Dr. Somesh Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic, in Cross River, offers a combined ozone / herbal steam therapy called Swedana. According to Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician, pathogens cannot survive at high temperatures or in the presence of ozone, so the combination accelerates detoxification and healing.

“During a Swedana treatment, steam opens the skin pores and ozone seeps through to reach the fat, lymph and blood cells, allowing toxins to be released through sweating,” he says. “The body is detoxed and oxygenated at the same time. Oxygenation is critical to all bodily functions and protects against pathogens.”

Ozone stimulates detoxification and enhances immune function several ways, Kaushik says. It kills bacteria by interfering with their cell metabolism, and it destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat, causing viral RNA damage. At a specific concentration and duration of use, ozone kills some 99.999 percent of lipid viruses and bacteria.

It also reduces inflammation by mobilizing the body’s antioxidant mechanism and immobilizing free radicals that cause damage, and it regulates the immune system by activating cytokines, the immune-related messenger molecules, he says. Balancing an overactive or underactive immune system can help address all chronic or acute infections.

Swedana can be used individually to treat many chronic conditions or in combination with other components of a full detoxification program.

Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic is located at 792 Route 35, Cross River, NY. For more info, call the clinic at 914.875.9088 or 646.670.6725 (telemedicine), email [email protected] or visit DrKaushik.com.