A major storyline emerged in the grappling community when rising heavyweight Daniel “Big Dan” Manasoiu withdrew from the Craig Jones Invitational 2 due to a diagnosis of Lyme disease. At just 23, the competitor explained that despite intensive attempts at treatment, his symptoms continued to worsen and he could no longer perform at the level required for elite competition.
A Sudden Withdrawal and a Search for Relief
Manasoiu shared that he had pursued several aggressive interventions, including high-dose antibiotics, ozone therapy, and NAD+ infusions. Even with this combination, his body remained depleted. Faced with a progressing illness and declining performance, he announced that competing was no longer feasible.
After stepping back from the event, Manasoiu turned to a wellness clinic frequently associated with Joe Rogan’s sphere of biohacking and alternative treatments. On Instagram, he thanked Ways2Well for administering EBOO therapy, describing it as a “supercharged blood cleanse” involving blood extraction, UV exposure, oxygen and ozone infusion, and reinfusion into the body.
The Clinic Behind the Treatment
Ways2Well is operated by Brigham Buhler, a former pharmaceutical executive who also runs ReviveRx, a mail-order pharmacy. Buhler has been a recurring guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he discusses regenerative, functional, and performance-oriented therapies. Over time, Ways2Well has become known as a destination for athletes and public figures in Rogan’s orbit seeking testosterone therapy, stem cell injections, and various wellness procedures with limited clinical backing.
Critics argue that the clinic’s popularity is driven more by association with high-profile personalities than by evidence-based medicine, fueling a broader discussion about the role of celebrity influence in health decision-making.
What Is EBOO Therapy and Why Is It Controversial?
EBOO, short for Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation, is promoted by some wellness practitioners as a method of cleansing or “detoxifying” the bloodstream. The concept typically involves removing blood, processing it with UV light and ozone gas, and returning it to the patient.
However, major concerns exist around using EBOO for infectious diseases such as Lyme disease:
1. Lyme Disease Doesn’t Reside Primarily in the Bloodstream
Lyme is caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites. Once in the body, the bacteria migrate into tissues, joints, and the nervous system. As a result, “cleaning” blood does not target the actual reservoir of infection.
2. Ozone Therapy Is Not Supported by Scientific Evidence
The FDA has repeatedly stated that ozone therapy is not proven safe or effective for any medical condition. Ozone is a reactive gas capable of damaging red blood cells, lung tissue, and other structures.
3. UV Blood Irradiation Lacks Clinical Validation
While UV light can kill pathogens in laboratory conditions, there is no evidence that brief UV exposure during EBOO produces therapeutic benefits for systemic infections.
Low-quality evidence, theoretical mechanisms, and anecdotal claims have driven most of the enthusiasm behind EBOO, but its scientific foundation remains weak.
What Evidence-Based Lyme Disease Treatment Looks Like
Unlike EBOO, conventional Lyme disease treatment is well-researched and highly effective when administered early.
Standard care includes:
- Doxycycline
- Amoxicillin
- Cefuroxime
- Extended antibiotic regimens when indicated and guided by infectious disease specialists
Supportive management for lingering symptoms is also validated and accessible. These interventions directly target the underlying bacterial infection, unlike blood filtration methods that do not address the pathogen where it resides.
The Appeal and the Risk of Unproven Therapies
For Manasoiu, undergoing EBOO may provide psychological reassurance or a temporary sense of improvement. The experience of receiving an intensive treatment can create a powerful placebo effect, especially for athletes accustomed to pushing their bodies to extremes.
But relying on unvalidated therapies can delay proper recovery, compound frustration, or reinforce false expectations. This dynamic is becoming increasingly common among athletes in Rogan’s orbit who seek cutting-edge interventions that promise rapid results but lack strong evidence.
A Story Reflecting a Larger Trend
Manasoiu’s experience highlights a broader phenomenon in combat sports: high-level competitors exploring experimental therapies when conventional medicine fails to deliver immediate relief. The intersection of celebrity influence, performance pressure, and the desire for rapid recovery creates an environment where unproven treatments can thrive.
Whether these choices help or hinder long-term health remains an open debate, but the scientific consensus remains clear regarding Lyme disease treatment.
Original Source
You can read the original article here:
https://bjjdoc.com/2025/08/26/joe-rogans-wellness-circuit-pulls-in-bjj-star-for-dubious-lyme-disease-therapy/
