One of the best healing therapies involves an elemental gas that’s all around us, says Dr. Somesh Kaushik, who owns an Ayurvedic and naturopathic clinic in Cross River.

“At our clinic, we use ozone with steam for better and deeper absorption for treatments, detoxification, rejuvenation and the maintenance of life,” he says. “It increases circulation, reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles, rejuvenates tissues, relieves stress and improves digestion and mobility.” And because toxins are stored in fat tissue, their removal results in the loss of fat as well, he says.

The clinic uses ozone in an Ayurvedic method called Swedana—either individually, for the treatment of certain conditions, or in combination with the other components of the Ayurvedic detoxification and healing program known as Panchakarma, to increase their effectiveness.

Ozone’s unique chemical properties work with the body’s natural healing mechanisms in several ways, Kaushik says.

It forms an energetic molecule that readily donates its third oxygen atom to free radicals, mitigating the damage they do to the body, he says. It also activates the immune-related “messenger molecules” known as cytokines, helping regulate the immune system and fight off chronic infections.

Ozone kills bacteria by interfering with their cells’ metabolism, Kaushik says. “At a specific concentration and duration of use, it is estimated that medical ozone kills 99.999 percent of lipid viruses and bacteria in water, in bodily fluids and in the air.” It also kills cancer cells by altering their enzyme activity, and destroys viruses by diffusing through their protein coat—a quality that’s “very helpful in the treatment of HIV.”

By boosting the amount of oxygen in our red blood cells, ozone increases our energy level and fights the effects of aging, he adds. “Having an adequate supply of oxygen is critical for all body functions. Ozone therapy is one of the most powerful anti-aging therapies. It maintains, repairs and rejuvenates the body at the cellular level.”

During transdermal ozone therapy, the ozone penetrates fat, lymph and blood while opening the skin’s pores, allows toxins to be released through sweat while the body is being oxygenated.

Ozone also reduces inflammation by mobilizing the body’s antioxidant defense mechanism, and it breaks down the uric acid that can build up in the body, damaging blood vessels and causing gout.

“Ozone therapy is one of the most powerful healing therapies that is ubiquitous,” Kaushik says.

Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic is located at 6 Yellow Monkey Village, 792 Rte. 35, Cross River, NY. For appointments, call 914.875.9088, email [email protected] or visit DrKaushik.com.