Pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy (PEMF) is a reparative technique that directs magnetic energy through injured tissues to promote tissue and bone healing and to alleviate depression (FDA approved).
Here’s a representation of the magnetic field being emitted from the pad shown in the picture above:
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that there are approximately 2,000 acupuncture points on the body. These points are connected by 20 meridians, which are pathways of communication and energy exchange. These meridians connect to one another, the internal organs, the senses, and the supporting tissues. Treating the entire body at once with PEMF therapy stimulates all of these acupuncture points and meridians simultaneously, resulting in a more complete therapy and faster healing.
Magnetic therapies can improve circulation, stimulate cell and tissue repair, stimulate nerve cells, lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate, reduce edema and tissue swelling, reduce inflammation (such as in arthritis), reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia, among many more therapeutic benefits. There have been some exciting studies on its use in treating cancer as well.
The goal of a PEMF system is to produce a magnetic field that will support the body’s natural functions and to use a wavelength that will completely penetrate the body. To accomplish this, a very long wavelength and low frequency is needed. (Harmful EMFs have significantly shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than therapeutic EMFs.) Most PEMF systems produce frequencies in the Extremely Low Frequency to Very Low Frequency range on the electromagnetic spectrum.
“Magnetic field therapy can be effective in a wide range of health conditions. But before it is used for healing, it is important to have a basic understanding of some of the physical characteristics of magnetic science, including electric and magnetic fields and some of their actions on the body.
All matter is made up of moving particles. Forces exist in the space around these moving (electrical) particles. Those forces are magnetic fields. By definition, force is an interaction that changes the motion of an object.
An electric field is the force field created by the flow of electricity (caused by the attraction and repulsion of electric charges). A magnetic field is the force field created as a consequence of the flow of electricity. Electric fields and magnetic fields always exist in tandem – one cannot exist without the other. An electromagnetic field, then, is the combination of an electric field and a magnetic field.”
~ Dr. Pawluk on Magnetic Science (Dr. Pawluk is considered to be the leading expert on PEMF)
According to Dr. Sircus, Ac., OMD, DM (P) (acupuncturist, doctor of oriental and pastoral medicine):
“Frequency specific pulsed electro-magnetic fields (PEMF) are the most effective and cost-efficient option for the widest range of human and veterinary disorders regardless of etiology. PEMF therapy does not treat medical conditions; instead it up-regulates the body’s functions and optimizes the body’s ability to heal itself.
PEMF provides stunning regenerative effects because these magnetic fields result in cells generating so much naturally derived energy that they are able to heal themselves. A magnetic switch turbocharges cellular energy production and reduces oxidative stress.”
I found a Ted Talk video with Bill Doyle explaining a bit about tumor treating fields–using electric fields in the treatment of cancer. He does an excellent job of breaking it down into understandable form.
Note: I am not making any medical claims for cancer; I am simply sharing information that I have found.
Bill Doyle: Treating cancer with electric fields
Additional Sources:
Abstract: Effect of Magnetic Fields on Tumor Growth and Viability