In our life on Earth, everything relies entirely on the presence of oxygen. We can survive for days without food and water, but without oxygen, life ends within minutes. Since our bodies cannot store oxygen like food, we must absorb oxygen throughout our lives. Interestingly, although oxygen is so essential to life, it also leads to the formation of oxidative (harmful) oxygen radicals that underlie disease and aging processes. This is why scientists call oxygen a "vital poison." We cannot live without oxygen, but we also need to protect ourselves from the damage caused by the radicals it creates. For this reason, our bodies have an "antioxidant" defense system that neutralizes these radicals.

Ozone therapy effectively supports this protective system by both increasing the use of oxygen in the tissues and helping to neutralize the harmful oxygen radicals that are created. We have been researching ozone therapy for years. When used correctly and patients are carefully selected, ozone therapy will in many cases produce encouraging results as an adjunct to treatment for various diseases.

Ozone therapy plays an important role in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases, particularly in applications that use the patient's own blood intravenously. At the same time, it regulates the immune system, also protecting against harmful bacteria and viruses with its cleansing properties. This aspect of ozone therapy is particularly useful for people who often suffer from illnesses such as flu, colds and runny noses during the winter months and during the changes of seasons. The application of ozone to joints and muscles loosens these areas and leads to pain relief and relaxation. This method can be used in particular for herniated discs, muscle atrophy and joint tension.

What is ozone?

Ozone is a gas that consists of three oxygen atoms and exists in a gaseous state. In contrast to the stable oxygen molecule (O2), ozone (O3) is an unstable molecule. It was discovered in 1839 by the German chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein. In the first years after its discovery, it was mainly used for disinfection purposes. In 1860, ozone began to be used for disinfection in Monaco's water treatment plants. The disinfecting effect of ozone is based on its strong oxidizing properties. It not only kills viruses and bacteria, but can also oxidize all microorganisms and toxins.

Ozone is a colorless gas with a characteristic odor (it is detected after stormy weather, at higher altitudes or on coasts). Its name comes from the Greek and means "to smell." Due to its strong oxidizing and disinfecting properties, it continues to be used in water treatment plants around the world that supply drinking water.

Especially in long-term diseases such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, the antioxidant defense system is weakened. Ozone therapy strengthens this system by helping to combat the effects of harmful oxygen radicals.

The production and use of ozone:

Ozone is produced from oxygen by generators. In ozone applications, where inhalation of ozone is toxic, it is important to adjust the dosage correctly. Through the dosage, different purposes such as antioxidant, disinfectant, immune stimulating or suppressing and circulation-enhancing effects can be achieved. Another important point in ozone therapy is the material used. Ozone can only be applied using materials such as stainless steel, borosilicate glass, polyethylene, polypropylene and Teflon. The use of PVC or DEHP-containing materials can lead to serious health problems. In addition, sterility and antiseptics must be observed during application and appropriate sterile filters should be used.

Applications of ozone therapy:

- Major ozone therapy: This is the most common method of application. It involves taking 100-200 ml of blood from the patient, mixing it with a fixed dose of ozone and then giving it back to the patient intravenously.
- Minor ozone therapy: Here, 2-5 ml of blood is taken from the patient, mixed with a fixed dose of ozone and then administered intramuscularly.
- Ozone application in body cavities: Ozone can be applied rectally or vaginally or by spraying into the ear canal.
- Ozone application in joints and muscles: In diseases of the musculoskeletal system, ozone injections are used in joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles to relieve pain and control inflammation.

Areas of application of ozone therapy:

According to the Madrid Declaration, the indications for ozone therapy can be divided into two main categories:

Diseases where ozone therapy has been successful:

- Fistulas and abscesses, infected wounds, decubitus ulcers, chronic ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and burns
- Advanced ischemic diseases (circulatory disorders) (Buerger's disease, ischemic heart disease)
- Lumbar and cervical disc herniations
- Age-related macular degeneration (dry type)
- Local calcifications
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Tooth root caries in children
- Recurrent or persistent infections in the mouth
- Bartholin abscesses or vaginal candidiasis
- Vasculitides (Raynaud's disease, Behçet's disease, FMF)
- Antibiotic-resistant infections (hepatitis, HIV, herpes, zoster, papillomavirus, candida infections)

Diseases in which ozone therapy supports modern treatment:

- Together with chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, early Parkinson's disease)
- Pulmonary diseases (asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
- Skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis)

Conditions in which ozone therapy should not be performed:

Absolutely contraindicated:

- Favism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency)
- Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Leukemia

Use with caution:

- Acute bleeding (not within 3 weeks after heart attack or bleeding-related stroke)
- Pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)
- Blood clotting disorders
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
- Patients with reduced antioxidant protection
- Patients with organ transplants


Duration of ozone therapy:

Typically, 15-20 sessions are performed once or twice a week. Treatment can be done daily as needed. The patient is considered to be cured between the 5th and 10th sessions, and after the 12th session, the antioxidant defense mechanisms are considered to be activated.

Interactions with medications during ozone therapy:

Patients receiving antioxidant therapies such as vitamin C or glutamate should not take them at the same time as ozone therapy. There should be at least 4 hours between doses.

Diabetics taking insulin or oral blood sugar lowering medications should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly during ozone therapy and take the medication either 4 hours before or after ozone therapy.

Patients taking antihypertensive medications should take their medications either 4 hours before or after ozone therapy.

Patients taking blood thinning medications should inform their doctor about ozone therapy.

Examples of clinical situations in which ozone therapy is used:

Due to the strengthening of the immune system, ozone therapy is often used in inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. High effectiveness is reported, especially in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and accompanying intestinal inflammation.

The elimination of circulatory disorders and the increase in the oxygen supply to the tissue in the case of impaired wound healing due to circulatory disorders are important advantages of ozone therapy. Non-healing wounds due to diabetes mellitus also fall within the scope of ozone therapy.

Due to increased oxygen supply, improved blood flow and removal of oxidative substances, ozone therapy has been shown to have positive effects on controlling fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It helps relieve pain and fatigue and regulates sleep.

In the case of problems of the musculoskeletal system such as herniated discs in the lumbar and cervical spine as well as joint diseases (such as calcifications), both ozonation of the blood and ozone therapy around and in the joints contribute to long-term improvement.

By increasing the antioxidant capacity, migraines and headaches can also be treated with ozone therapy. The combination with acupuncture in particular shows very good results.

In addition to treating diseases, ozone therapy also plays a role in a healthy lifestyle and anti-aging measures. In addition to changing your diet and regular exercise, regular ozone therapy leads to noticeable improvements. It not only enables a better sense of well-being, but also prevents the development of diseases. For example, for patients who suffer particularly from seasonal changes, especially those with allergic reactions during seasonal changes, it is a practical treatment method that has both a preventive and symptom-relieving effect.

Ozone therapy has been used successfully around the world for over 40 years. The "large autologous blood treatment" used in the Dr. Katmer Health Center practice, specifically hyperbaric ozone therapy, is the most effective form of treatment. The treatment of many, even the most serious, illnesses has shown positive results.

Ozone therapy is a natural treatment method that can significantly shorten or even prevent many disease processes. The intensive effect on improving blood circulation through ozone/oxygen therapy is further supported by multiple reactions to numerous disease factors.

Ozone treatment is used primarily for peripheral and central circulatory disorders, eye diseases caused by circulatory disorders, migraines, dizziness, sudden hearing loss and tinnitus. It is also successful in treating arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia and gout, and liver damage. Another therapeutic field is revitalization in cases of tumor disease or serious illness. Due to the proven effect on the immune system, ozone therapy is successful in all cases of stress and other lifestyles that put strain on the immune system.

In short, ozone/oxygen therapy heals naturally and leads to well-being.

application areas

General immune deficiency with susceptibility to infection

Acute and chronic inflammation

Revitalization for weak performance and fatigue

Autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatism, Crohn’s disease)

as a complementary therapy for cancer, also for follow-up treatment

In addition to pain therapy

Circulatory disorders

Metabolic diseases, e.g. lipid metabolism disorders, gout

Liver disease, regardless of the trigger

Retuning treatment for allergies, skin diseases and asthma

How it works

Ozone has different effects depending on the type of application and dosage. In autohemotherapy, ozone activates the immune system, which is then stimulated to produce more messenger substances (e.g. interferons, interleukins). At the same time, ozone activates enzymes that neutralize dangerous free radicals. In addition, ozone improves the flow properties of the blood.

execution

During the ozone autohemotherapy, blood is taken from a vein. During the "large" autohemotherapy, up to 200 ml of blood is taken. The blood taken is enriched with ozone in a special device. The ozone is produced electrically in the device from pure oxygen and precisely dosed. You then receive your blood back via the vein. The needle remains in the vein. The entire treatment takes about 20 minutes.

In addition, depending on the indication, there is also a small autohemotherapy treatment in which only a few milliliters of blood are treated with ozone (and possibly mixed with homeopathic preparations) and injected into the muscle. Ozone is also occasionally used externally, e.g. for problems with wound healing, open sores on the legs, etc.

Risks

Ozone autohemotherapy is one of the lowest-risk treatment options in medicine. Good training of the practice team, regular maintenance of the equipment, etc. lead to smooth treatments. A bruise on the vein rarely occurs, as is also the case with other blood draws.

Ozone autohemotherapy is contraindicated if there are coagulation disorders, a heart attack or stroke has occurred in the last 3 months, or untreated hyperthyroidism is present.

What should patients pay attention to?

In ozone autohemotherapy, metabolic processes are set in motion as a stimulus response. It is therefore one of the so-called regulatory treatments. In order to get the body to change its mood, repeated stimuli are required (as in sports training). Therefore, repeated treatments are necessary. Up to 10 treatments are carried out. In order for the treatment to be fully effective, regular cooperation from the patient is required.

Please note that the various ozone therapies are not part of the minimum standard of statutory health insurance. This only covers the costs for “adequate and appropriate care”. Depending on the tariff, private health insurers are usually much more understanding.

If you would like treatment or have any questions about therapy, please contact our practice team!

Ozone therapy

We all know the ozone layer in our atmosphere, which is responsible for the sun's burning rays reaching us. This layer owes its name to the unstable gas ozone, which is formed by the combination of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is essential for our lives and is also used nowadays to treat various diseases and for skin rejuvenation. The use of this gas for therapeutic purposes is called ozone therapy.

One of the most common uses of ozone therapy is anti-aging and skin tightening treatment. However, ozone can also be used as an adjunct method in the treatment of many diseases. The gas used in such procedures is called medical ozone and consists of a mixture of 5% ozone and oxygen.

Methods of ozone therapy

Ozone therapy is used in different ways depending on the needs of the individual or the area affected. These include direct methods such as injecting or absorbing a small amount of ozone into the body vapor, and indirect methods such as allowing ozone to be absorbed by the body.

Major ozone therapy: This is the most common form of ozone therapy. It involves taking 50 to 100 ml of blood from the patient, combining it with a mixture of oxygen and ozone in a special sterile container and then repeatedly injecting the patient. The injection is given either into a vein in the arm or in the buttocks.

Minor ozone therapy: This method is similar to the main ozone therapy, but this time a smaller amount of blood (usually between 5 and 10 ml) is taken and mixed with ozone in a sterile syringe before being returned to the patient. This method is also widely used and is often used on people who do not have any specific complaints but who want to strengthen their immune defenses, for example, especially during the cold seasons or transition periods.

Local ozone therapy: This method is typically used to treat severe muscle pain or cramps, where the ozone is injected directly into the affected muscle or muscle group.

Ozone therapy for joints: In contrast to local ozone therapy, this method is applied directly to problematic joints, especially in joint diseases such as osteoarthritis

Bag method: This method involves the use of ozone-oxygen mixtures that are slowly absorbed into the body by placing special bags around the hands and feet.

Ozone sauna method: This method is used especially for skin rejuvenation and strengthening the immune system and can be considered a cosmetic application. We will have a separate section on the ozone sauna method later in our article.

Benefits of ozone therapy

Especially in applications that use the patient's blood, ozone therapy plays an important role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it strengthens the immune system by killing harmful bacteria and viruses, thus protecting the body from infections. This property of ozone therapy is particularly useful for people who often suffer from colds, flu and other infections during the winter months or transitional periods. Applying ozone to muscles and joints can help relieve pain and promote relaxation. This method can be particularly helpful for muscle calcification and joint stiffness.

The use of ozone therapy as part of anti-aging treatments is closely related to the above benefits. By cleaning the blood vessels and strengthening the immune system, blood circulation is improved, resulting in firmer and more youthful skin. Hardened skin areas become softer and healthier. In addition, the use of ozone during therapy can give the patient a feeling of vitality and energy, which has a positive effect on tiredness, exhaustion and weakness.

Ozone also has a major impact on brain functions. Treatments with ozone can help balance hormone production in the brain and improve certain memory problems. Although it does not provide a solution for clinical forgetfulness due to psychopathological causes, it can be helpful in forgetful conditions caused by aging, fatigue, stress and other factors. In addition, ozone therapy can help relax and manage depression during stressful times.

If you research the internet, you will find that ozone therapy is often mentioned in conjunction with weight loss methods. However, it is important to note that ozone therapy itself does not directly lead to weight loss. No conclusive evidence of a weight-loss effect from ozone applications has been found. Nevertheless, ozone therapy can serve as a supportive weight loss option along with a healthy diet and exercise program, as well as other appropriate methods. The various benefits of ozone therapy, such as cleaning the blood vessels and tightening the skin, can help the weight loss result to affect the body faster. However, it is important to emphasize that ozone therapy should not be considered as a primary method of weight loss, and it is advisable to stay away from centers that claim that ozone alone can lead to weight loss. If you are considering ozone therapy as a supportive weight loss method, ozone sauna application may be the best option for you.

Medical ozone therapy

The first medical use of ozone can be traced back to Dr. Albert Wolff, who treated German soldiers with gangrene and similar serious injuries during World War I. The first major organization to discuss the use of ozone as a therapeutic agent was the 59th meeting of the German Surgical Society, held in Berlin in 1935. Dr. Erwin Payr gave a presentation there entitled "Ozone Applications in Surgery," in which he presented cases from his own practice. From that point on until the 1980s, there were various doctors and researchers who used ozone therapy individually. However, from the 1980s onward, both scientific studies and case series on the medical use of ozone began to increase rapidly. Medical ozone is always used as a mixture of pure ozone and pure oxygen. In this mixture, ozone should be no more than 5% and oxygen should be no less than 95%. An ozone therapist is a medical doctor trained in ozone therapy who determines the dosage depending on the condition of the disease.

Basic principles of medical ozone therapy

Ozone therapy involves the administration of a specific amount of oxygen/ozone mixture to body cavities or the circulatory system. This mixture can be administered intravenously (into the vein), intramuscularly (into the muscle), intraarticularly (into the joint), intrapleurally (into the abdominal cavity), intrarectally (into the rectum), and intradiscally (into the intervertebral discs), as well as topically (on the skin). The classic method of ozone therapy was described by Wolff in 1974. In this method, a specific amount of blood (usually 100 ml) is withdrawn and then exposed to an oxygen/ozone mixture in an ozone-resistant container for 5-10 minutes before it is reintroduced into the person (autohemoterapy). This method is called major autohemoterapy (OHT). Since then, millions of ozone autohemoterapies have been performed.

Since ozone is a reactive molecule used for medical purposes, there are a few things to keep in mind: Ozone should never be administered pure, but always mixed with oxygen in a certain ratio. In this mixture, the oxygen should not be less than 95% and the ozone should not be more than 5%. Normal room air should be avoided getting into this mixture. Ozone-resistant materials (stainless steel, neutral glass and Teflon) should be used throughout the procedure.

Basic philosophy of medical ozone therapy

In our country, the treatment of diseases is based on the "Western medical orthodox" approach, the foundations of which were laid only in the last 50 years. This treatment approach, called modern medicine, aims to eliminate disorders in the human body using "pharmacological molecules-drugs" produced by pharmaceutical companies. Despite the success in treating certain diseases, in recent years, starting from the 1980s, major flaws have appeared in the philosophy of this medical method. This medical method, which does not consider the human body as a whole and treats the diseases in the body only with "fishing", but never teaches to "catch fish", accepts. However, the human body has potentials that can be used to treat diseases.

For example, despite the stunning advances in medicine and technology, the only practice recognized today as extending human lifespan is "fasting and eating little" known as "calorie restriction." No drug (antioxidant, vitamin, mineral) or healthy food (fruits, vegetables, etc.) prolongs human life. Calorie restriction is a treatment approach that activates the human body's own potentials without giving it drugs. The same is true of "exercise and movement." Today, exercise is more effective than drugs for preventing long-term (chronic) diseases such as hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. As can easily be seen, this very important and vital method also does not involve administering drugs to the human body, but rather using its own potentials. Treatment methods that use the human body's own healing potentials are considered holistic medicine.

Ozone therapy is one such treatment method that is based on the two powerful potentials of the human body, the "antioxidant" and "anti-inflammatory" potentials, and strengthens the body by triggering an alarm response to disease. Over the last twenty years, research has shown that ozone therapy supports the human body's own healing potentials in several ways.

The body’s antioxidant defense system

Life on our planet relies entirely on the presence of oxygen. We can survive for days without food and water, but without oxygen, life ends within minutes. Since our bodies cannot store oxygen like food, we must consume oxygen throughout our lives. Interestingly, although oxygen is so essential to life, it also leads to the formation of oxidizing (harmful) oxygen radicals that cause disease and aging. This is why scientists refer to oxygen as a "vital poison." We cannot live without oxygen, but we also need to protect ourselves from the damage caused by the radicals caused by oxygen. This is why our bodies have an "antioxidant" defense system that neutralizes these radicals. Ozone therapy supports this protective system by not only increasing the tissues' use of oxygen, but also helping to neutralize the harmful oxygen radicals that are created.

High-dose ozone therapy (OHT)

This is a further development of the previous ozone-oxygen infusion therapy. The Austrian university lecturer and specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, as well as general practitioner Dr. Lahodny, has expanded the applicability of the previous therapy through self-experimentation and massively increased its effectiveness. This therapy promotes an improvement in capillary blood flow and the body's self-healing, thereby increasing well-being and the body's immune system. Circulatory disorders in particular can be treated, and rheumatic diseases, arthrosis and painful joint diseases can be alleviated in a very short time. Scientific studies are currently underway on the strength of the activation of stem cells from a certain dose. The ozonides and peroxides from the ozone, in combination with the patient's own blood, are the biological active ingredient with health-promoting properties.

Ozone high-dose therapy OHT according to Dr. Lahodny

Every human body is equipped with a huge potential of stem cells and has its own repair workshop. High-dose ozone therapy activates the body's own stem cells. The actual healing is not achieved by ozone, but by the stem cells. Ozone gives all stem cells the command to repair diseased areas in the body. In addition to the repair, a single OHT initiates a general, immediate, complete detoxification of unbound toxins in the body. With the OHT according to Lahodny, a completely new treatment option was created with very good therapeutic results.

Stem cell therapy triggered by high-dose ozone therapy also has a major preventive effect by initiating the healing of asymptomatic, just-incipient diseases that are not yet noticed or noticeable by the patient. OHT therefore rarely causes an outbreak of disease, as unconscious lesions are already repaired in the asymptomatic phase. OHT, which is carried out at 6-month intervals, is an excellent preventive investment in your health.

Proceed

In high-dose ozone therapy (OHT) according to Lahodny, up to 200 ml of blood is taken from the arm vein in a closed system, mixed with ozone and oxygen, shaken and reinfused into the patient. This procedure is repeated 10 times in the same session.

In children, patients with fragile veins and in cases of special therapeutic indications, OHT is performed instead of or even in addition to intestinal insufflation (= intestinal gassing).

indication

Preventive and for virtually every acute and chronic illness.

No success can be achieved in cases of polyneuropathy, tinnitus or sudden hearing loss that occurred more than 8 hours ago.

Contraindications

Menstruation (in this case, OHT by means of intestinal insufflation is used instead).

Acute myocardial infarction, acute cerebral infarction, severe bleeding.

Pregnancy: 0 – 12 weeks and 4 weeks before the due date.

Thyroid diseases: Hashimoto's disease yes, but caution with hyperthyroidism and parathyroidism.

There is still uncertainty regarding transplants.

Side effects

The therapeutic agents used in OHT (ozone and oxygen) do not cause any side effects. However, the following symptoms may occur, especially the first time after OHT therapy, such as internal heat, extreme tiredness as a result of the pronounced detoxification reaction and, in very rare cases, a Herxheimer reaction.

(The Herxheimer reaction is described, for example, in the treatment of spirochete bacteria. The massive decay of large quantities of bacteria after initiation of antibiotic therapy, or in this case ozone, leads to the release of bacterial endotoxin, which leads to the release of inflammatory mediators. This can lead to high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea and skin rashes. The symptoms usually last from a few hours to several days.)

Preliminary discussion

The following topics will be addressed in a preliminary interview:

Question about taking medication such as blood pressure lowering medication, antibiotics, blood thinners (Marcoumar, Xarelto, Aspirin) etc.

Questions about illnesses such as high or low blood pressure, anemia, allergies.

Information about blood thinning with heparin during high-dose ozone therapy: To ensure that the blood can be easily drawn from the body and then mixed with ozone and returned to the bloodstream without clumping, around 7500 IU of heparin is added to the blood at the beginning of the first run. At the end of the OHT session, you will receive a pressure bandage that will be labeled with the dose, the name of the medication, and the date and time of heparin administration. You must wear this bandage until 8 a.m. the following morning. This is a precautionary measure: if something happens to you, such as an accident or a fall, the medical staff will be informed that you have had blood thinning.

Preparation

Fluid intake: Within 1/2 hour before the OHT session, drink at least 0.75 liters of fluid (water or unsweetened tea) and again in the practice at least another 0.75 liters of fluid. High-dose ozone therapy only works optimally if you have consumed enough fluids. Going to the toilet: before starting high-dose ozone therapy, your bladder should be empty.

Length of time

A high-dose ozone therapy session can last between 50 minutes and 2 hours.

postprocessing

During and up to 4 weeks after high-dose ozone therapy, a sugar, dairy and animal product-free diet must be followed. This is the only way to ensure that the body's own stem cells can work without toxins.

Number of sessions

To get the most out of the treatment, Dr. Lahodny recommends 10 sessions in a row, 1 session per week. For prevention and regular detoxification and elimination from the body, he suggests 3-5 sessions every 6 months.

Cost

A high-dose ozone therapy session is estimated at EUR 350. A high-dose ozone intestinal insufflation session is estimated at EUR 400.

Please also inquire with your supplementary health insurance provider: some insurers reimburse ozone therapy.

From ozone therapy to high-dose ozone therapy:

​The tried and tested ozone therapy has been one of the most successful and well-tolerated natural healing methods for decades: By combining it with blood, an oxygen-ozone mixture is created that cures or significantly improves many illnesses and prevents diseases. Blood is taken from the patient and then enriched with a medical ozone-oxygen mixture. This patient's own ozonated blood is immediately reinfused. Due to the suspected risk of hemolysis (dissolution of blood), which has never been observed, this method has been carried out very carefully internationally, in several sessions per week. But this has changed thanks to Dr. Lahodny's self-experiments.

​Dr. Lahodny found in his own experiments after administering excessive amounts of ozone that no blood dissolution takes place and no side effects occur, which was confirmed by ongoing laboratory tests of the blood. In the high-dose ozone therapy developed by Dr. Lahodny, the blood mixed with ozone can be reinfused up to 10 times or more. Before the therapy, the patient drinks up to 0.75 liters of water or tea. To ensure fluidity during the reinfusion, a blood thinner is used to keep the blood fluid.

With OHT, Dr. Lahodny has discovered a treatment option that can cure many diseases more effectively in just a few days and is effective in tumor therapy.