EBOO Therapy for Autoimmune Conditions: Exploring the Potential Benefits

Autoimmune diseases can be deeply disruptive on many levels—physically, emotionally, and socially. Whether it's the unpredictable flares of lupus, the joint pain and fatigue of rheumatoid arthritis, or the neurological symptoms of multiple sclerosis, autoimmune conditions often create a sense of disconnection from the body. I frequently hear patients express frustration that their immune systems are attacking the very tissues they rely on to function and feel well.

A naturopathic approach to autoimmune disease calls us to look closely at the intricate communication-or miscommunication-happening within the body. Inflammation is a core part of this story. Most conventional treatments with anti-inflammatory or biological medications aim to suppress immune activity, but there is growing interest in therapies that can help regulate and retrain the immune system rather than just quiet it.

One therapy that continues to show promise is EBOO, or Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation. This is an exciting form of ozone therapy where blood is circulated outside the body, gently infused with ozone gas, passed through a dialysis-style filter, and exposed to ultraviolet light before being returned. The process supports immune modulation, detoxification, and improved oxygenation—all of which are relevant for autoimmune conditions (1).

Understanding the Immune Imbalance

Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system loses its ability to differentiate self from non-self. While the triggers for this are multifactorial: genetics, infections, environmental exposures, gut dysbiosis, chronic stress and others-the outcome is an ongoing state of inflammation and tissue damage. Many of my patients have spent years trying to calm their symptoms through pharmaceuticals, dietary changes, or lifestyle shifts, often with incomplete relief.

What makes EBOO unique is that it doesn’t just suppress inflammation; it encourages immune recalibration.

How EBOO May Help

EBOO works through a principle called oxidative preconditioning, where a controlled oxidative stimulus activates the body’s natural antioxidant defences. This gentle “stress” response promotes cellular repair, mitochondrial resilience, and a shift away from inflammatory signaling (2).

Immune Modulation via Cytokine Reduction

• Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha are often elevated in autoimmune disease and have been shown to decrease after ozone therapy.

• Reduction of these pro-inflammatory cytokines can help restore balance between TH1/TH2 response which supports healthy regulatory T cell-activity.

• In autoimmune disease modulation of cytokines and T-regs can help reduce inflammation that causes tissue damage.

• During EBOO the continuous circulation of blood and ozone allows for a higher-dose systemic delivery of this immune-regulating stimulus than traditional ozone treatment like Major Autohemotherapy (3)(4).

Enhanced Detoxification and Waste Clearance

• UV light exposure and filtration may help clear circulating immune complexes and metabolic waste, reducing the systemic inflammatory burden.

• This may be particularly helpful in autoimmune patients with high oxidative load or those experiencing Herxheimer/die-off reactions from other treatments.

Improved Oxygen Use & Mitochondrial Support

• Ozone increases 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) levels in red blood cells, which enhances the release of oxygen to tissues—a critical factor in individuals with chronic inflammation and poor oxygen delivery at the cellular level.
 

• Improved tissue oxygenation supports mitochondrial function, which is often impaired in autoimmune conditions and contributes to fatigue and poor healing (5).
 

• A 2022 pilot study in Journal of Medical Virology involving long COVID patients found that ozone therapy improved oxygen saturation and fatigue symptoms, likely through improved endothelial function and oxygen delivery—mechanisms also relevant to autoimmune dysfunction (6).

Many patients report:

•    Reduced joint pain and muscle stiffness
•    Improved energy and cognitive clarity
•    Shortened duration or decreased frequency of autoimmune flares
•    Better tolerance to other therapies or lifestyle interventions

Of course, these outcomes vary, and EBOO is not a cure, but as part of a comprehensive care plan, it may offer meaningful support.
 

Things to Consider

EBOO is a gentle, non-pharmaceutical therapy, but it may not be appropriate for every individual or stage of disease. It's important to:

• Work with a practitioner experienced in both autoimmune conditions and ozone therapy
• Monitor inflammatory markers and symptom response over time
• Integrate EBOO into a broader plan that includes nutrition, nervous system support, and gut health

Autoimmune disease is complex, and each person’s experience is uniquely their own. But when we approach the immune system with curiosity rather than suppression, new possibilities for balance and healing can emerge.

If you’re living with an autoimmune condition and feel called to explore therapies that work with your body—not just against your symptoms—EBOO may be a supportive step forward.

Want to learn more about this therapy?
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