Ozone Therapy

My approach to ozone therapy

I began working with ozone therapy in 2006 and have served as an instructor on ozone training programmes at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University. I consider the person’s history, the application site and the intended tissue response rather than treating ozone as one standard protocol.

Ozone therapy includes different methods: major and minor autohaemotherapy, local injections, ozone activation of PRP and topical ozonated oils. Preparation, route and assessment differ for each.

What is medical ozone?

It is a medically generated oxygen–ozone mixture containing a specified ozone concentration, not pure ozone. Concentration, total volume and route are integral to treatment. More ozone does not mean a better application.

Ozone reacts rapidly on contact with blood or tissue. Proposed effects relate to short-lived oxidants and lipid ozonation products stimulating cellular signalling, rather than ozone remaining in the body. The response depends on dose, route and existing antioxidant capacity.

Proposed mechanisms

Circulation and oxygen use

Research considers effects on red-cell deformability, blood flow, endothelial nitric oxide responses and microcirculation. Changes in erythrocyte 2,3-DPG are among the proposed mechanisms that could facilitate oxygen release from haemoglobin.

Immune modulation

Ozone is not simply an immune stimulant or suppressant. Controlled oxidative signalling may influence redox-sensitive pathways, including Nrf2 and NF-κB, and cytokine responses involved in immune and inflammatory regulation.

Endogenous antioxidant defence

The aim is not to supply an antioxidant directly. Controlled stimulation at an appropriate dose is intended to support adaptive responses involving superoxide dismutase, catalase and the glutathione system.

Mechanisms are dose- and route-dependent. Experimental findings do not mean that every patient will have the same clinical outcome. Purpose, method and follow-up measures are individual.

Methods used at my practice

• Major autohaemotherapy: a selected amount of blood contacts a medical oxygen–ozone mixture in a closed system and is returned intravenously.
• Minor autohaemotherapy: a smaller blood preparation is exposed to ozone and administered intramuscularly.
• Local injections: controlled application of oxygen–ozone to a selected area and tissue plane.
• Ozone-activated PRP/CGF: a platelet-rich preparation is exposed to ozone before use.
• Local tissue applications: selected cellulite patterns on the legs and limited fat deposits on the abdomen or legs may be assessed.
• Ozonated oil: a topical product prepared from vegetable oil reacted with ozone, considered in selected skin and wound-care situations.

Major and minor autohaemotherapy

In the major method, blood is treated outside the body in a closed, sterile system before intravenous return. Ozone gas is not injected directly into a vein. Total dose takes both gas concentration and volume into account.

The minor method uses less blood and an intramuscular route. Their purposes and preparation differ; they should not simply be viewed as large and small versions of the same procedure.

Why people seek an assessment

Some seek support alongside an existing treatment; others wish to discuss energy, recovery or healthy ageing. Ozone does not replace treatment for an underlying condition and is not a universal anti-ageing protocol for healthy people.

Healthy ageing and quality of life

Some people without a diagnosed illness seek support for energy, recovery and everyday functioning. In my practice, some report feeling more energetic after sessions. These are individual observations. My use of the term anti-ageing refers to supporting function and quality of life, not stopping ageing; responses vary.

Peripheral circulation and vascular disease

I consider ozone as an adjunct in selected arterial and microcirculatory problems, aiming to support blood-flow characteristics and oxygen use. In some patients I observe changes in walking capacity, pain, coldness or wound healing. The site and severity of vascular disease must be established first. It does not replace vascular follow-up, medication, exercise treatment or necessary procedures.

Diabetes and metabolic monitoring

Ozone may be considered as an adjunct while medication, insulin, nutrition and activity plans continue. My clinical observations include easier glucose control or lower HbA1c in some patients during combined care. These observations require laboratory follow-up and do not isolate an ozone effect. Diabetes medication changes are made by the relevant treating doctor.

Fibromyalgia and persistent fatigue

Pain, unrefreshing sleep, morning fatigue, brain fog and reduced functioning may be considered together within a broader plan. Persistent fatigue first warrants assessment for causes such as anaemia, thyroid problems and sleep disorders.

Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions

The intention is not indiscriminate immune stimulation or suppression. Relevant specialist treatment continues. Disease activity, medicines and general health are considered when assessing suitability.

Support during oncology treatment

The aim is not to treat a tumour. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and other oncology care continue as planned. In selected people, supportive use is considered in relation to fatigue and reduced functioning, with timing and suitability taking the oncology plan and team’s assessment into account.

Musculoskeletal complaints

Local and systemic approaches are different. The cause of muscle, joint or surrounding-tissue pain must be assessed first. In suitable cases, ozone may be considered as an adjunct to a pain and mobility plan, rather than a replacement for physiotherapy, exercise or specialist care.

Local ozone injections

Small volumes of oxygen–ozone mixture are used in selected tissue. Anatomy, injection plane, infection, circulation and other possible barriers are assessed beforehand. Brief pressure, burning or fullness may occur, followed by temporary tenderness, redness or bruising. Concentrations and volumes differ from systemic methods.

Cellulite and local fat tissue

Cellulite involves fibrous septa, fat distribution, skin thickness and circulation, rather than excess fat alone. I use local ozone injections for selected septal cellulite patterns on the legs.

I also assess limited abdominal or leg fat deposits for local application with a lipolytic aim. This is not a weight-loss method or a stand-alone answer to widespread adiposity or substantial skin laxity. Areas, sessions and realistic changes are discussed during examination.

Ozone-activated PRP/CGF

For skin and scalp applications, I prepare PRP using a CGF centrifuge programme with varying speeds and durations. The platelet- and growth-factor-rich fraction is exposed to a controlled oxygen–ozone mixture with the aim of supporting activation and release of platelet-derived factors. See the PRP page.

Ozonated oil

Vegetable oil reacts with ozone under controlled conditions to produce a topical preparation. Properties vary with the oil, processing and storage.

Potential antimicrobial and tissue-response effects are investigated for selected inflammatory skin problems, superficial infections and wound care. The cause, depth, circulation and infection status of a wound need assessment first. Ozonated oil does not replace necessary wound care, surgery or appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

What I assess at the first consultation

• Purpose: the concern being addressed and why ozone is being considered.
• Health and medicines: blood results, other conditions, medication and prior treatment.
• Method: route, concentration, volume, intervals and follow-up measures.

When extra care is needed

G6PD deficiency, pregnancy, significant anaemia, bleeding or clotting problems, severe active illness and regular medication must be disclosed. Further blood tests or specialist assessment may be necessary.

Medical ozone is not administered by inhalation. Major autohaemotherapy prepares blood outside the body rather than directly injecting ozone gas intravenously. Local injections require attention to anatomy and tissue plane.

Frequently asked questions