Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine
interventional natural medicine for rapid, lasting health
Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine
#120 - 12011 Second Ave
Richmond, BC
V7E 3L6
(604) 275 - 0163
(604) 677 - 5910 (fax)
The information presented within this web site is solely for education. It is copyrighted and protected as intellectual property. As all physicians have their unique opinions, this information is not to be taken as the opinion of any association or regulatory body. This website is not a substitute for personalized care by Dr Eric Chan or Dr Tawnya Ward; liability is excluded for misuse.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ozone Therapy
This FAQ is designed to help you understand how ozone therapy may help patients with:
- cardiovascular disease (especially angina)
- chronic fatigue/pain (poor oxygen utilization)
- allergies and sensitivities
What is ozone?
Ozone is an energized form of oxygen that is highly reactive. The oxygen that we breathe is actually two molecules of oxygen bonded to each other. Ozone is made from medical oxygen and a machine that provides electrical energy. Ozone is actually three molecules of oxygen bonded to each other.
What is ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy is a simple naturopathic medical procedure that improves both circulation and utilization of oxygen by the tissues. Circulation is improved as ozone decreases the thickness and viscosity of the blood, and may stimulate dilation and relaxation of the artery walls. This can help compensate for blockages in the arteries from fats (atheromatous plaques).
Ozone also has very well-defined effects on the immune system, particularly by regulating the activity of the white blood cells. This makes it extremely useful in allergic and autoimmune conditions.
The naturopathic procedure is similar to an IV treatment. A small amount of blood, roughly 250 mls, is removed into disposable sterile containers. While this is occurring, the ozone is added to the blood. After a short period of mixing, the blood is reinfused.
How long does the procedure take? Does it hurt?
It can take between 30-45 minutes. Aside from the initial small needle stick, there is no pain.
How does ozone therapy work as a natural way of treating heart disease and chronic fatigue?
Ozone therapy strongly stimulates both proper circulation (delivery of oxygen), and proper energy generation (utilization of oxygen). The cells in your body, including the heart (angina), muscles (claudication pain) generate their own energy for use. Oxygen is vital to this process. If the cells can generate enough energy, there will be less fatigue and less pain. Ozone helps with both oxygen delivery and with the way the cells use oxygen once it has been delivered.
Many patients find:
- less medication is required
- they can do much more physical activity (walking, exercise, gardening)
- they can think much more clearly
- life becomes more normal
How does ozone therapy work as a natural way of treating allergies and sensitivities?
When ozone is added to the blood, it also has effects on the immune cells (white blood cells). Ozone increases the chemicals that immune cells use to communicate with each other. IL-6, IL-12, IFN are all increased. The orchestra of chemicals that is stimulated communicates a rebalancing of the immune system once the blood is reinfused.
How long does it take to feel better?
A typical course of ozone therapy lasts 6-10 treatments, given once to twice a week. Most patients begin to feel better after the 2nd or 3rd treatment.
Does it have to be repeated, or does the effect wear off?
Usually not, especially if nutritional and toxic factors are addressed as well. Occasionally a single touch up treatment is requested every 4-8 weeks, if the condition has been very chronic.
How do I know if I qualify for ozone therapy?
Call our office at 604-275-0163 to schedule an initial consultation. Dr Chan or Dr Ward will go over your medical history in detail and complete necessary physical exams, lab tests. Generally, if you are looking for a naturopathic alternative to drugs for:
- angina
- fatigue
- poor circulation
- allergies and sensitivities
- cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure
you may want to consider ozone therapy.
Are there any negatives to ozone therapy?
A study in Germany showed that ozone is one of the safest medical therapies. There is a slight possibility of allergy to heparin, though this is a commonly used blood thinner. Some patients do not like the site of their own blood, but they quickly become accustomed to this.
What does ozone therapy cost?
$110 per treatment.
What are my other naturopathic treatment options?
Dr Chan or Dr Ward will discuss the most appropriate naturopathic procedures for your condition with you. For cardiovascular disease, chelation therapy or plaque-ex may also be an option. These tend to work slightly slower than ozone therapy, so ozone therapy is better if you have significant symptoms. Naturopathic medicine is general in nature and thus diet, lifestyle, nutritional, and toxic factors will be discussed. This helps to maintain the benefits from ozone therapy.
What advantages does ozone therapy have over other options?
Ozone therapy is one of the fastest ways for patients with cardiovascular disease, fatigue, or allergies/sensitivities to feel better. It is less expensive than invasive procedures such as by-pass or angioplasty. Ozone therapy does not require any recovery time and in fact most patients feel better and younger after treatment. They can drive themselves home after treatment.
