With the ongoing growth of medicine and the discovery of new technologies, scientists and doctors continue to develop new and exciting forms of treatment with a wide range of applications. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is just one of these formerly untapped treatments, and it presents a wide range of promising applications, particularly in relation to blood flow and circulation. What is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy? How does Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy work? Read on to learn more about the potential mechanisms of action.
Understanding Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy involves the use of low frequency electromagnetic pulses applied directly to the body. While consistent exposure to high levels of electromagnetic waves can potentially cause harm, the electromagnetic signals used in Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy are at a low enough intensity to not cause any damage. Instead, the pulses activate specific molecular activity that then stimulates blood flow. Blood plays an integral role in transporting oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body while also disposing of carbon dioxide and certain toxins. This can potentially translate to some significant health benefits.
One of the biggest advantages to Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is that it is completely noninvasive, meaning it does not require a surgical procedure. This cuts down on recovery time and reduces the complications that can come with surgery and recovery. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is applied using special pads or mats. These are connected to a device that allows you to monitor and control the frequency and intensity of the electromagnetic pulses. The exact usage guidelines can vary based on your health and diagnosis, but most experts recommend that just eight minutes of twice per day is enough to reap the positive health benefits of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy.
How Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Works
The key to Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is its low frequency electromagnetic pulses. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is a form of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. The human body naturally generates electricity thanks to charged elements called ions. This happens at a tiny intensity of about 10 to 100 millivolts. Using any sort of PEMF device creates a magnetic field that causes currents to flow into nearby cells and tissue. It is similar to recharging a battery.
In the process, your body’s cells expand and contract. Blood cells can transport nutrients and oxygen more efficiently while removing carbon dioxide and toxins. PEMF therapies also penetrate deep into tissues. Within just a few minutes, the magnetic field can reach deep into muscles, bones, and joints.
This contributes to a wide range of answers to the question “What is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy used for?” Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy has become particularly popular among athletes to reduce chronic pain and aches from training and workouts and improve recovery periods. PEMF therapy has also been used in healing bone tissue. The idea is that the electromagnetic signals mimic the natural electrical activities that are generated by bones during normal physical activity.
Other studies suggest that Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy may be beneficial in reducing cancer symptoms in a patient. Studies show that PEMF therapies can reduce cancer cell proliferation (growth and spread) and potentially induce cancer cell apoptosis (cell death). Mouse models also showed reductions in tumor growth. This was shown in several types of cancer cells, including breast cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, melanoma, and osteosarcoma. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for cancer may also increase cancer cell sensitivities to other forms of treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapies.
More research is necessary to understand the exact mechanisms at work with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, which can also open up the potential applications of the therapy. The current studies around the therapy are promising, and with the noninvasive nature, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy may play an integral role in supporting health for all ages.
Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco
Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.
Sources:
- https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/nervous-system/human-body-make-electricity.htm
- https://healthcareinamerica.us/treating-chronic-pain-with-pemf-therapy-f4c09dc183d7
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/pulsed-electromagnetic-field-therapy
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.