Beverly Hills Ozone Therapy/Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) for Chronic COVID: A Comprehensive Guide

Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) is a therapeutic technique where a patient’s blood is drawn, mixed with medical-grade ozone, and then reinfused back into the body. Ozone therapy has been gaining traction in integrative and alternative medicine for its potential benefits in enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, and promoting oxygen delivery to tissues. Although its use remains controversial in conventional medicine, MAH has been increasingly studied and applied for various chronic conditions and health optimization. This article delves into the history of MAH, its modern applications, and the current state of research, including completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and ongoing studies.

What is Major Autohemotherapy (MAH)?

Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) is a specific form of ozone therapy where blood is extracted from the patient (usually between 50 to 200 mL), treated with ozone (O₃), and then returned to the bloodstream. Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, is known for its strong oxidative properties. When used in therapeutic settings, it can stimulate various biological processes, including immune modulation, improved oxygen utilization, and enhanced cellular repair.

MAH is commonly administered to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, and degenerative diseases. Proponents of the therapy claim that MAH helps reduce oxidative stress, neutralize pathogens, and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

History of Major Autohemotherapy

The origins of ozone therapy date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when ozone was first used to treat wounds and infections during World War I. The use of ozone in medicine continued to evolve over the years, particularly in Germany, where it became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. German physicians began using ozone in various forms, including topical applications and intravenous methods like autohemotherapy.

By the 1970s, MAH was gaining acceptance in Europe as a viable treatment for certain chronic conditions. The therapy remained largely confined to European countries until the early 2000s, when it started gaining interest in North America, particularly within integrative and functional medicine communities. Today, MAH is utilized globally, although its use remains more widespread in alternative medicine circles compared to mainstream healthcare systems.

Modern Use of Major Autohemotherapy

MAH is now used in clinical practice for various purposes, ranging from wellness optimization to the treatment of chronic and complex conditions. Below are some of the modern applications:

1. Chronic Infections: MAH has been used as part of a broader integrative approach for patients with chronic infections like Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and hepatitis C. Its ability to boost immune function and reduce viral load makes it a promising adjunctive therapy.

2. Autoimmune Disorders: Patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis have sought MAH to help modulate their overactive immune systems. Anecdotal evidence suggests that MAH can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

3. Cardiovascular Health: MAH may improve oxygen delivery and circulation, making it a potential treatment for cardiovascular conditions such as peripheral artery disease and chronic ischemia. It is believed that ozone’s ability to enhance blood oxygenation and reduce inflammation can benefit these patients.

4. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: Due to its reported ability to increase cellular energy production, MAH has been used by clinicians treating patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, both conditions marked by fatigue, pain, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

5. Adjunctive Cancer Therapy: Some integrative cancer treatment centers include MAH as part of a holistic approach to cancer care, suggesting that its immune-boosting and detoxifying properties can support the body during conventional treatments such as chemotherapy.

6. Wellness and Anti-Aging: Many individuals pursue MAH as part of a wellness regimen aimed at improving energy, boosting the immune system, and reducing oxidative stress. It has been promoted in some circles as an anti-aging treatment.

Completed Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on MAH

Though MAH remains somewhat controversial in conventional medical settings, there have been several RCTs that explore its efficacy in various conditions. Below are some notable trials:

1. Chronic Hepatitis C
   A randomized controlled trial conducted in 2010 studied the effects of MAH ozone therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The study showed a reduction in viral load and liver enzyme levels, indicating potential antiviral benefits. The trial suggested that MAH could be a useful adjunctive therapy for hepatitis C management, although larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

2. Ozone Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease
   A 2019 RCT investigated the effects of MAH in patients with ischemic heart disease. The trial demonstrated improved oxygenation in the blood and a reduction in inflammation markers, suggesting that MAH could enhance cardiovascular health by improving oxygen delivery and reducing oxidative stress. The study also highlighted MAH’s potential to reduce the risk of ischemic events, such as heart attacks.

3. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
   A small-scale RCT published in 2021 focused on the effects of MAH in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The study showed improvements in pain levels, fatigue, and overall quality of life after several sessions of MAH ozone therapy. Patients also reported better sleep and enhanced energy levels. The study concluded that MAH could be a viable therapy for managing the symptoms of these conditions, although larger trials are warranted.

4. Diabetic Foot Ulcers
   Another RCT, published in 2016, assessed the efficacy of MAH in treating diabetic foot ulcers. The trial demonstrated that MAH, combined with conventional wound care, significantly accelerated wound healing compared to conventional care alone. This result supports the theory that ozone therapy can improve local tissue oxygenation and stimulate tissue repair mechanisms.

Ongoing Research

While completed RCTs have shown promise, ongoing research seeks to further clarify the role of MAH in clinical settings. Some current studies include:

1. MAH in Long COVID
   With the rise of post-COVID-19 syndrome, or Long COVID, researchers are investigating the potential benefits of MAH in alleviating symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, and persistent inflammation. Ongoing trials are assessing MAH’s impact on inflammatory markers, oxygen saturation, and immune function in Long COVID patients.

2. Ozone Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases
   A clinical trial is underway to explore whether MAH can benefit patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The study aims to evaluate whether ozone therapy can slow disease progression, reduce oxidative damage in neurons, and improve cognitive function.

3. Autoimmune Conditions
   Several trials are investigating the potential of MAH to modulate immune responses in autoimmune diseases. These studies are exploring its role in conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on how ozone therapy may help regulate an overactive immune system and reduce inflammation.

4. Cancer Treatment Adjunct
   Research is being conducted to assess the impact of MAH on cancer patients, particularly its use as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers are evaluating whether ozone therapy can reduce treatment-related side effects, improve immune response, and enhance the overall quality of life in cancer patients.

Conclusion

Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) has a long and evolving history in the field of integrative medicine. While its use remains somewhat controversial, particularly in conventional healthcare, the growing body of research—including completed RCTs and ongoing clinical trials—suggests that MAH may offer significant therapeutic benefits for a wide range of conditions. As research continues to validate its efficacy and safety, MAH could become more widely accepted and integrated into both conventional and alternative medical practices.

For those seeking new approaches to managing chronic conditions or enhancing wellness, MAH represents a promising, albeit still experimental, option. As with any medical treatment, individuals should consult with qualified healthcare professionals to determine whether MAH is appropriate for their specific health needs.