Oxyvenation according to Regelsberger (synonyms: intravenous oxygen insufflation, oxygen infusion therapy (SIT), complex intravenous oxygen therapy (CIS)) is a therapeutic method of naturopathy, which can be used primarily for the treatment of circulatory disorders. Oxyvenation involves the intravenous application of oxygen, which can lead to various changes in the properties of the blood. The aim of oxyvenation is to stimulate the body to produce vasodilators and anti-inflammatory mediators. These mediators should also enable the treatment of existing edema (excess tissue fluid). In addition, the mediators released can reduce the thrombogenicity of platelets (the ability of blood platelets to stick together), so that the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) becomes less frequent. Furthermore, oxyvenation leads to an improved immune defense, which is based on an increase in the formation of leukocytes (white blood cells). Leukocytes are mainly eosinophilic granulocytes.
Indications (areas of application)
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK) – in the case of an existing circulatory disorder of the legs (intermittent claudication, smoker’s leg, sham window disease), oxyvenation can be used for therapy, in which it improves the oxygen supply to the muscles by vasodilation.
- Ulcus cruris (lower leg ulcers) – in a vascular disease of the veins can cause massive damage to the soft tissues, which occur as ulcers especially in places with high blood pressure.
- Edema – the accumulation of fluid in the tissues can have a variety of causes. For the most part, edema can be well treated by oxyvenation.
- Cerebral arterial occlusive disease – circulatory disturbance of the brain can occur intermittently and indicate the increased risk of suffering an apoplexy. However, when cerebral-related symptoms occur, sensitive imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must be performed before therapeutic measures can be decided.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) – in the presence of coronary artery disease, oxyvenation can be used in addition to drug therapy strategies and lifestyle modification (more exercise, healthy diet). However, in acute cases, the use of oxyvenation should be abandoned and emergency treatment should be provided immediately instead.
- Circulatory disorder of the inner ear – in the case of a successful hearing loss or vascular (vessel-dependent) ear noise, oxyvenation can be used for therapy.
- Circulatory disorder eye – if glaucoma (glaucoma) is present, the oxyvenation is a therapeutic option.
- Allergic-inflammatory diseases
Contraindications
- Fever
- Exacerbations (worsening) of chronic and subchronic inflammatory processes.
- Acute diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebral infarction, but also in the presence of pulmonary embolism or mass hemorrhage in the CNS, other therapeutic measures should be chosen.
- Meningitis (meningitis).
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Cerebral and abdominal seizures.
- Abnormalities of the heart and circulatory system.
Before therapy
Discontinuation of various drugs – various drugs can have an impact on the effect of oxyvenation. Anticoagulant drugs such as ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) but also cortisone may limit the success of treatment. However, discontinuation of anticoagulant medications should only be done on medical advice. Antioxidants such as vitamin C may also have a negative effect on oxyvenation.
The procedure
The basic principle of oxyvenation is based on the targeted and correctly dosed application of pure oxygen into the body’s venous system. The application of oxygen is performed while the patient is lying down with the aid of an oxyven device. Approximately 1-2 ml of oxygen is administered intravenously per minute. The desired effect of the treatment is often achieved after 6 weeks. Often, the success of the treatment can also be observed already during the therapeutic measure.
After therapy
No special measures are necessary following therapy. To benefit from the effects of therapy in the long term, smoking should be abstained from.
Possible complications
- Feeling of pressure in the chest
- Flu-like symptoms
- Cough irritation
- Fatigue
- Headache
