Ozone Therapy
What is Ozone?
Ozone molecule has three Oxygen atoms. It is a highly energetic form of normal (diatomic) Oxygen molecule. Ozone is a very active and reactive form of oxygen which quickly combines with blood, lymph and other tissues of body and purifies them. Oxygen is an important factor to sustain life. Lack of adequate oxygen is known to promote cancer and many other medical diseases.
What is Ozone Therapy?
OZONE THERAPY was discovered in Germany well over one hundred years ago but did not come in common use till recently. It is now becoming more popular in various parts of the world.
Ozone therapy is not given through nose like oxygen. Exact measured quantities of Ozone gas are administered through rectum as an enema, vagina, eardrums, mixed in blood or saline infusions. Ozone gas and ozonated oils are also applied over the affected parts and ulcers for quick healing. Each treatment takes only a few minutes. No anesthesia is required and patients can talk cheerfully during the treatment. These sessions are given two or three times weekly for total of about 15 to 20 sittings. It may be continued thereafter if needed.
SCIENCE of OZONE THERAPY:
Many scientific papers have been published in the world medical literature and have confirmed efficacy, safety and simplicity of ozone therapy. Below is the gist:
1. Ozone gives more oxygen to Red Blood Cells and increases their glucose uptake.
2. It makes tissue cell membranes more elastic, pliable and healthy.
3. It helps cells to intake nutrients efficiently and throw out waste products quickly.
4. It relaxes blood vessels, capillaries and increases circulation.
5. It primes White Blood Cells and makes Immune System more efficient.
6. It destroys viruses, bacteria, fungi and other germs thus controling infections.
7. It helps diseased cells to get rid of toxins and harmful free radicals.
8. Ozone helps increase energy level in body and has anti- ageing effect.
Diseases treated with Ozone:
Medical Ozone can positively influence or even heal a large number of diseases. This fact is confirmed by a large number of scientific investigations and medical publications. As a rule, Ozone is given in addition to other therapeutic methods. It is given as complementary or supportive therapy.
Medical Ozone, when properly and responsibly handled for the correct indication, is safe. practical, effective and economic. However, like any other medical treatment, Ozone therapy is not a ‘cure all.
OZONE THERAPY can be considered as a supportive therapy to help in following conditions:
Infected Wounds:
Open leg ulcers, bed sores and burns are successfully treated by Ozone in practically all cases. Clinical studies have shown that even very severe cases improve with Ozone.
Circulatory Disorders:
Ozone Therapy gives very good results in arterial circulatory disorders characterized by sensation of heaviness and coldness and/or pains in the legs, especially while walking. (Well known as smoker’s leg or intermittent claudications) Ozone Therapy has avoided amputation in large number of cases.
Macular degeneration:
Ozone is used to improve weak eye sight due to age related retinal detachment. (ARMD)
Geriatric conditions:
Ozone shows general revitalising capacity (including nerve and brain functions). Therefore, it can be successfully used for poor concentration, forgetfulness, general reduction in mental and physical performance, insecurity in walking (balancing problems) and clinical dizziness or vertigo. Elderly people generally experience a feeling of well being and improved quality of life.
Intestinal conditions:
Inflammatory condition of the large intestines (eg. colitis) and small intestines, fistulas and proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)-many such unpleasant and inconvenient conditions are favorably treated by Rectal Insufflation of Ozone.
Viral Diseases:
Clinical trials have shown good results of Ozone treatment in viral conditions like herpes zoster, Herpes simplex and hepatitis C. Ozone Therapy reduces the duration of the diseases, heals more efficiently and patient is back to his normal state of well-being in short time.
Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis:
Ozone Therapy, in these conditions, causes pain and inflammation to subside. Repeated treatments are advised to maintain the improvement.
Osteoarthiritis ( knee pain)
Causes of osteoarthritis:
Mechanical forces leading to wear and tear along with Mediators of pain in Chronic inflammatory reaction
Edema and inflammation leading to ischemia
Collagenase and proteoglycanases secreted by activated chondrocytes and monocytes leading to matrix degeneration, softening and destruction of knee joint
Mode of administration:
Ozone therapy is given in the form of Injections under aseptic precautions around the knee (Peri articular Injections for about 10 to 15 sittings) and inside the knee joint (Intra articular for about 3 to 5 sittings)
Mechanism of action of Ozone:
Proteolytic enzymes and endogenous ROS are inhibited
Bradykinin and inflammatory PG release is inhibited
Release of immunosuppressive cytokines TGF-beta and IL-10 may inhibit inflammation
Disappearance of edema leads to improved circulation, washing away of lactic acid and relief in pain
Ozone injections act as an analgesic
Algic stimulation of skin can reduce pain through mechanism of Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control.