Ozone Sauna Therapy

Google “ozone therapy”, and one of the top results will be for ozone saunas. There are several ways to effectively administer ozone therapy, and we have explanations and protocols for all of them. But what about ozone saunas? If they're popular enough to be one of the top hits on Google, they're worth evaluating. 

What are ozone saunas? 

An ozone sauna can be either a hard chamber or a “tent” made of PVC and nylon. It’s designed so the user’s head sticks out to avoid any chance of ozone inhalation. Ozone is pumped into the sauna via an ozone generator while the sauna is filled with hot steam between 103-112° Fahrenheit. Once the sauna chamber or tent reaches the optimal temperature, the user climbs in. A typical session lasts between 20-30 minutes.

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Benefits of an Ozone Sauna

We try to offer a little explanation of how ozone works in each of our articles. But in case you haven’t seen any of those, here’s a refresher: the third oxygen atom in ozone molecules, when correctly administered, has the ability to bond with your body’s cells and enhance the way they work. It’s not a drug that forces something to happen in your body. Instead, it works with your body’s natural functions to:

• Improve oxygen efficiency,
• Regulate the immune system,
• Optimize blood circulation 
• Encourage the body’s natural detoxification ability
• Reduce inflammation 
• Rejuvenate the skin and healing
• Improve lymphatic flow

Uses for Ozone Saunas

• Beauty Care - Ozone saunas rejuvenate skin, regenerate collagen, and have an anti-aging effect
• Skin Issues - Help eliminate infections and speed healing
• Chronic Disease - May be useful in some chronic disease by improving oxygenation and detox
• Detoxification - Help eliminate toxins that build up in the body, making a healthier terrain to age gracefully
• Joint pain - Improve circulation and cut inflammation of a painful joint

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Safety of Ozone Saunas

The safety of ozone therapy has been well established through extensive research in the USA, Europe, and Cuba.  It has demonstrated a lower adverse event rate than the use of aspirin. 

However, you cannot breathe ozone gas due to the lack of antioxidants in your lungs.  Ozone interacts directly with the lungs, causing irritation.  But it can be safely applied to other parts of the body.  

More specifically on ozone saunas, Dr. Emma Borrelli wrote in one study: 

“It is useful to remember that oxygen-ozone for topical cutaneous use, by applying bags to the lower limbs in case of atrophic ulcers and in localized infections, is used by many decades in Europe, and that during these treatments no skin damage has ever been reported due to the contact of ozone with the skin.”

Does an Ozone Sauna Benefit the Entire Body?

In the very recent past, most believed ozone was unable to penetrate the skin layer unless the skin was already opened with a wound, burn or something similar (which is how ozone limb bagging and ozone cupping work). 

But ozone sauna proponents claim that the heat and humidity from the steam opens the pores of your skin, allowing your skin to absorb the systemic benefits of ozone into your body.

Research in this area is still needed.  While there is some indication of a full body benefit, it doesn’t appear to be a replacement for IV ozone, rectal ozone therapy, or vaginal insufflation.

Reading between the lines of the research and anecdotal reports, ozone saunas appear to help with detox better than a standard sauna.

Dr. Emma Borrelli, a scientist who studied directly under Dr. Velio Bocci — the father of ozone therapy — wrote an interesting study on the use of ozone saunas.  

“its use appears promising in the course of:

a. diseases of the musculoskeletal system

b. as an immune adjuvant in neoplasms

c. peripheral arteriopathies

d. ulcers

e. dermatitis, psoriasis, high severity lipodystrophy

f. chronic degenerative diseases (COPD, neurodegenerative

diseases)”

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Within the study she was able to verify an increase of oxygenation within her subjects’ bodies along with the antioxidant parameters, which is similar to other forms of ozone therapy.

The ozone itself didn’t pass through their skin. Instead it was the created compounds (lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species) that passed through the skin and were absorbed by the body, causing a positive systemic reaction.

Research is still needed on ozone saunas and is somewhat inconclusive. At this time, we do not believe it is a replacement for IV, rectal, or vaginal ozone therapies because those are proven in their mechanism and benefits.

However, ozone saunas may have a greater effect on anti-aging and beauty care for the skin.

Problems with Some “Ozone Sauna” Equipment

One issue with ozone is that it is unstable and wants to revert back into oxygen.  This happens relatively quickly at room temperature.  Every 30 minutes the strength of the ozone is reduced by 50%.  

The more heat and humidity present, the faster the ozone will revert to oxygen.

Ozone breaks down in temperatures higher than mid-90s Fahrenheit, and ozone production is reduced when the humidity is more than 60%. 

An ozone sauna has a relatively tremendous amount of heat and humidity, so it’s important to have the right balance, such as in the HOCATT. Otherwise none of the ozone will reach the skin. 

At this time (2022) we have to develop more research to determine the optimal piece of equipment for an ozone sauna.  However, we want to let you know that not all ozone saunas actually deliver ozone to the skin.

As of now, we believe a standard portable sauna with a medical grade ozone generator is the best route.

Side Effects

While there isn’t any official documentation on the side effects of an ozone sauna, no harm has been reported.  These are things you may experience with an ozone sauna:

• Rashes
• Itching
• Pimples

Typically, these responses from an ozone sauna stem from one of two things: 

1. A detoxification effect, where your skin is trying to eliminate the toxicity built up in your body. 
2.  Ozone sauna therapy sessions that are too frequent or long.  

You can reduce the frequency and duration to avoid these effects.  If it’s too uncomfortable, you can discontinue altogether.

Cost of an Ozone Sauna Therapy Session

Ozone sauna therapy sessions are commonplace in beauty spas and medical centers.  Typically you will see a price range of $50 - $150, but it may venture outside of that depending on where you’re located and the type of facility you’re in.

Cost of Ozone Sauna Therapy Equipment

As of now, the total cost of getting set up with ozone therapy equipment is about $3,000 - $15,000 depending on the ozone sauna you get.

Protocols and precautions for ozone sauna therapy 

Protocol

There is no official documentation by the scientific ozone organizations on how frequently to do ozone sauna therapy.  However, a general consensus of clinical application includes:

• Up to 2-3x per week.  There is still benefit in any amount of ozone sauna therapy but it compounds with at least 6-10 treatments.
• 20-30 minutes per session

Precautions

• Don’t breathe ozone.  Wear a carbon basked mask to avoid inhaling the ozone during your ozone sauna session. 
• If a skin rash, itching, or pimples are found, reduce the frequency or duration of your sessions.  If your symptoms are severe, discontinue until they subside.  Most likely, your body is detoxing built up toxicity. 

Final thoughts 

A lot of research is still needed before we can officially dub ozone sauna therapy as truly systemic. That being said, there is an ocean of anecdotal evidence declaring that ozone saunas offer systemic benefits. And Dr. Borrelli’s study seems to indicate the same. 

But whether or not it’s truly a systemic therapy, the way that ozone saunas benefit your skin and health are undeniable. As with every therapy on this website, this is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before attempting this or any other ozone therapy. 

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