Major autohemotherapy, commonly called major ozone therapy, is a procedure in which blood drawn from a person’s vein is exposed to an ozone-oxygen mixture in a closed, single-use set and returned through the same vein. It is the classic method of systemic ozone. Ozone gas is not inhaled at any point; ozone only comes into contact with the blood inside the set, where it turns into oxygen.
I am a specialist in anaesthesiology and reanimation. I began working with ozone in 2010, during my anaesthesiology residency, and hold a Ministry of Health ozone practice certificate issued in 2019. Venous access and blood management are part of my specialist training. On this page I explain how the method works, what I expect from it and what I do not do. The general framework of ozone, the other routes and the evidence status are on the ozone therapy page.
How does it work?
When blood meets the ozone-oxygen mixture inside the set, the ozone is consumed instantly; what remains in the blood are the short-lived compounds ozone leaves behind. These compounds reach the tissues with the returned blood and carry a “mild stress” signal to the cells. The cell responds by increasing its antioxidant enzymes; that is the essence of the effect 1.
The same contact has two further observable consequences. An increase in the oxygen-releasing capacity of red blood cells has been reported 1; the blood turning a brighter red inside the set is the visible sign of this contact — an observation, not in itself proof of efficacy. Second, a modulation of the signalling molecules of immune cells (immunomodulation) has been reported 1; I think it is right to describe this as a “regulatory stimulus” rather than as “boosting immunity”.
Why a closed set?
I ozonate only with a closed autohemotherapy set; I do not ozonate saline bags. A closed set allows the blood to be drawn and returned without contact with the outside environment; the material is ozone-resistant and single-use. This is my preference for both sterility and measurable dosing.
When do I consider it?
Major autohemotherapy is the classic ozone method I consider when the goal is a systemic effect. The situations I assess in my practice: chronic fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia, frequently recurring infections, circulatory complaints and recovery periods. What I consistently observe in these areas in clinical practice is a reduction in the burden of fatigue and pain; I write this as experience, not as a promise.
In resistant pictures where the standard dose is not enough, I consider multipass ozone, in which the same cycle is repeated within one session; I do not bring it up at a first visit.
In systemic ozone, the route depends on venous access and the goal: with good access and a full systemic effect in mind, major autohemotherapy comes to the fore; with difficult access, needle avoidance or predominant bowel complaints, the rectal route does. The final choice is made at consultation.
The rectal route is explained on the rectal ozone therapy page.
Being honest about the level of evidence
The mechanism of major autohemotherapy — controlled oxidative stimulus, antioxidant response, effects on red blood cells and immune cells — has been studied in detail in experimental work 1. For clinical outcomes such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and frequent infection, the literature rests on small studies and case series; alongside studies reporting improvement there are studies reporting limited benefit. I do not give unsourced percentages.
The procedure and pain management
Topical anaesthetic cream is standard. Because I am an anaesthesiologist, I treat pain management as a separate part of the procedure.
I plan venous access and the infusion as part of this; what you feel is a brief sting as the line is placed. A feeling of pressure may occur while blood is drawn and returned.
Aftercare
Same day
- You can return to daily life; you can drive
- Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and heavy exercise
Expected findings A small bruise or tenderness at the venous access site may last 1–2 days. Mild tiredness or sleepiness may occur on the evening of the procedure and passes by the next day. If redness, warmth or swelling develops at the access site, contact the clinic.
Safety and anatomy
Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
As with any invasive procedure, the risk of infection is low but not zero; this is why I work with a closed, single-use set and sterile technique.
Legal framework: In Türkiye, ozone therapy is performed by certified physicians within the framework of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) Regulation. My clinic is routinely inspected by the district health directorate of the Ministry of Health and is inspected separately under its health tourism authorisation certificate. The products I use are recorded.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
I do not perform these treatments during active cancer treatment. For a person with a history of cancer, I make the decision together with the treating specialist.
In systemic ozone, treatment is also not performed in G6PD enzyme deficiency (favism), uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, or during an acute heart attack or stroke.
Without being a medical contraindication, I also consider expectation and treatment to be mismatched in these situations:
- People with difficult venous access — the rectal route is considered in that situation
- People expecting a lasting result from a single session
- People with an undiagnosed complaint — a diagnosis comes first
Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Pricing
Under the applicable regulations, price information cannot be published on our website. The cost of a treatment depends on the product used, the technique chosen and the extent of the treatment. You can call the clinic for detailed information.
Frequently asked questions
What is major autohemotherapy?
Blood drawn from a vein is exposed to an ozone-oxygen mixture in a closed, single-use set and returned through the same vein. It is the classic method of systemic ozone; ozone gas is not inhaled.
Why does the blood change colour?
Blood that meets ozone turns a brighter red; this is the visible sign of the interaction between red blood cells and oxygen. It is an observation, not in itself proof of efficacy.
Do you ozonate saline?
No. I ozonate only with a closed autohemotherapy set; I do not ozonate saline bags.
Can I drive after major autohemotherapy?
Yes. You can return to daily life the same day; on the day, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and heavy exercise.
Planning your visit
My clinic is in Nişantaşı, Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 45 minutes from Istanbul Airport.
For major autohemotherapy I suggest planning a stay of two to three days: arrival, consultation and treatment, and departure. Because this treatment may be planned as more than one session, it may require more than one visit. The first session takes place in Istanbul, and we plan the schedule of any following sessions together according to your travel arrangements, with remote follow-up in between. Flying is generally appropriate 24 hours after an injectable treatment.
Consultations are conducted in English. Follow-up after you return home is arranged remotely, and I remain reachable for any questions during the period in which the result develops.
You can read how I offer this treatment at my clinic, IV Point, on the ozone therapy page.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606 Ozone Therapy Certificate — Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, 2019
Published: 22 February 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-21 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin.
References
- Bocci V, Borrelli E, Travagli V, Zanardi I. The ozone paradox: ozone is a strong oxidant as well as a medical drug. Med Res Rev. 2009;29(4):646–682. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19260079/