We all aim to keep our bodies healthy and resilient, particularly when dealing with illness or fatigue. But what if one of the most powerful tools for healing is something we often overlook — oxygen? Oxygen is crucial for life, yet its potential to enhance our immune system and support recovery is frequently ignored. In recent years, ozone therapy, a form of oxygen treatment, has become popular for its ability to boost immunity and promote holistic healing. We spoke to our expert Dr Mili Shah, Ozone Therapy, Torus Health, who explained how this innovative approach can help rejuvenate the body, improve well-being, and support recovery from various health conditions.
Harnessing Oxygen for Holistic Healing
“Oxygenation might sound intimidating, but it is simply the process of treating a patient with oxygen or combining medication or other substances with oxygen. Ozone therapy stands out as a powerful and active form of O₂ among the various oxygenation therapies,” said Dr Shah. This therapy helps stimulate the immune system and enhances antioxidant defence mechanisms, making it a promising option for those seeking holistic healing.
Oxygen is essential to the human body, playing a critical role in burning fuel to release energy. Without oxygen, cellular functions falter, leading to the eventual death of cells. Diseases often target vital organs, reducing oxygen levels and impairing the body's ability to function.
Oxygenation is particularly important for conditions that cause low blood oxygen levels, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses. According to a 2017 study, ozone therapy has shown significant benefits for diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic wounds, and peripheral vascular disease, making it particularly common in these treatment areas.
Also Read: Ozone Therapy Can Ease Condition of TB Patients, Says Expert
Benefits Of Ozone Therapy For Overall Health
- Monitoring Blood Oxygen Levels: "Blood oxygen levels indicate how well oxygen is distributed from the lungs to the cells. The normal range for blood oxygen levels is between 75-100 millimetres of mercury. Monitoring these levels is crucial, as they reflect the efficiency of oxygen delivery throughout the body,” added Dr Shah.
- Respiratory Relief: Proper oxygenation is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. If you experience shortness of breath or breathlessness, oxygen therapy can be a go-to solution. While it may not immediately eliminate symptoms, it can significantly reduce their severity, especially in patients with lung disease.
- Maximising Physical Performance: The benefits of oxygenation extend far beyond respiratory relief. Oxygenation maximises physical performance, maintains healthy muscles, and reduces delayed onset muscle soreness.
- Faster Healing and Immune System Boost: It enhances blood flow to tissues, promoting faster healing and recovery. By stimulating the immune system, oxygenation helps the body defend against infections and diseases.
- Supporting Metabolism: Additionally, oxygen therapy supports metabolic processes, aiding in weight management and overall energy levels, and often results in quicker recovery times for patients.
- Boost Energy Levels: Oxygenation also enables individuals to maintain an active lifestyle by improving endurance and reducing fatigue. By improving oxygen delivery, oxygenation alleviates stress on other organs, promoting overall health.
- Oxygenation’s Role in Cancer Treatment: "Research suggests that oxygenation can even play a role in cancer treatment. When administered alongside chemotherapy and radiation, oxygen therapy helps kill cancer cells by acting as a radio-sensitising and chemo-sensitising agent. It also soothes symptoms, enhancing the patient's quality of life," said Dr Shah.
- Preventing Circulatory Complications: For those with diabetes, oxygenation ensures that oxygen reaches all bodily tissues, including plasma and lymph, supporting the natural healing process. This is particularly important for preventing complications associated with poor circulation.
Enhancing Oxygenation Amid Environmental Challenges
"Several environmental factors can influence oxygenation, including heat, cold, and air pollution. Patients exposed to harsh environmental conditions are at an increased risk of altered oxygenation, making it essential to consider these factors when undergoing therapy," said Dr Shah.
Oxygenation can be sourced through various methods, including air liquefaction, pressure swing adsorption, and oxygen concentrators. Key components of oxygenation include perfusion, oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation, tissue oxygen affinity, partial pressure of oxygen (Po₂), and oxygen content in the blood.
The oxygenation process involves three primary steps:
- Oxygenation: It is the initial process of increasing oxygen levels in the body
- Oxygen delivery: This ensures that oxygen reaches all body parts, including vital organs
- Oxygen consumption: It is the use of oxygen by cells to produce energy
“Oxygenation is controlled by positive end-expiratory pressure and the fraction of inspired oxygen. While ventilation, which involves the removal of carbon dioxide, is regulated by tidal volume and respiratory rate. Both processes are essential for maintaining proper respiratory function,” added Dr Shah.
Myths About Ozone Therapy
Oxygenation should only be performed under the supervision of a trained medical professional. While the risks are minimal, improper administration can lead to pulmonary effects within 24 hours. It is important to dispel common myths surrounding oxygenation.
"For example, some believe that oxygenation will reduce activity levels, but in reality, it increases energy, making individuals more active. Another myth suggests that oxygenation can be addictive, but it is carefully monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure safety. Additionally, contrary to the belief that oxygenation signals the end of life, statistics show that it can improve quality of life and increase longevity," said Dr Shah.
Bottomline
Dr Shah concluded, “Oxygenation, particularly through ozone therapy, offers various benefits for those seeking holistic healing. By enhancing oxygen levels in the body, this therapy supports the immune system, improves circulation, boosts metabolism, and accelerates healing. Always consult a trained medical professional to explore how oxygenation can be integrated into your healthcare regimen.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]