Ozone Therapy and Its Scientific Foundations

Resumen

In recent years, ozone therapy as an effective therapeutic method has become more developed and well known. Russia and Cuba have recognized it in their legislation; it is regulated in more than 76% of the Autonomous Regions of Spain; and in Italy four Regions have specified the criteria for practicing it, in addition to two favorable court decisions. Ozone therapy is characterized by the simplicity of its application, its great effectiveness, good tolerance, and by the virtual absence of side effects. This document, based on the latest books and scientific articles on the subject, updates the recent findings that justify, from the scientific point of view, the medical use of ozone. For many years the application of ozone in medical practice was not well accepted due to unfounded ideas about its toxicity in relation to the high concentrations used in industry. As with any healing technique, ozone therapy is dependent on the dosage. It is important to understand that in clinical practice the concentrations of ozone are lower than the toxic levels by several orders of magnitude. In this concentration range, the ozone acts as a therapeutic substance and presents immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, bactericide, antiviral, fungicide, analgesic properties and others. There are an increasing number of scientific societies and clinical papers, including meta-analysis studies. At the same time efforts are being reinforced to regularize this medical practice.