Major Autohemotherapy

Major autohemotherapy is the most widely used systemic form of medical ozone therapy. It uses the patient’s own blood (auto-hemo): in a sterile setting and with a special set, a measured amount of blood is drawn, mixed with medical-grade ozone at a precisely set dose, and returned through the same vein.

Ozone therapy is a complementary approach. It does not cure a disease on its own and is not a substitute for medical treatment; its aim is to support the body’s own regulatory mechanisms – antioxidant defences, immune response and oxygen metabolism – and general well-being. It is used in some centres as a supportive treatment alongside conventional care, for example for fatigue, circulation and anti-ageing purposes, although the scientific evidence varies from one use to another. At our clinic in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, every major autohemotherapy plan is made after a medical assessment and tailored to the individual.

What Is Major Autohemotherapy and How Does It Work?

“Major” refers to its systemic effect, as opposed to small local applications; “autohemotherapy” means using one’s own blood for treatment. Pure ozone gas is not injected into the body. Instead, about 100–150 ml of blood is collected in a special ozone-resistant vacuum bottle and mixed with an oxygen–ozone gas mixture produced by a medical ozone generator, at a concentration set by the physician.

Ozone is a highly reactive molecule and reacts with plasma and cell membranes within seconds. The ozone itself is used up immediately, and a series of messenger molecules is formed, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid oxidation products (LOPs). When the ozonated blood is returned, these messengers are thought to trigger a cascade of effects:

• Stimulation of antioxidant defences: the brief, controlled oxidative signal is believed to prompt the body to increase its own antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase – a kind of “training exercise” for its defences against everyday oxidative stress from smoking, pollution and poor diet.
• Oxygen metabolism: it is reported to improve red blood cells’ ability to deliver oxygen to tissues and the flexibility of their membranes.
• Immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects: it is thought to help regulate the immune response and inflammation.

These mechanisms are the basis of its use as a supportive therapy; individual responses differ.

Who Might It Be Suitable For?

Major autohemotherapy is not a “cure-all”. It is a regulatory, supportive method that complements conventional medicine. Before treatment, I take a detailed medical history, review any necessary blood tests and create a protocol only once I am satisfied it is appropriate and safe for you. In clinical practice it is used as a complementary approach in areas such as:

• General well-being and anti-ageing: as part of a healthy-ageing plan, to support antioxidant capacity and help people feel more energetic.
• Fatigue: some people with chronic tiredness report improved energy.
• Immune support: for example in people prone to recurrent infections, alongside their standard care.
• Circulation: as a supportive measure alongside the treatment plan of the relevant specialist.

For any chronic disease – such as autoimmune conditions, heart or vascular disease, diabetes complications or cancer – ozone therapy may only be considered as a complement to, and never a replacement for, treatment by the relevant specialist, and after discussion with them.

How Is Major Autohemotherapy Performed?

Preparation and Consultation: A Safe Start

A detailed physician consultation first determines whether you are suitable. I ask about chronic illnesses, medications, allergies and your general health. Conditions in which ozone therapy should not be used are specifically checked, including the use of blood-thinning medication, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, severe heart failure, pregnancy and G6PD enzyme deficiency (favism). Basic blood tests may be requested. You are informed about the process, expectations and possible effects, and can ask any questions. No special preparation is usually needed, but it is advisable to have eaten and to drink plenty of water beforehand.

The Procedure: Sterile and Controlled

You sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a treatment bed. A suitable vein in your arm is cleaned with an antiseptic and accessed with a sterile needle connected to a special set and an ozone-resistant vacuum glass bottle. About 100–150 ml of blood (adjusted to your weight and condition) flows slowly into the bottle over about 5–10 minutes; this is painless. The bottle is then disconnected while the needle stays in place, and an ozone–oxygen mixture at the planned dose is added with a syringe. The bottle is gently turned for about 30–60 seconds to mix blood and gas thoroughly; the blood turns a brighter red as it is oxygenated. The ozonated blood is then slowly returned through the same vein via an infusion set over about 10–15 minutes. The whole procedure takes about 30–45 minutes, and you remain awake and comfortable.

After the Session and the Course

The needle is removed and a small plaster applied. No special restrictions are usually needed and you can return to daily activities. Some people report feeling more energetic; occasionally, mild tiredness or headache may occur in the first hours, which usually passes with plenty of water.

It is usually given as a course rather than a single session: depending on the goal, 1 or 2 sessions a week, often around 10–12 sessions initially, with less frequent sessions for general well-being. Afterwards, occasional booster sessions may be recommended. The treatment plan is always individual, and effects vary from person to person.

This page is for general information. Suitability, possible side effects and expected results are assessed at a medical consultation; results vary between individuals.