• Doç.Dr. Nisa ÇETİN KARGIN

WHAT IS OZONE THERAPY?

It is one of the most powerful oxidant and disinfectant substances. Ozone therapy is the use of ozone gas obtained by medical ozone generators in the treatment of diseases by administering it to the body in various ways. One of the most important mechanisms of disease formation is the insufficient oxygenation of tissues and the inability to remove accumulated toxic materials from the environment. Over time, these factors cause the deterioration of first cells, then tissues, and finally organs. Organ disorders will, of course, lead to system disruption. Ozone therapy is a treatment method that has found its place in both the treatment and prevention of diseases by acting at the beginning of the disease formation mechanism.

What are the effects of ozone on the body?

1. Its primary use, accepted all over the world, is infections. Since single-celled organisms do not have an antioxidant system, it has a toxic effect on all microorganisms and is effective in all bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Especially in local infections, direct application to the infected area gives very clear results. It is used to support the immune system in systemic infections.

2. Since it is an antioxidant and activates the immune system, it is widely used to support the immune system not only in infections but also in healthy people.

3. It has been shown that the anti-oxidant system is stronger in creatures that age later. Ozone also activates the body's anti-oxidant system. It can neutralize all toxins (phenol, pesticides, detergents, chemical waste, aromatic compounds).

4. It enables the separation of oxygen from hemoglobin, thus increasing the oxygenation of tissues.

5. It reduces blood pressure by relaxing the vascular smooth muscles. It increases the elasticity of red blood cells. Thanks to these mechanisms, blood circulation and oxygenation are improved even in the extreme parts of the body.

6. It prevents blood cells from clumping together and forming clots, thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

7. It stimulates metabolism, interacts directly with blood lipids and reduces cholesterol and lipoproteins responsible for the formation of atheroma plaque. It has a local lipolysis effect, thus making weight loss easier.

8. It lowers blood sugar by increasing the cells' use of blood sugar.

9. Strengthens the defense systems of cells against carcinogenic effects

10. Triggers the repair mechanisms of tissues.

How is Ozone Therapy Applied?

The application method of ozone therapy is determined depending on the person's condition, disease, severity of the disease and any accompanying diseases. The most preferred method is Major ozone therapy. Methods such as minor ozone therapy, rectal application and direct intravenous are also used.

What are Ozone Therapy Methods?

Systemic Ozone Therapy

Among systemic applications, the major method stands out as the most commonly applied ozone treatment method. A certain amount of blood is taken from the patient and combined with a mixture of oxygen and ozone for approximately 10 minutes. This new mixture is given back to the person intravenously. The dosage and sessions of major ozone therapy are planned by taking into account the disease and the age of the patient.

Local Ozone Therapy

Local ozone therapy is the process of applying a mixture of ozone and oxygen prepared at the optimum dose according to the type of disease to the skin, muscles, tendons or body cavities. Minor method, bagging method and topical method are among the most frequently preferred local ozone treatments. One of the Local Ozone methods generally used in detox, cellulite treatment and slimming treatment is the sauna method. The patient's body is placed in a special cabin, with the patient's head remaining outside. The mixture of ozone and oxygen is applied directly to the skin. The Sauna method, which takes about 20 minutes and is one of the most popular cosmetic applications, gives successful results on the skin.

Major Therapy

It is the most commonly used ozone treatment method. 50-200 ml to be taken from the person. Blood is taken depending on the number of sessions, the dose to be administered, the patient's condition, age and disease. After the blood is ozonated, it is released back into the tissues. By activating the antioxidant system, blood and organs are cleaned from oxygen radicals. Thus, the immune system is strengthened. Blood vessels open, blood circulation becomes easier.

Minor Ozone Therapy

Depending on the body's needs, 2-5 cc of blood taken from the person is mixed with ozone and injected into the muscles. Thus, the body gains resistance against respiratory diseases. It is used safely in asthma and COPD diseases. It is also an effective method on allergic and dermatological diseases.

Rectal Ozone

It is the process of administering ozone gas to the intestines through the rectal route. It is preferred in cases where major ozone therapy cannot be performed.

Ozone Bagging and Cupping

It is the application of ozone gas to non-healing wounds and problem areas in case of burns. With this method, foci of infection are eliminated and rapid healing of the wound or damaged tissue is ensured. It is effective in skin lesions, diabetic feet, non-healing wounds, circulatory disorders, restless leg syndrome and neuropathic pain.

Ozone Intra-Articular Applications

It is the process of applying ozone gas into the joint in cases such as rheumatism and arthrosis. This process aims to nourish the cartilage tissue and allow the tissue to repair itself.

Ozone Sauna Applications

It is the method by which ozone vapor is absorbed from the skin. Ozone sauna method;

• In detox and cellulite treatment

• It can be used safely in skin disorders.

In which diseases is ozone therapy effective?

Diseases that are successful with ozone therapy:

o Fistulas and abscesses, infected wounds, bedsores, chronic ulcers, diabetic foot wounds and burns
o Advanced ischemic (blood circulation deficiency) diseases (Burger, ischemic heart disease)
o Lumbar and cervical disc hernia (lumbar and neck hernias)
o Age-related macular degeneration (dry type)
o Regional calcification
o Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
Tooth root caries in children
o Recurrent or persistent infections in the mouth
o Bartolin abscess or vaginal candidiasis
o Vasculitis (Reynoud, Behçet, FMF)
o Infections resistant to antibiotics and chemicals (hepatitis, HIV, herpes, shingles, papillomavirus, candida infections

Diseases where success increases when used as support for modern treatment:
o Along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy
o Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, early Parkinson's)
o Pulmonary diseases (Asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
o Skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis)

Situations in which ozone therapy should not be applied:
- Situations that should definitely not be done:
1. Favism (broad bean poisoning, Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency)
2. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (toxic goiter)
3. Leukemia
- Situations that need to be applied carefully
1. Acute bleeding diseases (heart attack and stroke due to bleeding are not performed for 3 weeks)
2. Pregnancy (especially the first 3 months)
3. Bleeding disorder
4. Presence of uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
5. Patients with decreased antioxidant capacity
6. Organ transplant patients

WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT?
Generally, 1-2 sessions per week are applied, with an average of 10 sessions in total. The frequency and number of sessions may increase depending on the disease and the patient.


ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

It has no side effects when given in appropriate doses and in the appropriate way for appropriate diseases. There is nothing dangerous in its application except for a specific blood disease and toxic goiter caused by glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

When Does Ozone Therapy Show Its Effect?

The effect of ozone therapy applied depending on the person's disease is not permanent. This therapy, which is applied to many patients twice a week and for a total of 10 sessions, has an effect regardless of duration. However, you can make the effect permanent by applying a single session at the intervals recommended by your doctor.

How Long Does an Ozone Therapy Session Last?

One session of ozone therapy application covers a period of approximately 30 to 45 minutes. In the first phase of treatment, session intervals are planned to be twice a week. However, as you progress, the session intervals expand and turn into once a month periods.

Ozone Therapy Prices

Ozone therapy prices vary depending on the degree of disease, application area, size of the application area, method to be used in treatment and number of sessions. Low priced applications may mean processing with unsuitable devices. Therefore, the quality of the application and the experience of the doctor are important details.