With the flu season come fevers, body aches, congestion, and fatigue that have many going out of their way to seek effective remedies for symptomatic relief. Besides the more usual treatments involving over-the-counter medications and antiviral drugs, alternative therapies that are currently being considered as giving symptomatic relief to flu patients include something known as ozone therapy. Ozone therapy is one alternative treatment that is a natural, non-pharmacological modality using ozone gas to induce healing and immunological responses. The use of ozone therapy for flu symptom relief can actually help to reduce the severity of symptoms and get you feeling better faster.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy is a medical procedure that involves the administration of medical-grade ozone gas, a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, to augment the body’s natural healing processes. Over the years, ozone, an organic gas, has been applied in medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions ranging from infections to chronic ailments. Ozone therapy, when carried out under controlled conditions by a professional, is administered through a number of routes that include the following:
Intravenous Ozone Therapy
A small amount of the patient’s blood is taken, combined with ozone, and then returned to the patient.
Ozone Sauna Therapy
Ozone is absorbed through the skin in a sauna-like environment.
The Science Behind Ozone Therapy for Flu Relief
The flu, caused by influenza viruses, is characterized by inflammation, immune system activation, and oxidative stress. Ozone therapy may offer relief in the following ways:
Immune System Stimulation
It has been found that ozone therapy can modulate the immune response to be more effective in combating infection. The application of ozone to the body increases the levels of cytokines, which are proteins that control immune activity. This might fortify the body’s actions against the influenza virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms.
Better Use of Oxygen
Symptoms of flu, including general fatigue and muscle aches, relate to reduced oxygen availability to tissues. Ozone therapy improves cellular oxygen utilization by increasing the efficiency of the mitochondrial function powerhouse of the cell. This will help in reducing symptoms such as lethargy and body pain, therefore restoring energy levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is one of the major hallmarks of the flu that causes fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It has been noted that ozone therapy reduces inflammation by balancing the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. This may further provide quick relief from discomfort and swelling related to the flu.
Antimicrobial Effects
Ozone is an effective antimicrobial agent that can inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi. What that means is that ozone is able to cause disruptions in viruses, thereby making them inactive.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy for Flu Relief
There are many benefits to using Ozone Therapy for flu relief.
Drug-Free Approach
Ozone therapy offers treatment without the risk of side effects or interactions with other medications, making it a safe and effective option.
Immune Support
Ozone strengthens the immune system of a patient; hence, other than treating the symptoms, it treats the root cause of the flu.
Other Benefits
Other holistic benefits of ozone therapy include increased energy, improved circulation, and detoxification, in addition to flu symptom relief. By enhancing immune system function and reducing inflammation associated with the flu, ozone therapy helps shorten recovery time and accelerates healing.
The Procedure: What to Expect from Ozone Therapy
If you are looking to try ozone therapy for the relief of flu symptoms, here is what you can expect:
Initial Assessment
The practitioner will assess your medical history, current symptoms, and general health to decide if ozone therapy is appropriate for you.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your specific needs, the practitioner will determine which way ozone is administered.
Therapy Session
The actual treatment is relatively painless and non-invasive. On average, if it includes intravenous ozone therapy, it may take 30-60 minutes.
Follow-up Care
Many people don’t experience any significant downtime from an ozone treatment. Some find themselves immediately energized, whereas for others, this increase in energy is more gradual.
If you are interested in learning more about how ozone therapy can help relieve flu symptoms, call the offices of Nenergy Boost today at (424) 485-0627 and we will be happy to help you!