Author | Prof. M. Nabil Mawsouf |
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Ozone is oxygen with 3 atoms (O3). In nature it is created by the action of ultraviolet rays on atmospheric oxygen 20 to 30 kilometers from earth surface to form ozone layer. It is also generated by the action of the high voltage of thunder (lightning) on atmospheric oxygen near earth. This explains the fresh air that we smell following rain. In addition, ozone is generated by the action of sea waves on oxygen at the sea-shore with the characteristic smell.
Medical Ozone is a mixture of pure ozone gas (0.05 – 5 %) and pure oxygen (99.95 – 95 %). It is generated from pure medical oxygen by medical ozone generators. These generators work by exposing oxygen to high voltage. Medical ozone has many benefits not only in treating diseases but also in athletes.
What can Ozone do (generally speaking)?
- Inactivates Viruses, Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi, Parasites and Protozoa
- Stimulates Immune System, Speeds Healing
- Cleans Arteries and Veins, Improving Circulation
- Purifies the Blood and Lymph
- Oxidizes Toxins, Facilitating their Excretion
- Normalizes hormone and Enzyme Production
- Reduces Inflammation
- Reduces Pain, Calm nerves
- Reduces Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Improves Brain function and Memory
- Scavenges Free Radicals
- Chalets Heavy Metal, working well in conjunction with EDTA
- Stimulates production of Protective Enzymes
Ozone and Athletes
Exercises are considered as aerobic and anaerobic activities in which fatigue occurs by consuming much of ATP and forming lactic acid in muscles and blood that requires recovery to be able to resume work. The fatigue and time of recovery are problems have been noticed and they affect the athletic performance level.
Ozone therapy is a safe and effective agent and has great benefit in athletes. It is effective in enhancing the performance and in reducing the recovery period.
What are the medical ozone benefits for athletes?
- Increases tissue oxygenation
- Increases production of ATP resulting in more energy and faster recovery
- Delays the onset of anaerobic fermentation of sugar in the cell reducing lactic acid buildup
- Oxidizes lactic acid, helping prevent sore muscles
- Reduces swelling, bruising and pain from injuries and speed healing
- Prevents and treat colds and flu and enhances immunity
- Eliminates need for antibiotics, protecting intestinal flora
- Increases hormone production to optimum levels, eliminating need for artificial steroids
Ozone is not a prohibited stimulant if used by the proper way of administration (rectal insufflations & Steam Bath)
Ozone Steam Bath
One of the methods of application that is suitable for athletes. In this device the heat and humidity is not the main method of treatment but they are a tool for the treating gases to be delivered to the tissues
Medical ozone has been proved that it is absorbed through the skin. This, together with the non-specific heat stimulation produces considerable hyperemia. According to Kunzmann treatment of the whole body for 30minutes in an ozone cabin increases the oxygen partial pressure of the peripheral venous blood up to 25%.
Ozone steam bath is suitable for conditions with or general reduction of oxidation processes in the tissues, e.g. degenerative disorders of the blood vessels, the connective tissue, the locomotor’s system, the parenchyma and CNS and prophylactically in fatigue and stress.
Ultraviolet Irradiation is emitted when the unstable oxygen compound O3 is dissociated. The radiation acts on the epidermis and on the deeper layers of the skin, where it contributes to the production of protective agents, hormones and vitamins.
It was found that heat and humidity of ozone steam bath increase the nuclear body temperature by 2 °C on an average due to cessation of heat output (hyperthermia). This causes perspiration with excretion of organic acids and end products of metabolism i.e. an increased output of waste products. In addition to this external effect, the internal effect of perspiration increases metabolism with functional stimulation of all organs. The combined ozone-oxygen-hyperthermia treatment results in a lasting relaxation of muscles. Quite remarkably, spastic and stiff limbs can be moved after a few minutes treatment, often without pain.
There are many factors that enhance ozone absorption through the Skin. These include the heat and humidity, high solubility in H2O, area of Skin exposed, formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid oxidation products (LOPs). Ozone dissolves in water-sebum film overlying the outer layer of the stratum corneum and reacts immediately with poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUSFAs) generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) among which H2O2 and LOPs. These compounds can be partly absorbed and pass through the transcutaeneous barrier, facilitated by the intense vasodilatation induced by the steam bath.
Both lymphatic and venous capillaries can rapidly transfer LOPs into the general circulation to produce its beneficial effects.
Ozone Rectal Insufflation
Another method of application that is not prohibited to be used by athletes. Medical ozone is delivered by giving a calculated amount and concentration by a catheter through the rectum.
Ozone contraindications: Ozone should never be used in Thyrotoxicosis and Fafism.
Ozone contra-applications: Ozone should never be given by inhalation or direct intravenous root.
Ozone side effects: Ozone is the safest line of treatment known in history provided that it is used properly by the experienced doctors.
Prof. M. Nabil Mawsouf
Professor of Pain Management and Head of Ozone Therapy Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University
President of The Egyptian Medical Society of Ozone Therapy and Complementary Medicine