Ozone Therapy harnesses the power of oxygen to potentially revitalise your body. Using medical-grade ozone (O3), the treatment is gaining traction in the world of wellness, promising a range of benefits from boosting immunity to easing pain.
When our cells don’t receive enough oxygen, our immune system can be compromised, healing slows down, and in severe cases, it can lead to serious health issues. Ozone Therapy utilises medical-grade oxygen to produce medical-grade ozone (O3). In a common application like an ozone steam pod, the body is enclosed (with the head outside), and ozone and steam are introduced. The steam condenses on the skin, forming water. When ozone contacts this water, it creates Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). The heat opens skin pores, allowing the peroxide to penetrate the outer layers (dermis).
Here’s the key difference: the Hydrogen Peroxide then breaks down, releasing a single Oxygen atom (O1). This single oxygen atom is a powerful oxidant, up to 3000 times stronger than regular oxygen. These atoms attach to red blood cells and are transported throughout the body.
Ozone Therapy is not about inhaling ozone – this is a big no-no. This therapy medium is regarded as a safe treatment with primarily detoxification-related side effects.
“The idea is that ozone’s unique properties can, essentially, give your immune system a gentle nudge, help your blood circulate better, fight off unwanted invaders like bacteria and viruses and calm down inflammation. While research is ongoing, people are exploring Ozone Therapy to assist with things like soothing aches and pains, fighting off infections, improving circulation, boosting immune system and speeding up wound healing,” says Nerina Moodley, certified Ozone Therapy Practitioner at Ikigai Awakenings in Johannesburg.
Ozone Therapy differs from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The latter involves placing a person in a pressurized chamber and delivering medical-grade oxygen. The increased pressure forces oxygen through the skin and directly into the bloodstream. While this method increases blood oxygen levels, it can have potential side effects and requires administration by trained professionals in medically approved chambers, often at a significant cost. Ultimately, it delivers concentrated oxygen to assist bodily functions.
Important things to keep in mind:
Ozone Therapy is certainly not a DIY situation. You need to find a qualified healthcare professional. The team at Ikigai Awakenings in Fourways carries a certified wellness practitioner who administers the treatment. While it’s promising, it’s not a magic bullet and it’s always best to talk to your doctor before trying any new therapy.
Where to learn more:
Contact Ikigai Awakenings, located at the Centre for Holistic Health in Fourways for more information about the treatment
