You’ve probably heard a lot about how EMFs such as microwaves, cell phones, and x-rays can be harmful to the body. But research suggests that a different type of EMF originating from a pulsed electromagnetic field can actually aid the body’s natural healing process. The technology is known as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, and it has been used by medical professionals to treat a variety of ailments for several decades.
What is PEMF?
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, or PEMF for short, uses low-level electromagnetic waves in short bursts to stimulate the body’s cells. This process is said to basically recharge the mitochondria of the cells, which can become easily depleted from illness, disease, and stressors we encounter in our everyday lives. By charging these batteries, so to speak, the tissues and organs in the body can recover and heal more efficiently.
While magnets have been used for healing as far back as 2,000 BC, PEMF developed shortly after the invention of electricity. Nikola Tesla, who developed the alternating current system of electricity we use today, invented an electrical coil that is the standard coil used in PEMF devices today. Many of the early versions of these devices were first built in Tesla’s native country of the Czech Republic.1 In America, the technology was further developed by NASA in the 1960s, who used it to combat the negative health effects of being in space.2
How does PEMF work?
Electricity is not foreign to the human body. In fact, we could not exist without it. Electricity is responsible for sending signals throughout the body, including the brain. According to certain experts, a healthy cell has a higher electrical charge than an unhealthy cell, which allows it to function as it should. According to Dr. Jerry Tennant, “The cells in the body are designed to run at -20 to -25 millivolts. To heal we must achieve -50 millivolts. We experience chronic illness when voltage drops below -20 millivolts.”3
PEMF devices send a low electromagnetic current through the body which penetrates the tissues and reaches the cells. This stimulation charges the cells up enough so the healing process can begin. Although created by an electrical device, PEMF waves simply simulate the natural frequencies that come from the earth’s electromagnetic field. Different types of cells are influenced by these unique frequencies.
PEMF machines may vary slightly in intensity, but they typically produce less radiation than a computer. Additionally, they produce longer wavelengths that are not harmful like the shorter wavelengths we absorb from our household appliances and electronics on a daily basis.4
Benefits of PEMF therapy
Many holistic doctors and other wellness professionals have added PEMF therapy to their practices due to the many health benefits it offers. Some of these benefits include:
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Enhanced circulation and oxygenation
- Faster repair of muscles and bones
- Improved nutrient uptake
- Balancing of immune system
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
These and other claimed benefits of PEMF therapy are also backed by scientific studies. For example, studies have shown PEMF therapy to be an effective treatment for lower back pain.5 6 There is also evidence that PEMF therapy can help fractures and other injuries heal, as well as reduce pain and increase function in arthritis patients.7 8 9 Additionally, research has shown that transcranial PEMF is a promising therapy for treating depression.10
Is PEMF right for you?
PEMF therapy is FDA-approved as a treatment for bone healing, muscle stimulation, urinary incontinence, depression, anxiety, and brain cancer.11 As mentioned, the electricity used in PEMF therapy is typically so low that it is harmless to the human body in terms of radiation.
However, this type of treatment may cause some mildly unpleasant side effects, such as increased oxidation, a fall in blood sugar levels, increased urination, loss of energy, and sleep disturbances.12 These side effects are usually a temporary result of the increased blood flow and oxygenation that comes with PEMF treatment.
PEMF side effects can be more serious in people with certain conditions. As such, PEMF may not be right for you if you fit into any of the following categories:
- Have a cardiovascular defect
- Are elderly
- Have a dermatological condition
- Are diabetic
- Are pregnant
- Are undergoing chemotherapy
- Have chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia
PEMF treatments typically cost between $30-$60 and aren’t covered by insurance. If you’re interested in this therapy, talk to your doctor first to see if any of your conditions or medications could cause serious side effects.
PEMF balancer Virtual Item
PEMF is one of more than 250 wellness services available to scan in the ZYTO Balance, Select, or Elite software. A scan will reveal how strongly the body responded to this service. A strong response to this Virtual Item indicates a biological preference for PEMF services. PEMF is traditionally administered by a wellness professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist. However, more affordable devices are now available to purchase for personal use.
About Seth Morris
Seth Morris is an experienced article writer with a background in marketing, Web content creation, and health research. In addition to writing and editing content for the ZYTO website and blog, he has written hundreds of articles for various websites on topics such as holistic wellness, health technology, and Internet marketing. Seth has earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management as well as Literary Studies.
Sources:
1. “10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You.” Oska Wellness. Oskawellness.com.
2. “How NASA Research Supports PEMF Therapy.” PEMF Supply. Pemftherapyeducation.com.
3. Tennant, Jerry L. Healing is Voltage: The Handbook, 3rd Edition (Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010).
4. “Therapeutic vs. Harmful Electromagnetic Fields.” William Pawluk, M.D., M.Sc. Drpawluk.com.
5. Abdelhalim, N.M., A.F. Samham, & W.K. Abdelbasset. “Short-Term impacts of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in middle-aged university’s employees with non-specific low back pain: A pilot study.” Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences 35, no. 4 (2019): 987-991.
6. Alzayed, K.A. & S.M. Alsaadi. “Efficacy of Pulsed Low-Frequency Magnetic Field Therapy on Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Asian Spine Journal (2019).
7. Assiotis, A., N.P. Sachinis, & B.E. Chalidis. “Pulsed electromagnetic fields for the treatment of tibial delayed unions and nonunions. A prospective clinical study and review of the literature.” Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research 7, no. 24. (2012).
8. Binder, A., G. Parr, et al. “Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy of Persistent Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: A Double-blind Controlled Assessment.” The Lancet 323, no. 8379 (1984): 695-698.
9. Ganesan, K., A.C. Gengadharan, et al. “Low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field–a viable alternative therapy for arthritis.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 47, no. 12 (2009): 939-948.
10. van Belkum, S.M., F.J. Bosker, et al. “Treatment of depression with low-strength transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields: A mechanistic point of view.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 71 (2016): 137-143.
11. “PEMF Therapy – FDA Approved.” PEMF Supply. Pemfsupply.com.
11. “Side effects of using PEMF therapy.” Oxford Medical Instruments Health Store. Oxfordmedicals.com.