A controlled application of medical-grade ozone-oxygen mixtures to improve oxygen utilization at the cellular level, stimulate immune function, and support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
Medical ozone therapy involves the therapeutic use of ozone (O3), a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, mixed with medical-grade oxygen. When administered in controlled concentrations, ozone triggers a cascade of beneficial biological responses including improved oxygen delivery to tissues, activation of antioxidant defense systems, and modulation of immune function.
At St. George Hospital, ozone therapy has been used for over three decades as part of integrative treatment protocols. It can be administered via major autohemotherapy (mixing ozone with the patient’s blood), minor autohemotherapy, rectal insufflation, or local application, depending on the clinical indication.
When ozone contacts blood or tissues, it reacts instantly with biomolecules to form reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid oxidation products (LOPs). At therapeutic doses, these act as signaling molecules that upregulate the body’s own antioxidant systems (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells by increasing 2,3-DPG levels.
The immune-modulatory effects include activation of monocytes and lymphocytes, increased production of interferons and interleukins, and enhanced phagocytic activity. These mechanisms contribute to improved tissue oxygenation, anti-infective activity, and reduction of chronic oxidative stress.
Ozone therapy is prescribed based on your diagnosis and treatment goals. Our physicians will determine the appropriate method and dosing protocol.
For major autohemotherapy, approximately 100-200 mL of blood is drawn, mixed with a precise concentration of ozone-oxygen, and reinfused. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is performed in a comfortable treatment setting. Rectal insufflation is a simpler procedure lasting 5-10 minutes. Most patients tolerate ozone therapy well with no significant side effects. Sessions are typically performed several times per week during an inpatient program.
Medical ozone therapy has been practiced in Europe for over 50 years. Published research in journals including Medical Gas Research, the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, and Frontiers in Chemistry supports its mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Ozone therapy is recognized by the German Medical Association and is widely used in European integrative medicine. When administered by trained professionals using calibrated medical ozone generators, the therapy has a very low rate of adverse events. It is contraindicated in G6PD deficiency, hyperthyroidism, and acute cardiovascular instability.
Contact our medical team to discuss whether ozone therapy may support your treatment plan.
