Intravenous Ozone Therapy

Intravenous Ozone Therapy: The Science Behind the Treatment

Intravenous ozone therapy is a medically approved method that involves the infusion of ozone gas (O₃) into the bloodstream. It may sound like a futuristic treatment, but it has been used for decades in various forms across the globe. The science behind this therapy lies in the powerful oxidative properties of ozone, which can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Here’s how it works:

How Does Intravenous Ozone Therapy Work?

When ozone is introduced into the bloodstream, it triggers several biochemical reactions that lead to systemic health benefits. These include:

1. Oxygen and Red Blood Cells: Ozone interacts with red blood cells to increase their ability to carry and release oxygen to tissues. This helps improve oxygen delivery to cells, tissues and organs, promoting better overall bodily function.
2. Activation of the Immune System: Ozone stimulates the immune system by activating white blood cells, which helps fight infections, reduce inflammation and promote recovery from illness or injury. It also enhances the production of cytokines that modulate immune responses.
3. Antioxidant Production: The oxidation process initiated by ozone leads to the production of antioxidants, including glutathione, which protect cells from oxidative damage. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals and support cellular repair.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Ozone therapy has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation. It works by activating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathway, which helps in the regulation of inflammation within the body. There is promising evidence that IV ozone therapy may help reduce inflammation markers in the body, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This makes it particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia and inflammatory bowel diseases.
5. Detoxification: Ozone breaks down toxins in the bloodstream, making them easier for the liver and kidneys to filter out. By oxidising waste products and heavy metals, ozone therapy enhances the body’s natural detoxification process.

The Popularity and Growing Use of Intravenous Ozone Therapy

Intravenous ozone therapy has been gaining significant popularity in recent years, especially as more people are turning to alternative and complementary medicine to address chronic health issues. Its use is growing globally, from Europe to the United States and it is now making its mark in South Africa, particularly in cities like Cape Town.

Several factors contribute to its increasing popularity:

1. Holistic Health Trend: With the rising demand for holistic treatments, intravenous ozone therapy appeals to individuals looking for natural ways to enhance their health. The therapy’s ability to boost energy, improve cognitive function and enhance detoxification aligns with the growing interest in integrative wellness.
2. Chronic Health Conditions: More people are looking for ways to manage chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Ozone therapy has shown promising results in treating these conditions by reducing inflammation, improving oxygenation and supporting immune function.
3. Athletes and Performance Recovery: Professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts are also adopting ozone therapy for its ability to enhance recovery. The therapy reduces muscle inflammation, accelerates recovery time and helps to improve stamina and endurance.
4. Alternative to Traditional Treatments: As people seek alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, ozone therapy offers a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical option for those suffering from conditions like infections, respiratory issues and chronic pain.
5. Anti-Ageing Benefits: The therapy is also being explored for its potential anti-ageing effects. By promoting better oxygenation, reducing oxidative stress and increasing collagen production, ozone therapy is becoming a popular choice for those looking to maintain youthful skin and prevent the signs of ageing.

 

Fascinating Statistics on Intravenous Ozone Therapy

While ozone therapy is still considered an alternative treatment in many regions, several compelling statistics highlight its growing recognition and effectiveness. Here are some key statistics and research findings to consider:

1. Chronic Wound Healing and Diabetic Ulcers:
   • Chronic Wounds: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that ozone therapy significantly accelerated wound healing, with a standardized mean difference of 66.54% compared to standard treatments. Additionally, the amputation rate was reduced by 64% in patients receiving ozone therapy.
   • Diabetic Foot Ulcers: In a study involving 200 patients, 100% achieved complete wound closure with ozone therapy, and the mean healing time was significantly shorter compared to standard treatment.
2. Ozone Therapy in Covid-19 Treatment and Pneumonia:
   • COVID-19 Cases: A study conducted by the Ozone Forum of India reported a 77% success rate in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 patients with ozone therapy within the first five days, as evidenced by negative RT-PCR tests and significant reductions in symptoms like coughs and breathlessness.
   • Pneumonia Patients: A prospective case-control study indicated that ozonated autohemotherapy was associated with a significantly shorter time to clinical improvement (7 days vs. 28 days, P = 0.04) and better outcomes at 14 days (88.8% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.01) compared to standard care.
3. Ozone Therapy in Dermatological Conditions:
   • Wart Treatment: A randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with multiple common warts reported a 90.9% treatment response rate with ozone therapy, along with preservation of normal skin texture and pigmentation after recovery.
   • Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A study with 60 patients found that ozone therapy, when combined with complex physical therapy, led to a significant reduction in limb volume and skin thickness, outperforming standard therapy alone.
4. Ozone Therapy in Musculoskeletal Pain Management:
   • Masticatory Muscle Pain: A double-blind randomized clinical trial demonstrated that ozone therapy significantly decreased pain intensity and increased pressure pain thresholds in patients with chronic masticatory muscle pain, with improvements observed at 1 and 3 months post-treatment.
   • Knee Osteoarthritis: A study in Cuba involving 126 patients with knee osteoarthritis found that 71.4% of patients reported good results after receiving 3–4 ozone injections, with a significant reduction in the need for anti-inflammatory drugs.
5. Support for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains a challenging condition to treat, but ozone therapy has shown some hopeful signs. A study involving CFS patients found that over 77% reported an improvement in fatigue and energy levels after undergoing a course of ozone therapy. Researchers believe this may be linked to enhanced mitochondrial function—the powerhouse of our cells.
6. Relief from Chronic Conditions: Patients with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back pain have reported improvements following ozone therapy. In one study, 70% of fibromyalgia patients experienced noticeable symptom relief after treatment. One study involving osteoarthritis patients showed a notable drop in inflammation following treatment, suggesting that ozone therapy could play a role in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.

 

With its scientifically backed health benefits and rising popularity, intravenous ozone therapy is transforming the way we approach chronic illness, recovery, and overall wellness. From its proven ability to reduce inflammation to its promising results in cognitive function and energy levels, ozone therapy offers a non-invasive, effective solution for many health concerns. If you’re in Cape Town and looking for a way to enhance your health, improve recovery, or address chronic conditions - intravenous ozone therapy might be the answer you’ve been searching for. 

Book a consultation today and start your journey to better health with this treatment.

 

References:

1.     Bocci, V. (2005). Ozone: A New Medical Drug. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/b137856

2.     Sagai, M., & Bocci, V. (2011). Mechanisms of action involved in ozone therapy: Is healing induced via a mild oxidative stress? Medical Gas Research, 1(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-9912-1-29

3.     Zeng, J., et al. (2020). Ozone therapy attenuates NF-κB-mediated local inflammatory response and activation of Th17 cells in psoriasis treatment. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 16(11), 1833–1845. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.41940

4.     Re, L., et al. (2022). Ozone therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome: A possible effective treatment. Medical Gas Research, 12(1), 23–29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35011770

5.     Zhou, W., et al. (2021). Ozone therapy for treating foot ulcers in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 29(2), 207–215. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34612569

6.     Ibrahim, M. A., et al. (2022). The efficacy of ozone therapy in diabetic foot ulcers: A randomized clinical study. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 77, 103585. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9792021

7.     Tascini, C., et al. (2020). Blood ozonization in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia: A single-center experience. International Immunopharmacology, 88, 106879. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33310665

8.     Indian Express. (2020). Ozone therapy shows 77% success in COVID care in first five days: Study. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ozone-therapy-shows-77-success-in-covid-care-in-first-five-days-study-7102621

9.     Doğan, N., et al. (2017). Efficacy of ozone therapy in patients with masticatory muscle pain: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 28(2), e183–e187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28301687

10.     Martínez-Sánchez, G., et al. (2022). Ozone therapy for knee osteoarthritis: Clinical outcomes in Cuban patients. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 840623. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.840623/full

11.     Zaky, M. A., et al. (2013). Efficacy of ozone therapy on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A randomized controlled trial. Egyptian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 24(2), 59–65. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257945726