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Jon Buzzell
Updated by Doug Forgit 03/07
Oxygen is an essential element that is present in the air we
breathe. Each of us has experienced the burning sensation in our chest and
muscles that comes from physical exertion. This occurs because we have not
provided working tissues the necessary supply of oxygen to fuel the cellular
machinery that produces energy. Oxygen is also an important component in
our body's defense system against many forms of disease. Conventional
western medicine uses oxygen in its gaseous form to help treat many patients who
suffer from pulmonary (lung) disease, infections, those who require surgery, and
many others.
Alternative medicine advocates the use of oxygen in various
forms to promote healing and destroy bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Oxygen can be "applied" for purposes of oxygenation or oxidation. Oxygenation means that oxygen is being
supplied/added to the blood or tissues. A popular form of this treatment
is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
Oxidation is a type of
chemical reaction that may or may not utilize oxygen. It refers
to a reaction where a molecule/compound has electrons (negatively-charged
particles) removed. Hydrogen peroxide therapy is one of the
more widely used oxidation therapies. Another form of oxygen
therapy is Ozone therapy. This process utilizes both oxygenation
and oxidation.
With the exception of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT),
the use of oxygen therapy is controversial and is not supported or
approved by
the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). HBOT is used in conventional
western medicine for selected patients.
The purpose of this web site is to describe hyperbaric oxygen
therapy, hydrogen peroxide therapy, and ozone therapy. The information was
gathered online and through literature research. None of the information
contained in this web site is intended to support any of the alternative
therapies described in its contents. It is designed to provide unbiased
information to people who are searching for answers about various treatments for
their own illnesses. |
