Understanding Ozone Therapy
Overview
Ozone therapy, is known by many different names, including O3 therapy. Ozone therapy has been used around the globe since the mid 1800s, but today is known as a naturopathic form of medical treatment. Health care practitioners in Australia, Europe, and the United States have utilized ozone therapy as a germicide and antibacterial, and dozens of medical journals have published articles relating the effective benefits of this therapy.

 Ozone therapy has not been scientifically tested, but is believed to help provide holistic benefits when offered in monitored and precise therapeutic doses. Also known as oxygen healing, O3 therapy is a type of naturopathic alternative medicine that believes that oxygen therapy is a powerful antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral substance that may help the body detoxify as well as cleanse the lymph system. Individuals seeking alternative medical treatments should at least understand the basics of ozone therapy to guide informed and educated decisions.

Ozone Therapy Treatments
Ozone contains three oxygen molecules, while the oxygen commonly breathed contains two.  Ozone therefore, is considered a highly energized type of oxygen. Designed to improve both circulation and the body's ability to process and use oxygen in tissues and organs, it is believed to increase artery wall dilation and relaxation, reducing effect of clogged or blocked arteries. It is also believed to help stabilize the immune system, especially for people suffering from autoimmune or allergic conditions.

Ozone therapy treatments are considered a type of complementary or alternative medical therapy, practiced quite widely throughout Europe and Russia as a detoxifying mechanism. Areas in South America, Mexico and South East Asia and in the United States also offer ozone therapy, though it is not often covered by most health insurance plans.

Common ozone therapies include:

• Intravenous
• Intramuscular
• Transdermal
• Rectal (following an enema) and vaginal insufflations
• Topical
• Oral

Ozone therapy can be given in injectable infusions, as a lotion, or as insufflation in order to restore correct balances of oxygen in the body.  Because the body needs oxygen for energy, free flow of oxygen, blood in nutrients requires that blood vessels remain clear and open.

The ozone gas is absorbed through the intestines and into the bloodstream through rectal or vaginal insufflation, or injected directly into muscles or veins in intravenous or intramuscular use.

Benefits of Ozone Therapies
Today, there is still much controversy on the effectiveness of ozone therapy on a variety of illnesses, disease processes, and the immune system. The effects of ozone treatment for cancer has not been established, though studies regarding its efficacy in cancer and other disease treatments are still ongoing. Some experts believe that ozone and oxygen therapies, when used carefully and within controlled environments, may help break down toxic or noxious molecules for excretion through the urinary system.

Cost of Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy may cost between $100 and $150 per treatment, depending on geographic location.  In most cases, the usual course of ozone therapy may range between 6 to 10 treatments, arriving at an average cost of about $1,000.  In locations such as Mexico and South East Asia, individuals receiving ozone therapy and treatment may enjoy 30 to 50% savings on costs.

Who Performs Ozone Treatment Therapies?
Individuals who offer ozone therapy must be board certified in their field. Doctors of osteopathy, naturopaths, and alternative medical experts and professionals may offer ozone therapy.  A person performing ozone therapy treatments doesn't need to have a medical degree to be certified, but patients considering the treatment should verify that certifications are valid and current.