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Please read before proceeding: Autoimmune conditions are complex medical conditions requiring specialist care. The information below is educational. Hocatt ozone therapy is a wellness modality - it is not a treatment for autoimmune disease and is not a substitute for medication, biologics, or specialist protocols. If you have an autoimmune diagnosis or suspect one, work with your rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or relevant specialist. Hocatt may be useful as a layered supportive modality alongside whatever medical pathway you and your specialist choose.
Living with an autoimmune condition means navigating a medical system that, for many people, is genuinely trying to help but whose options feel limited. You may be on medication that works but comes with side effects. You may have tried several protocols and found partial answers. You are doing the specialist work - the blood tests, the rheumatology appointments, the management plan - and you are looking for something structured to stack alongside it.
This is where clients most frequently arrive at Hocatt at Beyond Rest. Not as a replacement for their medical protocol. As a layered supportive modality that addresses the general recovery environment: oxidative stress, immune signalling, energy production, circulation. None of these are cures for autoimmune disease. Together, they represent a mechanistically coherent support stack for clients whose specialist care is already in place.
Autoimmune conditions covered in this post include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The principles are broadly similar across conditions - the specific intake considerations differ.
Autoimmune conditions collectively affect an estimated 5-7% of the Australian population. They are among the most common chronic conditions, particularly in women - most autoimmune diseases show a significant female preponderance. Common presentations include:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, progressively reducing thyroid hormone production. Managed primarily with levothyroxine. Many clients with Hashimoto's report residual fatigue, brain fog, and joint aching that persists even when TSH is within range.
Lupus (SLE): a systemic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems - skin, joints, kidneys, cardiovascular, neurological. Managed by rheumatology with hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and biologics depending on organ involvement. Significant fatigue and photosensitivity are common.
Rheumatoid arthritis: joint-centred autoimmune inflammation managed with DMARDs (methotrexate, leflunomide) and biologics. Morning stiffness, joint swelling, and fatigue are the core symptoms. Disease activity fluctuates.
Multiple sclerosis: immune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system. Managed by neurology with disease-modifying therapies. Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms, affecting 80% of people with MS.
Psoriasis / psoriatic arthritis: skin and joint autoimmune condition managed by dermatology and/or rheumatology with topical treatments, DMARDs, and biologics. Inflammatory flares are common.
IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis): inflammatory bowel conditions managed by gastroenterology. See also Hocatt for gut health for the IBD-specific content.
The standard pathway begins with a GP referral to the appropriate specialist based on symptom presentation: rheumatology for joint and systemic conditions, endocrinology for thyroid and hormonal, neurology for MS, dermatology for skin-primary conditions, gastroenterology for IBD.
Diagnosis typically involves specific antibody panels (ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-TPO, anti-CCP, etc.), inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), organ function tests, and often imaging. Diagnosis can take months to years in complex cases.
Disease-modifying treatment may include: DMARDs (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine), biologics (TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents, JAK inhibitors), corticosteroids for acute flares, and targeted organ-specific treatments depending on the condition. These are evidence-backed treatments that Beyond Rest has full respect for - they are not alternatives to Hocatt, and Hocatt is not an alternative to them.
Where Hocatt fits: clients who are stable on their specialist protocol - not in an acute flare, not in the early diagnostic phase - and who want a structured supportive modality alongside their existing care.
The mechanistic rationale for Hocatt in the autoimmune context centres on immune modulation, oxidative stress management, mitochondrial support, and circulation. None of these mechanisms cure autoimmune disease. Each is a physiologically relevant target.
Ozone therapy (transdermal) - immune modulation
Transdermal ozone at therapeutic concentrations triggers a mild oxidative stress signal through the skin. This mild challenge is thought to activate immune regulatory pathways rather than inflammatory ones - specifically upregulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defences and modulating cytokine signalling. Reference: Re L, Mawsouf MN, Menendez S, Leon OS, Sanchez GM, Hernandez F (2008). Ozone therapy: clinical and basic evidence of its therapeutic potential. Archives of Medical Research, 39(1), 17-26. Note: transdermal ozone exposure in the Hocatt differs from systemic ozone applications - the evidence base is not identical and clients should be aware of this distinction.
EWOT - Exercise With Oxygen Therapy
Concentrated oxygen delivered via face mask during the session supports tissue oxygenation and mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired cellular energy production are documented in several autoimmune conditions, particularly MS and lupus. Supporting mitochondrial function is a mechanistically relevant target. Reference: Bocci V (2011). Ozone: A new medical drug. Springer.
CO2 and the Bohr effect
CO2 enrichment inside the chamber improves oxygen delivery to tissues. For autoimmune clients with fatigue and reduced functional capacity, improved tissue oxygen delivery is relevant - particularly for clients with MS-associated fatigue or RA-associated functional limitation. This layer runs passively during the session.
Far infrared and mild hyperthermia
Infrared-mediated heat elevation triggers heat shock protein responses relevant to immune signalling. Far infrared also supports sweat-mediated toxin clearance and lymphatic flow. For clients with inflammatory arthritis, the warmth can provide symptomatic relief during the session. Not a disease-modifying effect - symptomatic and supportive.
Photon light therapy (635nm red + 880nm near-infrared)
Photobiomodulation research at these wavelengths suggests cellular metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects at the local tissue level. The evidence base is developing. Relevant as a complementary layer rather than a primary mechanism.
Microcurrent and steam
Microcurrent is associated with lymphatic flow support and cellular communication signalling. Steam provides topical warmth and relaxation. Both run passively.
This section is more important than the mechanisms section for autoimmune clients. Read it carefully.
Clients on biologics or immunosuppressants need specialist clearance before Hocatt. Biologics (TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents) and immunosuppressants (methotrexate, mycophenolate, azathioprine, cyclosporine) modulate immune function in specific ways. Ozone's immune-modulatory effects could theoretically interact with these mechanisms. The interaction is not well-studied. Before booking Hocatt, clients on these medications should discuss with their rheumatologist, neurologist, or relevant specialist. This is not a blanket contraindication - it is a specialist conversation requirement.
Active autoimmune flare: an acute disease flare is not the time to start any new active recovery modality. Wait until the flare has settled and discuss with your specialist before adding Hocatt.
Heat sensitivity in specific conditions: Uhthoff phenomenon (worsening of neurological symptoms with heat) is documented in MS. Lupus clients may have specific heat sensitivity. Psoriasis clients may find that heat triggers skin flares in some cases. The intake team screens for this - clients with heat-sensitive conditions start with lower chamber intensity and shorter sessions.
Pregnancy: Hocatt is not recommended during pregnancy. Autoimmune conditions frequently change in activity during pregnancy and require specific obstetric and rheumatological co-management - Hocatt is not part of this picture.
Severe immunosuppression for cancer or organ transplant: do not book Hocatt without specialist clearance. The risk-benefit calculation in severely immunocompromised clients requires specialist assessment.
Session length and intensity
Most autoimmune clients start with the standard 35-minute session at moderate chamber intensity. Clients with specific heat sensitivity (MS, lupus) start at lower intensity and shorter duration (20-25 minutes) and increase gradually based on response.
Frequency
One session per week is a common starting cadence for autoimmune support. Some clients use Hocatt fortnightly as ongoing maintenance once they have established their response pattern. Frequency is adjusted based on how the body responds - not on a fixed protocol.
Pricing
First session $119 (includes full intake and health history review). Standard sessions $155. Book online or call your nearest centre.
What to communicate at intake
Bring your current medication list, including biologics and immunosuppressants. Mention your specific autoimmune diagnosis and current disease activity status. Note any heat sensitivity or previous reactions to sauna or heat exposure. The intake team will plan your session parameters accordingly.
Melbourne
Note: Beyond Rest Collingwood and Moonee Ponds do not have Hocatt. For Hocatt, Hawthorn East and Prahran are your Melbourne options.
Perth
Mention your autoimmune diagnosis when booking so the intake team can prepare. If you are on biologics or immunosuppressants, bring your specialist's name and contact details - the intake team may want to note this in your file and discuss session parameters with you in detail before your first session.
Book your first Hocatt intake session at $119 (35 minutes, individually paced for your health history) at Beyond Rest Hawthorn East, Prahran, East Perth, or Wembley. The intake covers your full autoimmune history, current medications, and individualised session planning. Book online at beyondrest.com.au or call your nearest centre.
For more on Hocatt ozone therapy at Beyond Rest - including pricing, session structure, and the full nine-modality breakdown - see the national Hocatt page. See also Hocatt for chronic fatigue and Hocatt for mould sickness for related recovery content.
Can Hocatt treat autoimmune disease?
No. Hocatt is a wellness recovery modality. It cannot treat, reverse, or cure autoimmune conditions. The role is supportive layering alongside specialist-managed medical care. Clients who want Hocatt as a replacement for specialist care are not the right fit for this service.
I am on methotrexate / a biologic. Can I do Hocatt?
This requires a conversation with your specialist first. Ozone's immune-modulatory effects have not been well-studied in combination with DMARDs or biologics. The interaction is unknown rather than proven dangerous - but the unknown warrants a specialist conversation before booking. The Beyond Rest intake team will note your medications and may ask for a brief note of clearance from your specialist for complex cases.
Can I do Hocatt during a flare?
No. An active autoimmune flare is not the appropriate time to start any new active recovery modality. Wait until the flare has settled, discuss with your specialist, and then consider introducing Hocatt into a stable period.
I have Hashimoto's - is Hocatt appropriate?
Hashimoto's is one of the more common autoimmune presentations at Beyond Rest. If your thyroid levels are being monitored and managed (with or without levothyroxine), you are not on immunosuppressants, and you are not in an active symptomatic flare, Hocatt is generally appropriate. The intake team will note your thyroid status. Ozone's immune-modulatory effects are not known to interact with standard Hashimoto's management, but always discuss with your endocrinologist or GP if unsure.
I have MS. Is heat safe for me?
Uhthoff phenomenon - temporary worsening of neurological symptoms with heat - is a recognised MS-specific consideration. Clients with MS should discuss heat tolerance with their neurologist before booking Hocatt. If heat has historically worsened your MS symptoms, a shorter, cooler session is the appropriate starting point. The intake team will screen for this.
How many sessions do autoimmune clients typically do?
There is no fixed protocol. Most clients interested in ongoing autoimmune support use Hocatt weekly or fortnightly as a maintenance modality during stable periods. The number depends on individual response and integration with the broader specialist protocol.
Can Hocatt replace my autoimmune medication?
No. This is not an option Beyond Rest would support. DMARDs and biologics are evidence-backed treatments for serious medical conditions. Hocatt is a supportive wellness modality. The two are not interchangeable and no Beyond Rest practitioner would recommend reducing or stopping medication in favour of Hocatt sessions.
Where can I access Hocatt in Melbourne and Perth?
Beyond Rest runs Hocatt in Melbourne at Hawthorn East (2/96 Camberwell Rd) and Prahran (26 Regent St). In Perth at East Perth (125 Edward St) and Wembley (1/252 Cambridge St). Collingwood and Moonee Ponds in Melbourne do not have Hocatt. See Beyond Rest Hocatt for full centre details.