Ozone Therapy

 

While relatively common in Germany and other parts of Europe, ozone therapy has been growing in popularity in the US as a way to treat a variety of health problems and diseases. We are proud to have been using ozone therapy at our Clinic for more than 15 years.

 

Ozone therapy is the use of medical ozone to treat a wide variety of health problems. It's been used for decades around the world and has a long history of safe and effective use. Some hospitals now use ozone to disinfect rooms and it has long been used as a water disinfectant. The same properties that make it a very good anti-microbial agent result in a form of therapy that works excellent for a number of different health problems.

 

Ozone therapy is thought to work through several mechanisms.  First and foremost, ozone therapy has been shown to inactivate viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungi and protozoa.  Ozone also stimulates the body's natural defenses by increasing oxygen metabolism and activates the immune system by increasing the body's production of interferon and interleukin-2.

 

Major Autohemotherapy, Prolozone, Limb Bagging, and Insufflations

The most common form of medical ozone in the US is "Major Autohemotherapy". This involves taking about 250ml of blood from a patient, exposing it to ozone, and dripping it back into a patient via an IV.  The procedure takes about 30-40 minutes. 

 

Medical ozone can also be delivered by "Insufflation" - where we introduce ozone gas rectally, vaginally, or in the ear to treat various infections, viruses and other pathogens. Insufflation is a less invasive and less expensive alternative to Major Autohemotherapy for systemic health problems, but typically requires more frequent visits.  

 

Prolozone is a new form of injection therapy that reduces joint pain and stimulates healing around the joint area.  Ozone is injected near the joint area with B vitamins and homeopathics over a series of injections.  Most patients report decreased pain, more mobility and in some cases have been able to avoid joint replacement surgery.

 

"Limb Bagging" can be a very effective form of treatment for diabetics and others with wounds and ulcers that are not healing properly.   For example, we had a diabetic patient scheduled for a knee amputated who avoided surgery all together after a 10-day course of limb bagging and major autohemotherapy. 

 

Common uses for Ozone Therapy

With a wide spectrum of anti-microbial activity and a number of ways to deliver medical ozone, the potential uses of medical ozone are substantial.  Along with infections, ozone therapy is used to treat a variety of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, Lyme disease, chronic hepatitis, herpes, chronic fatigue states, chemical sensitivity, macular degeneration, chronic bladder conditions, colitis, auto-immune diseases, and Crohn’s disease.

 

At our Clinic, the most common reasons patients seek ozone therapy include:

 

Immune Support - For a variable of immune system related health problems, including HIV and cancer

 

Infections - Most infections, including surgically related infections and infections related to diabetic ulcers or other non-healing wounds

 

Joint Pain - For treating a wide variety of joint pain including ligaments, tendons and the connective tissue around the joint

 

Other Viruses - Including herpes and shingles.  Ozone therapy has been shown to lessen the frequency and severity of HSV, shingles and other viruses

 

Macular Degeneration - European studies have shown major improvements in macular degeneration in about 70% of cases.

 

Liver Disease - For treating liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.

 

Is Ozone Therapy right for you?

Ozone therapy is an excellent therapy with minimal side effects and a wide range of therapeutic benefits.   However ozone therapy isn't a miracle cure or the right course of treatment for everyone.  Other forms of naturopathic medicine may be more appropriate or be used in conjunction with ozone therapy. If you have a specific health problem for which you are considering ozone therapy and have questions, call our office to speak with Dr. Wicher or Dr. Barrett.