What is Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy (ozonotherapy) is the use of medical ozone, which is the three-atom form of an oxygen molecule (O₃), for therapeutic purposes through various application methods. Medical ozone is produced from high-purity oxygen through special medical ozonators and applied in controlled concentrations.

Used since the 1800s, ozone therapy has become one of the essential applications of functional and integrative medicine as scientific research has deepened over the past decade.

Mechanism of Action of Ozone Therapy

When medical ozone enters the body, it activates oxygen metabolism and triggers various biochemical processes. It increases cellular oxygen utilization and supports mitochondrial energy production. It stimulates antioxidant systems (glutathione, superoxide dismutase) to balance oxidative stress. It modulates the immune system, both strengthening immunity and regulating excessive immune responses (in autoimmune conditions). It exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It improves blood flow, increases red blood cell flexibility, and supports tissue perfusion.

Application Methods

Major Ozone Autohaemotherapy (MAH)

This is the most common systemic application method. 100-200 ml of blood drawn from the patient is enriched with ozone gas and then returned to the vein. It is effective in immune system activation, energy increase, and treatment of chronic infections.

Minor Ozone Autohaemotherapy

A small amount of blood (5-10 ml) is ozonated and injected into muscle tissue. It is applied for immune stimulation purposes.

Rectal Ozone Insufflation

Ozone gas is applied through the rectal route. It is particularly preferred in intestinal problems, liver diseases, and systemic infections.

Local Ozone Applications

Can be applied as intra-articular, intra-disc, or local tissue injections. It is effective in pain management and tissue regeneration.

Uses of Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy is applied in many different conditions, with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia being foremost. Chronic viral infections (Epstein-Barr, Herpes, Hepatitis), diabetes and diabetic wound treatment, autoimmune diseases, degenerative joint diseases and osteoarthritis, cancer supportive therapy (as an adjunct to conventional treatments), cardiovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases, intestinal dysfunction, and inflammatory bowel diseases are among the main areas of application.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The duration and number of sessions are determined based on the patient's diagnosis and health status. In acute conditions, 5-10 sessions may be sufficient, while in chronic diseases, 15-20 or more sessions can be applied. Session intervals are typically planned as 1-3 times per week.

Is Ozone Therapy Safe?

Medical ozone, when applied with proper equipment and correct protocols, is a quite safe treatment. Millions of applications have been performed worldwide with extremely low serious adverse event rates. However, the treatment must be applied by experienced and certified healthcare professionals. Ozone taken by inhalation can damage the lungs and should be strictly avoided.

Ozone Therapy at Dr. Atasoy Clinic

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, ozone therapy is applied within international protocols and with medically certified equipment. A comprehensive evaluation is performed for each patient to create a personalized treatment plan, integrating with other functional medicine applications through a holistic approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ozone therapy painful?
MAH application involves minimal discomfort similar to opening a standard IV line. Local injections may feel slight pressure.

Does ozone therapy have side effects?
When properly administered, side effects are rare and generally appear as transient fatigue or mild nausea. This "Herxheimer reaction" is a sign of the body's detox process.

Who cannot receive ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy, G6PD deficiency, hyperthyroidism, and active bleeding conditions. Suitability is determined after comprehensive evaluation.

Conclusion

Ozone therapy is one of functional medicine's powerful tools with a wide range of effects from strengthening the immune system to fighting chronic infections, from increasing energy to tissue regeneration. For more information about ozone therapy and a suitable evaluation for you, contact Dr. Atasoy Clinic.