Ozone is a colorless gas that is made up of three oxygen atoms. In nature, the element is found in the upper layers of the atmosphere, and protects the Earth from UV radiation. But ozone in its pure form is harmful when inhaled and causes irritation to the lungs and throat. Prolonged intense exposure can lead to coughing and exacerbation of asthma. Surprisingly, intravenous ozone therapy has a healing effect. Ozone injections are also performed in cosmetology for the purpose of rejuvenation.
The drug for intravenous ozone therapy is prepared as follows. A laboratory technician takes the patient's blood and then uses a special centrifuge to enrich it with ozone gas. This product is also suitable for injections into the face. But most often the blood is reintroduced into the body using an IV. The procedure must be carried out in a medical clinic, under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
Properties of ozone
Ozone is a gas with a specific odor. The bulk of ozone is located in the atmosphere in the form of the ozonosphere at an altitude of 10 to 50 km with a maximum concentration at an altitude of 20 km. Ozone is formed under the influence of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of up to 185 nm. Located in the upper layers of the atmosphere, it blocks ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, which is harmful to all living things, and absorbs infrared radiation from the Earth, preventing its cooling.
Ozone is an allotropic modification of oxygen and, like oxygen, has oxidizing properties. The difference is that ozone, as a substance with a large supply of internal energy, easily disintegrates and becomes a stronger oxidizing agent. Ozone is relatively stable in acidic and neutral solutions, but is toxic in high concentrations.
Ozone has a diverse effect on various organs and systems of the body. In natural concentrations, ozone has a stimulating effect on the human body: it increases resistance to cold, the effects of toxic substances, hypoxia, causes an increase in the content of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood, increases the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, the complement titer of blood serum, the immunobiological potential of the body i Iskhakova R.R. Ozone therapy in ophthalmology / R.R. Iskhakova, F.R. Saifullina // Kazan Medical Journal. - 2013. - T. 94. - No. 4. - P. 510-516. .
Low concentrations of ozone have a positive effect on respiratory function, cause a decrease or normalization of blood pressure, stimulate reparative processes in tissues, increase the activity of respiratory chain enzymes and oxidative phosphorylation i Iskhakova R.R. Ozone therapy in ophthalmology / R.R. Iskhakova, F.R. Saifullina // Kazan Medical Journal. - 2013. - T. 94. - No. 4. - P. 510-516. .
Ozone therapy allows you to solve a wide range of problems based on the beneficial properties of ozone:
- Detoxification is the removal of toxins from the body.
- Antimicrobial effect - ozone can destroy many types of microbes.
- Antiviral properties - the gas has a destructive effect on viruses, even those that are resistant to antiviral drugs.
- Elimination of inflammation, which makes it popular in the treatment of acne.
- Lipolysis is the partial breakdown of fat cells, accelerating metabolic processes in subcutaneous fat.
- Strengthening redox reactions in the body.
- Strong oxidizing effect, reacting with many formations and their subsequent destruction. Destroys bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
- Harmful microorganisms do not develop resistance to ozone.
- Analgesic effect, since O3 binds to substances that are responsible for transmitting pain impulses.
- Efficiency in the treatment of vascular pathologies by reducing blood viscosity and thrombus formation.
- Antihypoxic effect, due to blood saturation with oxygen and its rapid delivery to tissues.
- Stimulates the formation of antioxidants, which has a positive effect on the immune system.
- Stimulates ATP synthesis, quickly relieves fatigue.
General requirements for medical ozonation units
The above information about the properties of ozone indicates the need for careful handling. Ozone should not leak in areas where people work. Its content in the air should not exceed the maximum permissible concentration - 0.1 mg/m3.
A medical ozonator installation must include an air-cooled ozonizer and a system that opens, regulates the speed and shuts off the gas flow. Measuring the flow rate is desirable, although not a mandatory requirement, but in any case, a flow indicator is required, which informs the doctor about the normal operation of the gas tract. The concentration of ozone in the gas mixture at the outlet of the ozonator should vary in a wide range from several units to a maximum - not lower than 70-80 mg/l. Moreover, the ozone concentration should be smoothly regulated and measured throughout this range. Only in this case can the installation ensure the use of all known methods of ozone therapy.
In Russia, the production of high-quality ozonation units is now being actively developed, which significantly facilitates the implementation of the technique, since due to low-quality devices, ozone has not been used for medical purposes.
Ozone therapy: what is this procedure?
The effect of ozone therapy is based on the biological effects of ozone. This gas has strong oxidizing properties, which is manifested by a number of effects:
- bactericidal;
- vericidal;
- aseptic;
- fungicidal;
- anti-allergenic.
Ozone also stimulates microcirculation of fluids in body tissues.
Since the gas is involved in redox reactions, it stimulates metabolic processes, increases cellular immunity, kills pathogenic flora, removes dead cells and slows down the aging process. The skin and subcutaneous fat layer are rejuvenated, the production of bioactive substances is enhanced, blood circulation is normalized, and inflammation is eliminated. Local fat deposits are also eliminated, which is in demand not only for correcting the body, but also the face: with the help of ozone, you can eliminate a double chin, make the line of your cheeks and cheekbones more aesthetic, remove “bags” under the eyes, etc.
When treating cellulite, fat deposits literally dissolve, and along with them, the fibrous capsules that make up the cellulite “mesh” are removed.
Contraindications
General contraindications for ozone therapy are:
- all conditions accompanied by increased bleeding (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhagic stroke);
- thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism);
- hypoglycemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- history of epilepsy and other seizures;
- acute pancreatitis;
- exacerbation of gastric ulcer;
- arterial hypotension for a long period;
- alcohol intoxication;
- menstruation period;
- the use of medications that reduce blood clotting;
- individual intolerance.
Rehabilitation
After subcutaneous injections of an ozone-oxygen mixture, there is no rehabilitation as such. Sometimes papules remain on the skin (from injections), swelling and slight hyperemia may occur. All side effects go away quickly. Most patients continue with their planned activities immediately after the procedure.
Some people experience drowsiness, slight dizziness, and weakness. Remember the feeling when you breathe in fresh air filled with ozone after a thunderstorm. It's about the same here. Symptoms of ozone “oversaturation” disappear within a few hours.
Pros and cons of the procedure
Advantages of the technique:
- stimulation of the immune system;
- muscle relaxation, analgesic and sedative effect;
- speedy skin renewal, rejuvenation, elimination of many age-related and birth defects.
Flaws:
- a large number of side effects;
- use in areas where the effects of ozone therapy have not yet been fully studied, which carries a risk for the patient;
- many contraindications;
- combating subtle signs of aging.
Ozone therapy in the MedCentreService clinic network is a safe and effective treatment method
It is important that ozone therapy procedures are carried out by specialized specialists.
The MedCentreService network of clinics successfully practices various options for ozone therapy, including intravenous techniques. This type of physiotherapy is performed by doctors with extensive experience.
The clinic’s specialists take a responsible approach to the health of each patient: procedures are prescribed only after carefully collecting anamnesis, identifying possible diseases and potential contraindications to the procedure. If necessary, the patient can be referred for consultation to doctors in other areas.
You can make an appointment with a specialist and a course of ozone therapy at MedCentreService online on the website and by calling +7 (495) 324-88-22.
Procedure methods
Subcutaneously, into the subcutaneous fat
This ozone therapy technique has found application in cosmetology for face and body correction. When treating the face with microneedles, a mixture of oxygen and the drug “Medozon” is introduced. At the injection sites, the doctor performs a massage for better absorption of the mixture by the tissues. The affected area must be treated with an antiseptic.
The procedure lasts about 15 minutes, after which you should not touch your face for three hours. Requires 1-2 courses per year of 10-12 procedures with monthly maintenance injections.
Ozone-based masks and massage oils are also used for the face.
To combat cellulite and local fat deposits, ozone is injected into the subcutaneous fat tissue in a dosage of 500 ml. Treatment areas: buttocks, thighs, abdomen, sides. If cellulite is advanced, it is recommended to combine ozone therapy with massage. Ozone liquefies dense fat deposits, which are then eliminated through the lymph flow. In the same way, they fight scars and stretch marks, because the production of elastin and collagen is stimulated at the sites where ozone is administered.
How many procedures are needed for a course of ozone therapy is determined by the doctor, based on the complexity of the problem and the desired effect.
How is external ozone therapy performed?
When applied externally, the gas eliminates pathogenic bacteria and viruses, fungi and protozoa - even those that are resistant to other treatment methods. It also helps stop external bleeding and promote wound healing. A mixture of oxygen and ozone stimulates the regeneration process, is easily tolerated, has a pronounced effect and combines well with other therapeutic and surgical techniques.
This type of ozone therapy is applicable to eliminate complications of varicose veins, burns, trophic ulcers, non-healing and infected wounds.
Intravenous injections
Ozone is introduced dropwise or streamwise into the blood, pre-dissolved in saline solution or mixed with the patient’s blood. Its medicinal properties in this case are explained by its high oxidizing capacity. When interacting with the membranes of red blood cells, ozone forms ozonides - molecules that activate the enzymatic functions of blood cells. As a result, metabolism in the body increases, energy processes accelerate, and the ability of immune cells to remove viruses and bacteria increases. In patients, pain is reduced, immunity is increased, inflammation is eliminated, and general detoxification is also ensured.
Duration of session, course of treatment
One session lasts on average 15-30 minutes, since the ozonized solution gradually loses its therapeutic effect and becomes ineffective after half an hour. In the mixture, ozone retains its healing qualities for about 20 minutes. When using the method for preventive purposes, 3-7 procedures are sufficient. To treat serious diseases, 7-10 sessions will be required.
The duration of the procedure and their number are determined by the attending physician. They are selected depending on:
- patient's health status;
- problems that the method should solve;
- individual characteristics of the body.
Sessions are held every 2-3 days, in exceptional cases - every day or once a week.
Possible complications
Harm and negative consequences are usually explained by the low qualifications of the doctor performing the procedure. You should only contact professionals with extensive experience.
Doctors at Dr. Gruzdev’s clinic conduct ozone therapy, carefully observing procedure and technology; they have not only specialized higher education, but also diplomas from various advanced training courses. By entrusting your health and beauty to professionals, you will certainly avoid complications.
Possible side effects and complications:
- intoxication;
- allergic reaction (most often “urticaria”);
- thrombosis;
- internal bleeding;
- blood thinning;
- imbalance of beneficial microflora;
- respiratory tract burn (accidental inhalation);
- bruising and swelling at injection sites;
- headache;
- no effect;
- convulsions.
Clients of Dr. Gruzdev’s clinic leave only positive reviews about the procedure, because it is carried out by experienced professionals. In addition, it is important to tell the doctor about existing acute and chronic diseases, so as not to aggravate their course. Concealing important information is also often a cause of complications.
Indications during pregnancy
Ozone therapy intravenously, reviews from doctors indicate this, is used for pregnant women with disturbances in the process of bearing a child. A growing body needs oxygen, and if a woman has health problems or does not follow a healthy lifestyle, its supply to the fetus decreases.
Indications for the procedure are:
- toxicosis;
- gestosis;
- placental insufficiency;
- fetal hypoxia;
- intrauterine infection.
