable bacterial disease. There are 2 bacteria that cause tooth decay. These are Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli. With the direct application of ozone gas obtained from a special ozone generator on a tooth that has started caries, with a special applicator for the tooth, the progression of caries in that tooth can be prevented and stopped. Ozone gas has also been used successfully in the sterilization of the canals of gangrenous teeth in ancient times. In the meantime, ozone mouthwashes and waters are also used as an additional treatment for the prevention of some fungal infections in the mouth and gingival diseases.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW AS A PATIENT?
Before applying any form of ozone therapy, you should not forget to mention the drugs used and the special diets applied to the doctor who will apply ozone therapy, even if they have been recently finished. Your doctor should also be made aware of hereditary diseases, allergies and other complaints and how they have been or are being treated in the past.
OZONTHERAPY HAS NO KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS.
SITUATIONS WHERE OZONE THERAPY SHOULD NOT BE DONE OR CAREFULLY
• In the absence of an enzyme (GL-6-F Dehydrogenase) in red blood cells (FAVISM),
• Those who use excessive alcohol,
• Hyperthyroidism (in those whose thyroid gland is overworked),
Those with advanced anemia and bleeding-coagulation disorders,
• In chronic and recurrent pancreatic gland inflammations (pancreatitis),
• In newly developed heart infarction and brain hemorrhage,
Ozone therapy should be done carefully and in a controlled manner in those who are allergic or intolerant (intolerant) to ozone.
In many countries, ozone therapy is not always covered by health insurance policies or workplace medical support programs, especially outside of Europe. Many ozone applications are usually applied for up to 10 sessions. But in some cases, a second or even a third 10-session treatment may be necessary. However, you should remember that a small measure taken now can save much more expensive full-scale treatment in the future.
Ozone therapy is a low-risk and complementary, supportive and restructuring method, often accompanied by standard medical treatments.
