What Is Ozone Therapy?

Interest in complementary practices in healthcare is steadily increasing. Among these practices, ozone therapy has attracted considerable attention in recent years, with questions such as “What is ozone therapy?”, “What is ozone?”, and “What is ozone therapy used for?” frequently being raised.

This article examines ozone therapy within a scientific and medical framework, offering an informative perspective for the general patient population.

What Is Ozone?

Ozone is a colorless gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O₃). It is naturally found in the upper layers of the atmosphere and plays an important role in environmental balance. As an unstable form of oxygen, ozone is a molecule with a high oxidative capacity.

In medical applications, ozone is produced under controlled conditions using specialized devices and administered only at specified doses. Medical ozone must always be used by trained and authorized physicians.

What Is Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is a complementary medical practice that aims to support the body's natural response mechanisms by administering ozone gas through specific application methods. In Türkiye, ozone therapy is included among Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) practices and is administered in accordance with the regulations established by the Ministry of Health.

Ozone therapy is not a method that replaces modern medicine. In patients deemed suitable, it is considered a supportive approach alongside existing treatment and follow-up processes.

What Is Ozone Therapy Used For?

“What is ozone therapy used for?” is one of the most frequently asked questions among people interested in this practice. The primary aims of ozone therapy are to support tissue oxygenation, stimulate the circulatory system, and contribute to the body's overall balance.

In this context, ozone therapy may:

• Support oxygen utilization at the cellular level

• Contribute to the effectiveness of the circulatory system

• Be considered as a supportive approach to the immune system's response mechanisms

However, the same effects should not be expected in every individual. The necessity and scope of the application must be determined following a physician's assessment.

Conditions in Which Ozone Therapy May Be Considered

Ozone therapy may be considered as a complementary practice in certain conditions. In the literature and clinical practice, it has been evaluated as a supportive approach in the following areas:

• Conditions associated with chronic inflammation

• Circulatory system disorders

• Certain conditions involving a weakened immune system

• Diabetic foot and wound healing processes

• Certain musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain conditions

• Oxidative processes associated with skin aging

In these areas, ozone therapy is planned following an individualized assessment and is not considered a standalone treatment method.

Who May Be Suitable for Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is not recommended as a routine practice for healthy individuals. It is generally considered for people with specific health conditions following an assessment by a physician.

In general, ozone therapy may be considered as a supportive practice for:

• Individuals prone to infections

• People with circulatory disorders

• Individuals experiencing chronic fatigue

• Patients with diabetic complications

• People with rheumatic conditions and chronic pain

However, it may not be suitable for every patient.

How Is Ozone Therapy Administered?

The method of administering ozone therapy may vary depending on the patient's condition and the planned treatment process. Applications are performed under sterile conditions.

The main application methods include:

• Major autohemotherapy: Blood is drawn from the patient, exposed to ozone, and then returned to the circulation.

• Insufflation method: Administration through the rectal, vaginal, or ear-nasal routes.

• Topical applications: Applications using ozonated water or oils.

Although the number and frequency of sessions vary from person to person, treatment is generally planned in courses extending over several weeks.

Is Ozone Therapy Safe?

Ozone therapy is considered safe when administered using appropriate doses and proper techniques. However, as with any medical procedure, side effects may occur in cases of incorrect dosing or improper administration.

For this reason, ozone therapy should be administered:

• At authorized healthcare facilities

• By certified physicians

• After the patient has been informed and informed consent has been obtained

Who Should Not Receive Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is not recommended in certain circumstances. These include:

• Pregnancy

• Recent heart attack

• Severe anemia

• Uncontrolled hypertension

• Active bleeding disorders

• Hyperthyroidism

Therefore, a detailed assessment before the procedure is of great importance.

Which Diseases May Be Considered for Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is a method included among Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) practices and may be considered as a supportive approach for certain health conditions. It is not a standalone treatment and should be planned following a physician's assessment.

Some conditions in which ozone therapy may be considered as a supportive approach in clinical practice include:

• Conditions associated with chronic inflammation

• Circulatory system disorders

• Conditions in which supporting the immune system is a treatment goal

• Diabetic foot and wound healing processes

• Musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain conditions

• Oxidative processes associated with skin aging