What is minor ozone therapy (autohaemotherapy)?
In the Ozone Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, the procedure is called minor autohaemotherapy. The guideline defines it as “the procedure in which 2–10 ml of blood taken by the venous route is mixed with ozone gas at a suitable dose and volume produced by a medical ozone device and is then injected by the intramuscular route under sterile conditions, using ozone-resistant, single-use sterile materials.”
The procedure may be performed only by physicians who hold the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry.
How it differs from major ozone therapy
| Minor ozone therapy | Major ozone therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume of blood taken | 2–10 ml | 50–250 ml |
| Route of return | Into the muscle (intramuscular) | By the venous route (intravenous) |
| Obtaining venous access | Not required | Required |
| Duration of the procedure | Shorter | Longer |
The physician decides which method to use after assessing the indication and the patient’s clinical condition.
When is the procedure considered?
For the guideline’s indication list, see the Major Ozone Therapy page.
Whether minor ozone therapy is suitable is determined at the end of the examination, with the indication, the state of the patient’s veins and the clinical assessment considered together.
Appearing in the indication list does not mean that the procedure will treat that disease.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
The patient groups in whom the procedure cannot be performed under the Ozone Application Guideline are listed below:
- Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency
- Patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (Basedow-Graves type)
- Pregnant patients
- Patients with malignant hypertension
- Patients with active and heavy bleeding
- Patients with profound thrombocytopenia
- Patients in the acute phase of conditions such as cerebral haemorrhage and heart attack
- Patients with acute alcohol poisoning
A further limit stated by the guideline: because of the risk of gas embolism, medical ozone gas is not administered directly into a blood vessel.
Suitability is assessed separately in these patients:
- Patients using blood-thinning and anticoagulant medicines (intramuscular injection carries a risk of bleeding and haematoma)
- Patients with a bleeding or clotting disorder
- Patients with an infection, an open wound or a skin condition at the injection site (the procedure is not performed on that area)
- Patients whose muscle mass is severely reduced
- Patients with a chronic condition (because of general medication interactions)
- Patients receiving intravenous copper or iron treatment, and patients with haemochromatosis
In accordance with the guideline, the procedure is carried out with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician in patients under 18 years of age, in oncology patients (with the opinion of the specialist physician primarily responsible for the treatment), in patients of advanced age and in patients during an acute flare of a chronic condition.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment and the decision on suitability. A detailed history is taken and added to the file.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the possible side effects and the points to be aware of are explained in writing and verbally; the information form is completed and signed.
- Taking blood. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein into sterile, ozone-resistant material.
- Ozonation. The ozone-oxygen mixture produced by the medical ozone device, at a suitable dose and volume, is mixed with the blood.
- Injection. The mixture is injected into the muscle under sterile conditions.
- Observation. The patient is kept under observation after the procedure; vital signs are recorded.
All materials used are single-use and ozone-resistant. The device and the materials must be registered in the Product Tracking System. The area where the procedure is carried out is well ventilated.
How long does it take, and how many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined according to the person, the indication and the outcome of the assessment; a definite number cannot be given in advance. At each session the vital signs, the technique used and the side effects observed are recorded in the patient’s file.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before: in accordance with the guideline, you should come to the session having eaten a light meal. At the session, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use
- Your known allergies
- Your pregnancy status
After: there may be pain, tenderness and bruising at the injection site. It is recommended that you keep the area clean and avoid intense physical activity that day. Recommendations specific to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Those that may be related to intramuscular injection: pain, tenderness, bruising and haematoma at the injection site; hardening; infection; rarely, abscess formation; nerve injury.
The side effects reported by the guideline for ozone applications:
- Low or high blood pressure
- Low or high blood sugar
- Citrate allergy
- Particle reactions
- Itching and papules at the application site
- Insomnia
- Gastritis
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Gas-air embolism
Rarely seen: air embolism, intraocular haemorrhage.
An important safety rule: the guideline states that placing any medicine into an ozonated solution leads to problems. Certain medicinal and vitamin preparations must not be mixed with ozone, must not be applied at the same time and must not be combined in the same syringe.
If side effects continue after the session, a further assessment is made and, if necessary, the procedure is discontinued.
Results vary from person to person.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling or discharge at the injection site
- A high fever
- Progressively increasing pain or hardening at the injection site
- Numbness or loss of strength in the leg or arm
- Widespread rash, itching
- Marked palpitations, dizziness, a feeling of faintness
In the event of shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the face or tongue, altered consciousness or fainting, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between minor and major ozone therapy (autohaemotherapy)?
The difference lies in the amount of blood taken and the route by which it is returned. In the minor procedure 2–10 ml of blood is taken and injected into the muscle; in the major procedure 50–250 ml of blood is taken and returned by the venous route. The physician decides which of the two is suitable.
Will minor ozone therapy eliminate my disease?
No; no such statement may be made. The Ministry of Health guideline states this explicitly. The procedure is carried out with the aim of supporting treatment that is already under way, and only if it is considered suitable following the physician’s assessment.
Is the injection painful?
There may be a stinging sensation during the intramuscular injection, and pain and tenderness in the area afterwards. This sensation varies from person to person. What you may feel is explained to you before the procedure.
I use a blood thinner; can minor ozone therapy be performed?
Because intramuscular injection carries a risk of bleeding and haematoma, the use of a blood thinner is assessed separately. Do not stop your medicine on your own initiative; the decision on suitability is made at the end of the examination.
How many sessions are needed for minor ozone therapy?
A definite number of sessions cannot be given in advance. The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined according to your indication and the outcome of the assessment.
Should I come to minor ozone therapy on an empty stomach?
No. The guideline asks patients to come to the session having eaten a light meal. Low blood sugar is among the side effects reported.
Is minor ozone therapy performed during pregnancy?
No. The guideline lists pregnancy among the situations in which it cannot be performed. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, please state this at the beginning of the consultation.
Sources
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Health Services, Ozon Uygulama Kılavuzu, Ankara, June 2025. https://ekutuphane.saglik.gov.tr/Yayin/697 (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Uygulamaları Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 28 April 2026 / 33237 (this repealed the regulation dated 27 October 2014, number 29158, Art. 19). https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/04/20260428-2.htm (opens in a new tab)
