Ozone therapy is a therapeutic treatment used to treat and prevent a wide range of conditions. Ozone (O₃) is a gas made up of three oxygen molecules and is chemically similar to the oxygen we breath (O₂). Because of its extra oxygen molecule, ozone is able to react with free radicals in the body, neutralizing them and leaving behind beneficial oxygen (O₂). The oxygen stimulates the immune system, increases the amount of energy our cells produce and promotes circulation.

To find out more about ozone therapy, we interviewed Dr. Mason-Wood, the ozone master of Natural Terrain.

What is ozone therapy used for? 

Ozone therapy can be used to both prevent and treat a number of different diseases including,

• Chronic fungal conditions – Candida, Sarcoidosis, Chronic sinusitis (fungal)
• Chronic viral conditions – Cold sores (HSV1), Genital herpes (HSV2), Chronic fatigue syndrome (HSV6), Shingles, Mononucleosis, HIV, Hepatitis, etc.
• Bacterial infections – Acute colds, MRSA, Chronic sinusitis (bacterial), ear infections
• Chelation adjunct – Chelozone
• Preconditioning – prior to surgery, ozone therapy helps to reduce recovery time and the need for pain medications
• Dental infections- treat / prevent infections leading to root canals

What does a typical ozone therapy session involve?

• I have an oxygen tank hooked up to an ozone generator which splits one O2 and combines that ½ with another O2 to make the O3.
• Usual administration is called MAH (Major AutoHemotherapy), an IV treatment that typically takes from 30min to 40min.
• Other common routes to administer are Ear insufflation, IntraArticular for joints (prolozone), topical Ozonated olive oil, limb bagging for topical infections
• Sessions typically involve 1 treatment a week for 10 weeks, but this can vary. Some acute cases only need one treatment and others need 3-5 treatments.

What effects should I expect to see using ozone therapy?

• Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi/yeast and parasites
• Stimulates the immune system to help speed healing
• Improves circulation – stimulated microcirculation
• Normalized hormone and enzyme production
• Anti-inflammatory and helps reduce pain
• Decreases stroke damage
• Improves brain function and memory

What are the potential risks?

As with any treatment, there are risks. Listed below are some potential side effects of ozone therapy. However, with proper technique and an experienced practitioner as myself, these risks are very minimal. I have completed a lot of treatments and I have never had any of these side effects occur in patients.

• Shortness of breath and other respiratory problems
• Enzyme inactivation
• Swelling of blood vessels
• Poor circulation
• Heart problems
• Increased risk of stroke
• Damage to eardrum via insufflation of the ear
• Rupture of the bowels due to insufflation of the rectum
• Risk of pulmonary embolism and death when given intravenously

To learn more about ozone therapy, visit our page. Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor to see if ozone therapy is right for you. Book your appointment today!