What Is It and How Does It Work?

Ozone therapy is a form of alternative medicine that involves the administration of ozone gas to the body through intravenous (IV) infusion. Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O3), and it has potent oxidizing properties. When ozone is introduced into the body through IV infusion, it is believed to stimulate the immune system, improve oxygenation, and kill harmful microorganisms.

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Ozone therapy has been used for over a century to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. The therapy can be administered through other methods as well, such as rectal insufflation or ozonated water, but the most common form of ozone therapy is IV infusion.

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How Does Ozone Therapy Work?

Ozone therapy works by increasing the levels of oxygen in the body, which helps to boost the immune system and promote healing. When ozone is introduced into the body through IV infusion, it reacts with fatty acids and other compounds, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides. These ROS have potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and infection.

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In addition to its antimicrobial properties, ozone therapy is believed to stimulate the production of cytokines and growth factors, which can help to repair damaged tissues and promote wound healing. Ozone also increases the production of red blood cells, which improves oxygen delivery to the tissues and enhances cellular metabolism.

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Why Do People Get Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Chronic infections: Ozone therapy can help to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. It is commonly used to treat chronic viral infections, such as herpes and hepatitis, as well as bacterial infections like Lyme disease and MRSA.

• Cancer: Ozone therapy is believed to stimulate the immune system and enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer. It can also improve oxygenation to the tissues, which can help to slow the growth and spread of tumors.

• Autoimmune disorders: Ozone therapy can help to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

• Chronic pain: Ozone therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as fibromyalgia, back pain, and neuropathies.

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What to Expect During an IV Ozone Therapy Session?

A small amount of blood is first drawn from your arm and then mixed with ozone gas in a special container. The mixture is then re-infused back into your bloodstream over a period of 20-30 minutes. You may feel a warm sensation or a slight burning sensation at the injection site during the infusion.

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After the infusion, you may experience some mild side effects such as fatigue, headache, or nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own within a few hours. Depending on your condition, you may need multiple sessions of IV ozone therapy over several weeks or months to achieve the desired results.

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Overall, IV ozone therapy is considered safe and well-tolerated.