Best Science Backed Guide To PEMF Therapy

Our best science backed guide to pemf therapy introduces you to a very fascinating technology. This technology that hasn’t gained too much public attention in North America yet. Still, it can become a shortcut to more well-being and holistic fitness.

Biohacking and PEMF

In our modern world most of us focus on improving our athletic, work, sexual performance and longevity. Therefore, you have probably read how scientist Rhonda Patrick talks about “how sauna use may boost longevity.” Thus, even if you haven’t heard the term “biohacking” before, you’ve probably encountered some version of it. Perhaps, you’ve heard best selling author and podcaster Tim Ferris talking about his “4-hour-body” book. Or maybe you have read about seniors engaging in “intermittent fasting.”  So here is why PEMF therapy can be a simple but smart move for you.

What is PEMF?

So what is pemf and what can it do to boost our performance and well-being? Let’s take a look. 

What Does Pemf Stand For?

PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. This form of therapy is also known as low field magnetic stimulation. 

Introduction To PEMF Machines

The Pemf machine produces the electromagnetic field. Its properties depend on the technology used.  There are different technologies on the market that differ in frequency, intensity, wave-form and more.

How Does PEMF Technology Work?

Pemf therapy uses the fact that our bodies are electrically and electromagnetically run. By running an electrical current through a copper coil the pemf machine creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field then runs into the body. As a result, it causes a therapeutic effect as it creates new energy. 

What are Basic Benefits of Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy

One of the most basic functions magnetic fields provide in the body is to improve blood circulation. 

PEMF and Blood Circulation

When a cell (for example a red blood cell) is injured or ill, it does not hold its ideal charge. This can result in cells to “stick” together. As a consequence our circulation is reduced. But when a magnetic field passes through our cells, the membrane becomes properly recharged, allowing the cell to beat back itself. As a result the cells can keep themselves separate from others and thus improving circulation again. 

PEMF Improves Cell Nutrition

Pulsed Magnetic Field can boost  chemicals in our blood vessel walls. As a consequence it improves the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues. Thus cells can work more effectively. No surprise that good circulation helps with tissue healing and regeneration. 

In general, pemf can help to 

• increase vitalization;
• increase energy levels
• improve flow of energy through the body, 
• increase circulation, 
• improve sexual health, 
• increase sport performance; 
• enhance general well being;
• relaxation of body and mind, 
• improve mental clarity, 
• improve sleep patterns, 
• reduce muscle tension; 
• increase detoxification and 
• help you feel great!

History of PEMF Therapy

Compared to chiropractic, osteopathy, and physical therapy pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is still a very well kept secret in the healthcare and wellness industry. Thus, many of us assume that it’s a relatively new technology. However, using magnetism to heal has actually been common practice for hundreds of years.

Early Beginnings

One can find early signs of use of magnetic therapy as early as 2000 B.C.  It all began when people in Asia reported healing properties of “magnetic stones.” They used them for many different health issues.

We can find more evidence in the Middle Ages. For instance, healers and doctors used similar stones which were called “lodestones”. They placed these stones upon the patient’s body. The reason was to promote healing. Nevertheless, it would still take many years until inventors had developed the first pemf machines. The reason is that researchers only discovered electromagnetism in 1820.

Nicola Tesla invented the Tesla Coil

In 1891 it was Nicola Tesla who invented a so-called tesla coil. This coil could produce high-voltage, low-current, high frequency alternating-current electricity. Consequently tesla coils are implemented in machines. For example, ”Tesla currents are used in diathermy, as they, while passing through the body, transform electrical energy into a therapeutic heat. In 1891, Tesla passed currents through his own body and was the first to experience their beneficial effects. He kept correspondence on electrotherapy with J. Dugan and S. H. Monell. In 1896, he used high frequency currents and designed an ozone generator for producing ozone. These machines had powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties. 

Tesla Invented the First Medical Devices With Electromagnetism

Nikola Tesla is famous for his extensive experiments with mechanical vibrations and resonance. The famous inventor examined their effects on the organism and pioneering their use for medical purposes. In addition, he also designed an oscillator to relieve fatigue of the leg muscles. But it is less known that Tesla’s inventions (Tesla coil and wireless remote control) are widely used in modern medical equipment.”

Harold Saxton Burr – Research on Human Energy Fields

 Harold Saxton Burr (1889-1973), Professor at Yale University School of Medicine, researched the energy fields of organisms. During his studies he found that measurable imbalances in the electrical field of an organ start before the onset of pathology.  In addition, he researched that if the electrical imbalance is corrected, the disease will not start!  The reason is that the application of PEMF can bring  cells back into balance. 

First Nasa PEMF Machines

NASA used the first modern pulsed Electromagnetic Field devices. The purpose was to maintain the health of astronauts in orbit. 

FDA Approval of PEMF Machines

“In 1979 the FDA approved PEMF for use in stimulating bone growth. In 1987 they accepted it for adjunct therapy to treat postoperative pain and edema. After 17 years the FDA approved it for use as an adjunct to cervical fusion surgery; and in 2011 for treatment of depression in patients unresponsive to medication.”

Who Uses PEMF Therapy

Since neurodegenerative diseases are among the leading causes of disability and death researchers question that focusing on treating symptoms will lead to successful results. As a result, they are asking for more holistic approaches to health and fitness.

Pemf therapy is an important part of a holistic fitness strategy. The reason is that it  supports the body at a foundational level. For example: If cells are damaged or weak the body is not healthy. Therefore strengthening  natural magnetic fields in the body enhances energy  and increases the flow through the body for optimal health.

Patients Seeking for Non Medical Pain Relief

Others are looking for novel therapeutic options for chronic pain. The reason is that pemf therapy is known to have hardly any side effects. Therefore, people combine pemf therapy with their conventional medical treatments. Furthermore, “Common over the counter medications used for pain relief, such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) have potential health risks when used long-term or used inappropriately.” Some doctors recommend pemf therapy for chronic pain patients.

According to the University of California “PEMF devices offer a non drug approach to pain management and a potential decrease of medication use and dependency.”  

Chiropractors

Chiropractors use pemf therapy mainly for non drug pain management of chronic pain patients. One of them is First choice chiropractor in Michigan. They recommend pemf therapy to their patients. “PEMF therapy can improve the following conditions:

• The effects of a stroke
• Arthritis
• Bulging spinal discs
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Joint pain in the hips, ankles, shoulders, feet, fingers, knees, wrists, and more
• Fibromyalgia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Neck and back pain
• Osteoporosis
• Numbness in feet and hands
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis”

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists use pulsed electromagnetic field therapy regularly on professional athletes. For further information please read our article on PEMF Testimonials.

Clinical Settings

PEMF Therapy is used in different clinical settings. For further details please read our article on “What types of conditions can PEMF treat.”

Plastic Surgeons,  sport medicine physicians and urologists are some of the most common users. For example “Physicians from Sapienza University in Rome have published promising results of a small prospective interventional trial using noninvasive pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) to treat men suffering from prostate issues.” 

Professional Athletes

Especially soccer players take advantage of the pemf technology. For example Chelsea Trainer Thomas Tuchel is known to be a big fan of Sanza pemf therapy. During his time in Germany he started encouraging all his athletes to take advantage of this technology to recover faster and prevent injuries. 

“Smart People”

Some people call pemf the fifth element of health. Besides food, water, sunlight, and oxygen they believe that the Earth’s magnetic field and its corresponding PEMFs (pulsed electromagnetic fields) gives:

• Relaxation
• Vitalization
• And helps performance optimization

A well known example is Tony Robbins. Please take a look here but please note that most pemf machines you can hardly feel! 

Pet and Horse Lovers

Pet and Horse lovers apply pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to animals as well. For horses it can help to decrease back pain, enhance flexibility and improve the blood circulation of back muscles for example. Therefore animal lovers share their pemf therapy devices with their pets as seen in the picture below. Read our article on: PEMF For Horses.

Veterinarians

Many modern veterinarians offer complementary medicine. Thus, they use pemf therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. Because horses are so prone to injury, it helps with almost any type of tissue damage. In addition pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy helps vets to localize pain in the foot, pastern, knee, hock and stifle. Furthermore, horses suffering of  laminitis can often benefit, either in the acute or chronic stage. 

Professional (Horse) Trainers

According to the Paulick report major race horse trainers have their own PEMF therapy devices. Other professional horse trainers like dressage trainers for example also believe in the benefit of pemf for their “athletes.”

Safety of PEMF Therapy

As the basic idea of pemf therapy is to improve a person’s well-being safety should have a high priority. Thus before trying a pemf device one should check any contraindications. In addition, asking the manufacturer for contraindications is a smart move. Also check back with your health care provider first. 

What does PEMF Therapy Feel Like?

As every pemf machine has its own unique properties user experiences can differentiate very much. As seen in Tony Robbin`s video above some pemf therapy devices seem to be highly intense. Whereas users of the Sanza PEMF can actually hardly feel anything. Even highly sensitive people are hardly able to feel the magnetic wave of energy entering their body. We therefore recommend getting as much information as possible before using and picking a device.

Contraindications

Who should not apply pemf therapy?

• Patients with an implanted electronic device, including: pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear hearing device, spinal stimulator, etc.
• Women who are pregnant or currently have heavy menstruation.
• People who are actively bleeding, hemorrhaging.
• Patients with organ transplants on immunosuppression. 

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Studies

If you intend to use pemf for specific purposes, we highly recommend researching pemf studies. According to the University of California here are some very promising pemf study results:

• “Individuals with neck pain as a consequence of acute whiplash had significant improvement of pain compared to controls when treated with high frequency PEMF at 27.12 MHz (Foley-Nolen et al., 1992).

PEMF Therapy Studies on Arthritis

• Patients with low back arthritis had improvement of pain for approximately 90-95% of the time with PEMF of 35-40 mT applied (Mitbreit et al., 1996).

• A research team investigated 83 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants were given treatment for 2 hours a day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks.  The study found significantly improved pain, stiffness, and function in the PEMF group (Thamsborg, 2005). There was no improvement in function for the control group at 2 weeks, and only mild improvement at 6 and 12 weeks. Unfortunately, there was no difference between the PEMF group vs. the control group with respect to pain, stiffness or function as the control group also had significant reduction of pain and stiffness.  While function did not improve in participants over 65 in PEMF group, when investigators only examined the patients under the age of 65, there was significant reduction in stiffness between the two groups.

• In another study on knee OA, a different device utilizing a sinusoidal signal at 6.8MHs in 34 patients with early knee OA found 60% reduction in pain in the first 5 days. These findings continued for 42 days during use of the device compared to no significant change in the sham (nonactive device) group (Nelson et al,. 2013).

PEMf Therapy Studies on Diabetes

• Other studies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy have shown equivocal results. Two randomized controlled studies did not find significant improvements of pain with PEMF therapy (Wrobel et al., 2008; Weintraub et al., 2009), while 2 studies did find significant improvement in pain in the PEMF group Cieslar et al., 1995; Graak et al., 2009).”

A Word From healthylifestyleflorida.com

There is no doubt that pemf has many science backed benefits. Furthermore, we also know that many people highly recommend it as part of their complementary approach. And most of us will probably agree that using a device that improves our overall well-being is a smart and savvy approach. Consequently higher levels of well-being will lead to better health as well. But at healthylifestyleflorida.com we believe in high quality products. We therefore strongly recommend to only purchase pemf devices that are safe, reviewed and fit your personal situation.

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The material on this blog is for informational purposes only. As each individual situation is unique, you should use proper discretion, in consultation with a health care practitioner, before undertaking the protocols, diet, exercises, techniques, training methods, or otherwise described herein. The author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects that may result from the use or application of the information contained herein.