Discovering Ozone Therapy
I had never heard of Ozone Therapy until August 2023, when I received a call from a friend at church. She put me in contact with a young couple who were looking for a nurse practitioner for their business. At the time, I was looking for an opportunity outside of my normal working life, so I decided to give them a call.
In September 2024, I attended a training course with the American Association of Ozone Therapy. Although I had already carried out my own research, it wasn’t until I attended the course that I realised I was diving into a bright and fascinating rabbit hole.
As I sat in the training course, one of eight participants, the trainer began to explain what ozone was.
I immediately felt that this journey was meant for me.
Ozone is simply oxygen with an extra atom attached. In nature, during a lightning storm, oxygen (O₂) molecules detach and become single oxygen atoms (O1). Within seconds, these atoms form pairs again, but some combine into groups of three, creating ozone (O₃).
Once inside the body, ozone’s short lifespan transforms into peroxides. According to Frank Shallenberger (“Principles and Applications of Ozone Therapy”, page 37), “ozone in biological systems often exerts entirely different effects than it does in invitro environments. In biological systems, ozone instantaneously interacts with the double bonds found in amino acids and lipids to form peroxides. It is these various peroxides, not ozone itself, that exert the biological effects seen with ozone therapy.”
This process is oxygen utilisation, and demonstrates how administering ozone to a body with suboptimal oxygen levels can significantly benefit health.
As I listened intently to the trainer discuss the benefits of this powerful form of oxygen, every word seemed to imprint itself on my memory. This gas, which has a very short lifespan outside the body but remarkable effects when administered inside it, captured my imagination. Ozone is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-ageing, and has detoxifying properties that support and strengthen the immune system. I became excited by the potential to help so many people.
The Science
The word “ozone” might evoke thoughts of pollution, which is negative, but it is actually a naturally occurring gas in our atmosphere. You can even smell ozone after a lightning storm.
Once inside the body, ozone’s short lifespan transforms it into peroxides. According to Frank Shallenberger (“Principles and Applications of Ozone Therapy”, page 37), “ozone in biological systems often exerts entirely different effects than it does in in vitro environments. In biological systems, ozone instantaneously interacts with the double bonds found in amino acids and lipids to form peroxides. It is these various peroxides, not ozone itself, that exert the biological effects seen with ozone therapy.”
These peroxides, known as ozonides, vary based on the lipids and amino acids they are derived from. Shallenberger also highlights that one common condition in all chronic diseases is decreased oxygen utilisation, which often accompanies ageing. Oxygen utilisation refers to the process by which cells convert the energy trapped in oxygen molecules into usable energy for daily activities. Optimal oxygen utilisation ensures cells have the energy they need. However, reduced oxygen utilisation creates an environment conducive to chronic diseases and premature ageing.
The Biological Process of Oxygen Utilisation
- Fats and carbohydrates are processed by the liver into glucose and fatty acids, which are stored.
- When needed, glucose and fatty acids are transferred into cells and converted into acetyl coenzyme A.
- Acetyl coenzyme A enters the citric acid cycle, where hydrogen atoms are transferred to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
- NAD releases these hydrogen atoms into the mitochondria, where they combine with oxygen to form water. This process releases energy, captured as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and heat.
This process, termed oxygen utilisation, demonstrates how administering ozone to a body with suboptimal oxygen levels can significantly benefit health.
The Administration of Ozone
Ozone therapy can be administered in various ways:
- IV Ozone Therapy: A small amount of a patient’s blood (50-200ml) is drawn into a container, mixed with ozone, and reintroduced into the body via an IV cannula.
- Rectal Insufflation: A catheter is gently placed into the rectum, and ozone gas is administered.
- Vaginal Insufflation: A catheter is gently inserted into the vaginal canal.
- Ear Insufflation: An ear scope is placed in the ear to deliver ozone.
- Nasal Insufflation: Ozone gas is introduced into the nasal cavity using a syringe.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy
The broad benefits of ozone therapy include:
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-ageing
- Pain reduction
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Detoxification
- Support and strengthening of the immune system
- Use as an adjuvant for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Conditions That Can Benefit from Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy can be used as an adjunct treatment for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic wounds
- Herpes zoster virus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lyme disease
Contraindicators
Although ozone therapy is generally safe, it is contraindicated in certain conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular instability
- Active seizures
- Pregnancy
- Ozone allergy (very rare)
- G6PD deficiency (linked to haemolytic anaemia)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Allergy to heparin or citrate
- Haemochromatosis (iron overload)
Possible Side Effects
- Accidental Inhalation: Ozone gas can irritate the lungs which can cause coughing, mild headache, nausea, and vomiting, however all precautions are taken to eliminate any risk of this happening while having a treatment.
- Herxheimer’s reaction: Ozone is a detoxifying treatment and therefore, if the body detoxifies to quickly a patients can developed flu-like symptoms, rash and fatigue which will generally resolves in the following days, however the practitioner will start your treatment with low concentrations which should mitigate this reaction.
It is also important to note that ozone should never be inhaled, as it is toxic to the respiratory system.
Why Isn’t Ozone Therapy More Widely Known?
In 1896, Nikola Tesla patented an ozone generator, and ozone therapy was used during World War I to disinfect soldiers’ wounds. While ozone therapy is legal in the UK, the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) prohibits its medical use in conditions lacking proven safety and efficacy. However, countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, China, Russia, Cuba, Turkey, and Mexico use ozone therapy regularly.
Due to a lack of promotion and education, ozone therapy remains underutilised in many areas. Regulation and awareness continue to be challenges, and ozone therapy is still considered an alternative treatment. It is crucial that ozone therapy is administered by fully qualified practitioners.
Conclusion: My Journey with Ozone Therapy
If you’ve had the patience to read this article, I am both thankful and grateful. I hope it has ignited a spark of interest in you, just as learning about ozone therapy did for me.
That initial spark led me to start my own practice. While there is still much work to be done in educating people about the benefits of ozone therapy, I am honoured to be part of this journey toward health and wellness. Now you know why I described the rabbit hole as bright — it is a pathway full of hope and possibilities for a healthier future.
Reference
Frank Shallenberer (Principles And Applications of Ozone Therapy (A practical Guideline for physicians) 2011
