Otitis

Ozokerite use for osteochondrosis. Thermal procedures for orthopedic pathologies or ozokerite treatment: indications and contraindications, properties of healing mountain wax, the result of therapy Exercises for a hernia in the cervical spine

Every person needs to know about ozokerite treatment, indications and contraindications for it, because recently ozokerite treatment has become quite popular. Ozokerite is a substance that is of petroleum origin, and in its appearance and consistency resembles wax.

Due to the fact that other substances and impurities may be present in the composition of ozokerite, it can have different colors: from black to very bright green or yellow. Ozokerite has its own contraindications and indications. Therefore, before ozokerite treatment, you need to carefully study this issue. The substance is completely harmless and is one of the natural ones, but at the same time it will not be able to help solve the problems of every person.

The most important advantage and advantage of this substance is its unique composition. Ozokerite contains a huge amount of minerals, carbohydrates and other trace elements that have an extremely positive effect on the human body. At the same time, ozokerite has excellent and very strong healing properties, and therefore it is often used as an excellent remedy with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Ozokerite has many useful properties, among which the following stand out:

The biggest advantage that experts talk about is the high heat capacity combined with low thermal conductivity. Therefore, ozokerite is much better suited than other means for high-quality heat treatment.
Ozocerite treatment can relieve even the most severe pain. The substance removes all unpleasant and painful sensations in a matter of minutes. In addition, experts recommend using ozokerite as a remedy against spasms of varying degrees of intensity.
Additional applications during ozokerite treatment will have a positive effect on the state of the human nervous system.
The substance helps, if necessary, to dilate blood vessels very quickly.
You can even use ozokerite to eliminate allergic reactions with very severe itching and redness.

It is worth noting that this unique and very useful substance is capable of restoring the soft tissues of the human body and healing fairly large wounds.

Numerous studies have shown that ozokerite can be used to treat various types of chronic diseases of the reproductive system in both men and women. Ozokerite is effective in the treatment of the human stomach and musculoskeletal system.

As numerous practice shows, this substance is especially actively used in sanatorium treatment. In the last few years, ozokerite has begun to be used in individual clinics, and treatment with this substance is becoming more and more popular every day. There are many indications for starting ozokerite treatment. The main indications in this case are the following:

The heat of ozokerite can be used to treat joints. After several procedures, a positive result becomes noticeable. Therefore, indications include the presence of an inflammatory process in the joints in a person: bursitis, arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis, myositis, radiculitis and many others.
Specialists can prescribe ozokerite treatment if a person has chronic diseases: pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, pleurisy, cystitis, urethritis, gastritis, and so on.
With the help of this substance, you can very quickly cure absolutely all ENT diseases.
Ozokerite is often used to treat various infections such as diphtheria, jaundice or typhoid.
An interesting fact is that ozokerite can even cure infertility. At the same time, all inflammatory processes in the genital organs are thoroughly eliminated and their condition is normalized.
If there are various kinds of dermatological diseases, for example, lichen, ulcers, dermatitis or eczema, then you can make special compresses with ozokerite.

Contraindications and precautions

Not every body can respond normally to heat treatment. Therefore, you need to first familiarize yourself with the contraindications for this type of treatment. The main ones include the following:

Ozokerite treatment should not be used if a person has a fever or fever.
Experts do not recommend this type of treatment for people who suffer from tumors. In this case, the consequence may be rapid growth of the tumor.
It is advisable for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding to refrain from thermal treatment with ozokerite.
Another very serious contraindication is a person’s tendency to bleed, in which case treatment can even result in death.
If a person has tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus or a progressive form of hepatitis, then under no circumstances should compresses be made with ozokerite.
This treatment is also contraindicated in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Ozokerite is a unique substance that is beginning to be widely used in medicine due to its large number of positive properties. Before starting to use this type of treatment, you should definitely consult with a specialist about contraindications and, if they exist, it is advisable to choose other treatment methods.

Treatment with paraffin and ozokerite is again gaining popularity, so if your doctor advises you to carry out the procedure and buy this product, do not refuse. Thus, ozokerite therapy has many indications; it treats all ENT diseases, skin problems, infertility, joint diseases and much more. So what is it and what does the product look like. You can hear names for ozokerite such as: mountain or black wax, tears of the earth, medical wax.

It contains:

paraffin, ceresin, methane;
resins, ethane, mineral oils;
hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide.

Treatment with ozokerite

So, what is ozokerite therapy, and why is it so popular? This is an oil product that resembles paraffin in its properties, but is much healthier. Ozokerite contains minerals, carbohydrates, and other elements that enter the body when heated. An excellent product with anti-inflammatory properties. It is ozokerite therapy that is recognized as one of the effective medicinal methods that treat even advanced infertility. However, paraffin and ozokerite treatment should not be used uncontrolled; the procedure must be recommended by a doctor. To do this, you need to be examined and have strong evidence.

When is use indicated?

Of course, there are indications and contraindications, so this remedy cannot always be used.

To prevent and treat JOINT DISEASES, our regular reader uses the increasingly popular NON-SURGERY treatment method recommended by leading German and Israeli orthopedists. After carefully reviewing it, we decided to offer it to your attention.

Contraindications

The advantage of ozokerite is that it has a high heat capacity. It retains heat for a long time, allowing the surrounding tissues to warm up. The principle of treatment is based on the chemical, thermal and mechanical effects of the product. Since ozokerite can heat up to a depth of 5 centimeters, it activates the endocrine system, improves blood circulation, helps metabolism, and the penetration of oxygen into tissues.

How is the procedure performed?

This treatment can be carried out both in the clinic and at home. Don't be afraid to use the product, it's safe. The main thing is to take precautions and not burn your skin. Ozokerite must be heated in a water bath to 55 degrees, but not brought to a boil. It is enough to melt the dark tile to a liquid state and wait until it becomes viscous like plasticine. The substance is applied with a brush to the desired area or by hand, forming a cake of the required thickness. You can pour it into a mold lined with cellophane, then pull it out using the edges of the film when it hardens slightly.

Precautions

To avoid getting burns, do not take out semi-liquid ozokerite; be careful when handling it. In order not to burn the skin, you can first lubricate it with Vaseline or cream, after which the ozokerite is covered with cellophane and a blanket if the substance is applied to the back or joint. Punch the product straight along the contour, cover it on top and wrap it with cloth if it is a leg, arm, or back.

In the treatment of gynecological diseases, both applications and vaginal tampons can be used. It is better to insert tampons in a clinic; it will be difficult to do it yourself, and there is a risk of getting burned. There are three treatment options: cuvette, napkin and application.

The advantage of ozokerite over paraffin

As you can see, ozokerite is much superior to paraffin in its properties, but both drugs are often combined to treat various types of diseases. The fact is that you should not constantly use ozokerite, a maximum of 10-25 procedures, so if there are indications, you can alternate it with paraffin so as not to burden the body. After the procedure, you should rest for 30-40 minutes so that all systems return to normal.

How much does it cost, where to buy

Since the price of the drug is about 150 rubles per 250 grams, it is a completely affordable product for every family. Ozokerite can be used for colds in children, applied to the nose, sinuses or chest according to a doctor’s indications. Ozokerite is also an excellent treatment for joints, which allows for high-quality prevention of arthritis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. On average, prices depend on the volume of the supplier’s product, but in any case, purchasing ozokerite at home is much more profitable than constantly taking the patient to the hospital for procedures.

How to store

The shelf life of ozokerite is 5 years, so it can be used throughout this time. To obtain a healing effect after the expiration of the period, it is necessary to change the drug to a new one. The product is stored at room temperature; it must be protected from contamination and exposure to sunlight. There are several types of ozokerite: warming, cosmetic. It can be not only black, but in order to avoid counterfeiting, it is better to purchase the drug at a pharmacy, it is more reliable. This product perfectly moisturizes the skin, which cosmetologists often use in their practice. However, many people do not like ozokerite because it stains things, but if you use it carefully, you can make applications anywhere without any problems. Applications are especially necessary for people who suffer from arthritis. In this case, treatment is carried out throughout life, and therefore it is advisable to purchase ozokerite for home.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine are non-inflammatory pathological changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs (osteochondrosis), joints (spondyloarthrosis), and vertebral bodies (spondylosis).

Development mechanism

Most often, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine begin with damage to the discs - osteochondrosis. Spondyloarthrosis and spondylosis join somewhat later.

Damage to the discs is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of their hard shell, drying out, and a decrease in height. At the same time, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, the load on the joints of the spine increases, which over time leads to their deformation, limited mobility - spondyloarthrosis develops.

As the disc dries out, it spreads out and extends beyond the vertebral body; the spinal motion segment, consisting of adjacent vertebrae, the disc between them, joints, ligaments and other adjacent elements, becomes pathologically mobile - the vertebrae can shift relative to each other in the horizontal plane. To prevent such displacements, as a protective reaction, to keep the vertebrae in a normal position, muscle spasm first develops, then bone growths (osteophytes) form at the bases of the vertebral bodies around the disc - spondylosis develops.

Destruction of the disc can lead to its herniation - protrusion of the inner nucleus pulposus through a crack in the outer shell.

All these changes lead to damage to soft tissues that can cause suffering to the patient:

irritation of the synovial membranes of the joints of the spine;
development of the so-called block of the spinal segment - muscle spasm and displacement of articular elements, accompanied by loss of mobility;
compression of the spinal roots, the vessels that feed them, the spinal cord, the vertebral artery and its nerves by spasmed muscles, abnormally close bone structures, osteophytes, hernia.

Osteochondrosis does not always end with the development of spondylosis or the formation of a disc herniation, and changes in the joints - spondyloarthrosis, as a rule, develop almost in parallel with disc damage.

Reasons

The development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine occurs against the background of predisposing conditions:

After 30 years, metabolic processes begin to slow down, and blood supply to tissues deteriorates. First of all, cartilage suffers (including intervertebral discs), which do not have their own blood supply, and receive “leftovers from the master’s table” - nutrients “seep” (diffuse) into them from adjacent tissues.

During pregnancy, degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs are associated both with an increase in the load on the spine and with biochemical and hormonal changes in the body.

Acquired muscle weakness is associated with a sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity).

Risk factors for the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine are associated with increased load on it:

sedentary work (paradoxically, in a sitting position, compared to a standing position, the load on the lumbar and cervical spine increases significantly);
heavy physical activity, high-performance sports (not to be confused with physical education, which is usually useful);
overweight;
height above average.

Today, experts associate the significant “rejuvenation” of osteochondrosis mainly with physical inactivity and acceleration.

Symptoms

The dystrophic changes themselves are asymptomatic. Symptoms are accompanied by the consequences of these degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine - muscle spasm, block of the spinal segment, compression of blood vessels or nervous tissue.

A block of the spinal segment leads to acute local pain - in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine. Depending on which vertebrae are affected, the pain can “radiate” to the buttocks, abdomen, chest, arms, shoulders, head, sometimes simulating diseases of the internal organs.

When the spinal roots are damaged, acute pain is felt along the nerve (for example, when the lumbar region is damaged, sciatica develops - pain in the buttock, back of the leg, dorsum of the foot), and neurological symptoms may also be observed:

numbness, decreased sensitivity in the feet (with damage to the lumbar spine) and hands (with damage to the cervical spine);
feeling of coldness, “pins and needles” in the limbs;
disorders of urination and defecation;
paresis of legs or arms.

Pain along the nerve, similar to radicular pain, can also develop due to irritation of the synovial membranes of the joints of the spine.

Compression of the spinal cord is accompanied by muscle “twitching” in the arms or legs, an increase in weakness in them, turning into paralysis, and the inability to control excretory functions.

With cervical osteochondrosis, the innervation of the vertebral artery and/or vein may be disrupted or their direct compression may occur, which is accompanied by symptoms of cerebrovascular accident:

Prolonged spasms or significant compression of the vertebral artery are highly likely to lead to ischemic stroke.

Most often, dystrophic changes with severe symptoms develop in the lumbar spine, less often in the thoracic spine.

Treatment

Modern medicine, alas, is powerless to reverse degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs, joints and bone tissue of the vertebral bodies. Therefore, treatment is aimed at slowing down the pathological process and relieving painful symptoms.

Treatment is prescribed only after a diagnosis has been established, for which methods such as x-rays, tomography are used, and, if necessary, ultrasound examination of blood vessels and myelography. It is necessary to differentiate dystrophic changes from other pathological conditions that are accompanied by similar symptoms, but require completely different treatment (including urgent surgery) - injuries, tumors and others.

Most often, osteochondrosis is treated with conservative methods; surgery is indicated only in extreme cases.

Drug treatment

To relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed (orally - tablets, topically - creams, gels, ointments), and less often - narcotic analgesics. For the same purpose, in some cases, glucocorticosteroids may be prescribed, novocaine blockade - injection of a local anesthetic (usually in combination with a glucocorticosteroid) into the soft tissue near the exit of the affected spinal root.

Blockade is the most optimal method of analgesia for acute pain, since it is long-lasting and does not have a number of side effects characteristic of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotic analgesics. However, its use requires appropriate qualifications of a doctor (unfortunately, today not all neurologists are proficient in the technique of performing a blockade).

Centrally acting muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms.

For partial restoration of damaged tissues, the following are prescribed:

However, you should not place special hopes on protectors of all types - their effectiveness is not too high.

Physiotherapy

All methods of physiotherapy are not used at the acute stage; their use is beneficial when the pain subsides a little.

The physical impact of these methods can improve the nutrition of soft tissues, relieve muscle spasm and swelling, significantly soften or eliminate pain, and restore the function of the affected nerve.

Hardware physiotherapy

Of the hardware methods for treating osteochondrosis, the following are used:

amplympulse therapy;
magnetic therapy;
laser therapy;
cryotherapy;
ultraviolet irradiation;
electrophoresis;
phonophoresis.

Electrophoresis and phonophoresis combine physical effects with biochemical ones, delivering drugs to soft tissues, which increases the therapeutic effect.

Laser therapy and cryotherapy can be used even at the stage of acute pain.

Balneotherapy

In the treatment of the consequences of dystrophic changes in the spine, general baths, mainly hydrogen sulfide, are successfully used. Carbon dioxide baths can also be prescribed to improve metabolic processes in soft tissues. A more effective alternative to classic carbon dioxide baths for osteochondrosis is carboxytherapy - dry carbon dioxide baths or carbon dioxide injections.

Mud therapy

The use of mud applications, especially in combination with magnetotherapy and electrophoresis, brings significant pain relief and helps restore cerebral blood supply. Instead of therapeutic mud, you can use ozokerite.

Massage and manual therapy

Therapeutic massage is used to eliminate muscle spasms and improve metabolic processes in tissues.

Manual therapy is a deeper effect than massage, which applies not only to the muscles, but also to the skeleton - the vertebrae and their joints. Manual treatment allows you to eliminate the block of the spinal motion segment and eliminate the painful manifestations of this pathological condition. Very good results are achieved with vertebral artery syndrome.

As a last resort, manual therapy can be used for acute pain - if it is not relieved with medication within the usual time frame and if it is known for certain that its cause is an acute muscle spasm or a block of the spinal segment. In this case, the patient is given local anesthesia before the procedure.

Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic gymnastics is the most effective method that allows you to significantly slow down the degenerative process in the tissues of the spine and avoid its unpleasant manifestations.

Physical exercise is the only method of strengthening the natural muscle corset, which reliably supports the spinal column and prevents displacement of the vertebrae and the formation of blocks. All other methods are aimed at relaxing the muscles, therefore, if the muscles are flabby, flabby, the next exacerbation will not be long in coming. Therefore, regular exercise therapy is the main link in the successful treatment of vertebral osteochondrosis.

Daily exercises should consist of exercises that alternate tension and relaxation of various muscle groups of the back and neck - isometric gymnastics. Such exercises train muscles well and do not injure joints due to limited active movements. Exercises in water and swimming are also very useful (the head should not be raised above the water for a long time).

Surgical treatment

Surgical intervention is prescribed in the following cases:

persistent pain that is not relieved by conservative methods;
serious neurological complications - disorders of excretory functions, leg paresis;
frequent attacks, indicating the development of insufficiency of cerebral blood supply.

Typically, the listed symptoms are associated with significant “subsidence” of a certain area of the spine, increased mobility of the vertebrae, the formation of osteophytes and associated irritation of the articular membranes, compression of the spinal cord, spinal roots, and the vessels feeding them, compression of the vertebral artery.

To free the soft tissues from the elements compressing them, a decompression operation is performed. Decompression can be posterior or anterior.

Posterior decompression is technically simpler than anterior decompression. During the operation, an incision is made in the back, and to gain access to the spinal canal, a laminectomy is performed - removal of the vertebral arch. Unfortunately, such an operation may not only not improve, but may also worsen the patient’s condition for the following reasons:

in the vast majority of cases, the cause of compression is located on the anterior side of the spinal canal and it is not always possible to eliminate them from such an approach;
removal of the arch aggravates the instability of the spinal segment, therefore, the likelihood of complications increases;
the defect in the posterior wall of the spinal canal is filled with scar tissue, which can secondary lead to compression of nerve tissue and blood vessels.

Anterior decompression is performed through an incision in the front, while the surgeon can clearly see the cause of the compression - be it a herniated disc, osteophytes, or abnormal alignment of the vertebral bodies and their arches. During the operation, this cause is eliminated, and wedging spinal fusion is performed - removing the affected discs and restoring the normal distance between the vertebrae. To do this, an implant taken from the patient’s pelvic bone is placed in place of the removed disc; metal structures can be used to provide additional strength. This operation, unlike laminectomy, does not worsen the patient’s condition.

What not to do with degenerative-dystrophic changes

The following can lead to worsening of the condition with osteochondrosis:

spinal traction;
back twists, deep bends of the back and neck in any direction, head turns (especially sharp ones), high-amplitude swings of the arms and legs, exercises with dumbbells.

Spinal traction (especially under the weight of the body, for example, hanging on a horizontal bar) is a severe stress for the intervertebral discs, even healthy ones, not to mention those that have undergone dystrophic changes. Such “treatment” is a direct path to worsening the condition (even if there is short-term relief after the procedure), to the development of a disc herniation.

Abrupt high-amplitude exercises and exercises with additional load also have a detrimental effect on the condition of the tissues of the intervertebral discs and joints and can lead to blocking of the spinal segments. And, of course, self-medication is unacceptable. Massage and exercises are therapeutic and must be prescribed by a doctor. Massage is performed only by qualified professionals, and exercise courses must be completed under the supervision of an instructor to learn the correct technique before doing them at home. Exercises done incorrectly can be harmful.

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Ozokerite, or mountain wax, is widely used in physiotherapy. This technique is prescribed for a large number of diseases and can be used at home. For these reasons, it is important for patients to know what ozokerite treatment is, when it is necessary, what indications and contraindications exist.

The essence of this technique is to apply ozokerite. This material is a petroleum product.

The composition of ozokerite and paraffin are similar, but the former contains a larger amount of minerals. In addition, the compound includes resins, ethane, carbon dioxide, sulfur combined with hydrogen, methane, propylene.

Ozokerite therapy is characterized by a pronounced therapeutic effect and is well tolerated by patients. The mechanism of action is similar to paraffin wrap, but with the latter, the rise in local temperature is lower and there is no tissue compression, which allows beneficial components to penetrate deeper into the body.

Ozokerite can be applied directly to the affected area or to the area around it. The skin is pre-lubricated with Vaseline (oils and creams are also suitable), after which medicinal wax is applied using a napkin or ditch-application method. The top of the leather is covered with oilcloth.

The duration of the session can be 15-30 minutes (depending on the general condition of the patient and concomitant diseases), the course can range from 10 to 20 procedures. Rehabilitation with ozokerite can be repeated after 4-6 months.

As soon as the session is completed, the skin is cleansed, and the patient is advised to rest for half an hour. This type of therapy is often combined with other methods of physiotherapy, which enhances the effectiveness of treatment.

Benefits for the body

Patients need to know how ozokerite is useful and what effect it has on the body. The material causes a narrowing of blood vessels upon first contact with the skin; after a short period of time they expand, thereby increasing blood circulation.

In addition, ozokerite stimulates metabolism, reparative processes in tissues, and activates the immune system.

The therapeutic effect of this technique is similar to paraffin treatment, since the components are almost the same.

Ozokerite helps eliminate the inflammatory process, reduces the severity of pain, and has a desensitizing effect.

Such a number of useful mechanisms of action on the body provides a wide range of reasons for its use.

Indications and contraindications

As with any physiotherapy procedure, there are indications and contraindications for ozokerite treatment.

This technique is prescribed for various joint pathologies of degenerative and inflammatory origin (only during remission), to eliminate the consequences of injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Ozokerite therapy is intended for the treatment of diseases of the peripheral nervous and vascular systems. The technique is used for chronic pathologies of the skin, female genital area, respiratory and digestive organs (bronchitis, gastritis, various colitis), inflammatory processes in otorhinolaryngology.

Contraindications are as follows:

Predisposition of patients to bleeding.
Various purulent diseases in the acute phase.
High body temperature.
Presence of cancer.
Severe cardiovascular failure.
Arterial hypertension.
The presence of a large number of atherosclerotic plaques.
Pregnancy.
The procedure is not used for thyrotoxicosis.
Increased anxiety in patients.
Kidney failure.
Liver cirrhosis of any stage.

If the patient has the diseases listed above, treatment is strictly contraindicated.

Treatment of joints with ozokerite at home

Treatment of joints with ozokerite at home is widely used. The technique is effective, but some caution is required since the substance is heated to a fairly high temperature.

The procedure and how to warm up ozokerite

The material should be prepared for the procedure. To do this, you need to know how to heat ozokerite. This is done using a water bath. The material is placed in a container and heated to a temperature of about 70 degrees, after which it is transferred to a baking sheet, which must first be covered with oilcloth.

It is important to ensure that water does not get into the containers and that they should not be kept over an open flame, because ozokerite is a product of oil refining and can easily catch fire.

After approximately 20 minutes, the substance will acquire a consistency that is similar to plasticine. This means that ozokerite is ready for use, but before applying it to the skin, it is important to make sure that the temperature is appropriate and that the method will not cause burns.

At home, it is better to use the application method. The skin is pre-lubricated with cream or oil. Ozokerite should be given the appearance of a round cake, applied to the site of the pathological process and wrapped in warm material (for example, a rug or blanket).

The duration of the procedure is on average 15-25 minutes; after its completion, the affected area should be lightly massaged in a circular motion and spend half an hour in a lying position.

You can use the layering method– place the first layer on the skin, wait a little, then apply the next layer of the substance. The total thickness should be 20 mm. As soon as this happens, the ozokerite is wrapped in oilcloth or a blanket.

You can also soak the gauze material in a heated substance, squeeze thoroughly, and cool to a temperature of 50 degrees. After this, the tissue is placed on the area of the pathological lesion; it can be held for up to 50 minutes.

When the session comes to an end, the patient is also recommended to lie down for about 40-45 minutes.

You can self-treat with this procedure if you have diseases of the osteoarticular system of the upper and lower extremities. Ozokerite is very popular for the knee joint.

In other cases, such therapy at home is not recommended., it is not safe and the process itself is more labor intensive and should only be carried out by a trained professional.

Best before date

This product is produced by pharmacological companies and is easy to purchase in pharmacies. The substance is stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees; the shelf life of ozokerite is not limited. It is very convenient and allows you to use it for a long time.

Conclusion

Patients need to have an idea of what ozokerite treats and for what diseases it is better not to use it. Patients with joint pathologies can perform the procedure at home, so it is important to know about the process and precautions.

Content

This method of physiotherapy is one of the youngest. It was introduced into medical practice in 1942 by Professor S.S. Lepsky. The first chemical analysis of ozokerite was done back in 1840 in Paris. At first it replaced paraffin. In the 80s of the 20th century, new drugs appeared: ozokerafin, ozoparaffin, ozokeramin and ozokerafin napkin.

What is ozokerite

A natural fossil substance is used for the procedure. Ozokerite is a homogeneous waxy mass - natural mountain resin. Its deposits are found as admixtures with calcareous and silicon rocks in North America, Great Britain, the Ukrainian and Polish Carpathians, and on the Cheleken Peninsula in the Caspian Sea.

Chemical composition

About 84–86% of the contents of fossil resin is high molecular weight carbon, 13.5–15% is hydrogen. The composition may differ depending on the rock deposit, but each type contains biological active substances. Other components of ozokerite:

ceresin – 40–60%;
paraffin – 1–7%;
petroleum resins – 12%;
asphaltenes – 1–3%;
mineral oils – 25–45%;
mechanical impurities – up to 5%;
water – up to 3%.

Physical properties

The fossil can range from black to bright yellow or green in color, but this does not affect its medicinal properties. Since the substance is of petroleum origin, it looks like wax: it has the same consistency and is felt the same way on the skin. Ozokerite can have a different structure: from soft, paste-like to hard or brittle, like gypsum.

A waxy consistency is more common. Judging by the reviews, the substance has a characteristic smell of kerosene.

Therapeutic effects

The natural substance has all the properties of paraffin, but has not only thermal and mechanical, but also chemical effects on the body. It is due to the presence of natural antibiotics, gases and minerals in the composition. After application to the skin, ozokerite forms a special layer on it. The substance acquires body temperature, after which it slowly transmits heat from the higher layers.

When hardened, the mineral contracts, thereby squeezing the tissue. The compression action ensures deeper heat penetration.

Due to its chemical and physical properties, the substance has the following effects on the body:

reduces swelling;
improves the outflow of lymph and fluid from tissues;
relieves spasm;
enhances recovery processes;
promotes expansion of the capillary network;
cleanses the body of harmful substances;
enhances metabolic processes;
reduces inflammation;
relieves pain.

In what cases is treatment with ozokerite indicated?

Today, this method of physiotherapy is widely used both in sanatorium-resort institutions and at home. Indications for ozokerite treatment:

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: arthrosis, osteochondrosis, myositis, arthritis, traumatic disorders.
Pathologies of the nervous system: radiculitis, neuritis, spinal cord or nerve injury.
Diseases of the digestive organs: stomach or duodenal ulcer, gastritis, cholecystitis.
Inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs: bronchitis, cold, runny nose.
Skin diseases: eczema, ulcerative lesions, bedsores, atopic dermatitis.
Pathologies of the genitourinary system: prostatitis, cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, other kidney inflammations.
Other: varicose veins, chronic thrombophlebitis, diseases of peripheral vessels of the extremities.

Indications for use for women

Ozocerite therapy is actively used in the treatment of gynecological diseases.

The procedure involves applying compresses or inserting tampons into the vagina. Indications for its implementation for women:

inflammation of the uterus or ovaries;
menstrual irregularities;
pain in the pelvic area;
infertility.

Ozokerite in cosmetology

The substance is refractory and high density, therefore it is the basis for eye shadows, lipsticks and creams, giving them a solid form.

Ozokerite retains and retains moisture, improving the condition of atypical dry areas of the epidermis. Therapy with its use relieves itching and soothes irritated skin.

Indications for use in cosmetology:

rosacea;
wrinkles;
cicatricial skin changes;
allergic rash;
neurodermatitis;
cellulite;
brittle nails;
acne;
boils.

For men

Ozokerite treatment has a positive effect on the organs of the genitourinary system. Indications for the procedure in men:

prevention of impotence;
high risk of prostate adenoma;
injuries and hematomas (relevant for athletes);
chronic prostatitis;
urethritis.

Use of ozokerite in pediatrics

For children, the procedure is recommended for the treatment of cough, but only during the recovery stage after an exacerbation. Ozokerite for bronchitis, colds and other diseases of the respiratory system is applied to the arms, legs and upper back of the child.

The procedure is allowed for children from 2–3 months.

Other indications for ozokerite treatment:

increased muscle tone;
hip dysplasia;
cerebral palsy;
chronic pneumonia;
flat feet;
dysentery;
bruises, fractures, sprains.

Methodology of the procedure

Before the session, it is necessary to remove clothing from the part of the body on which the compress will be applied. The skin should be clean and dry. If there is abundant vegetation on the body, then at the preparation stage it needs to be shaved off. The entire session lasts 30–40 minutes. The course includes 15–20 procedures, which are carried out every day or every other day. Methods of ozokerite treatment:

Baths. The foot or hand is coated with ozokerite, heated to 55°, and then placed in an oilcloth bag. It is filled with the same substance, but with a temperature of 55–65°. The edge of the bag is tied with a tightening knot. The limb is wrapped in a warm blanket.
Layering. The skin area is lubricated with fish oil, Vaseline or other ointment. Then molten ozokerite is applied with a flat brush at a temperature of no more than 55°. The next layers are heated to 60–70°. Ozokerite applications are 1–2 cm thick, covered with oilcloth on top, and wrapped in a blanket.
Compresses. A gauze napkin folded in 6–8 layers is impregnated with ozokerite. It is wrung out, laid out on oilcloth to cool to the desired temperature and placed on the affected area of the skin. Each napkin is topped with wax paper and a blanket.
Cuvette-application. Oilcloth is placed in a metal container, and then molten ozokerite. The substance cools and turns into a cake 2–5 cm thick. It is placed on the affected area and covered with oilcloth on top.

Ozocerite treatment at home

To carry out the procedure, you need medical gloves and purified ozokerite, which is sold in a pharmacy. It is heated and melted in a water bath. To do this, pieces of ozokerite are broken and placed in a small container, which is placed in a deep pan filled with water.

Duration of sterilization – 15 minutes. at a temperature of 100°.

The product can be used several times and has no expiration date. At home, the procedure is carried out using the “cake” method:

Cool the molten ozokerite to 37-38°.
Rinse the skin, dry it and lubricate it with Vaseline.
Place a semi-hard cake on the sore spot. For example, ozokerite for cervical osteochondrosis is placed in the neck area.
Cover the patient's body with oilcloth and warm cloth from above.
After half an hour, remove the remaining product with a napkin. The patient should lie down for a while. You can't go outside for an hour.
Repeat the procedure 10–20 times every day or every other day.

For whom is medical ozokerite contraindicated?

This method of physiotherapy is not prescribed during pregnancy or inflammatory skin diseases. The procedure is not recommended for gynecological pathologies that can cause suppuration (adnexitis). Other absolute contraindications to ozokerite treatment:

diseases that are fraught with bleeding;
benign and malignant tumors;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
pathologies of the digestive tract;
urolithiasis;
damage to the pancreas or liver;
thyrotoxicosis;
epilepsy;
diabetes mellitus;
tuberculosis.

Possible side effects of ozokerite therapy

The procedure is well tolerated by almost all patients. Side effects are rare. More often they are associated with high sensitivity of the skin or individual characteristics of the body. After the ozokerite treatment procedure, only a burn of the epidermis or another skin reaction is possible.

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