PEMF Therapy Research
The use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) for wellness dates back to the 19th century, and the scientific studies regarding the benefits and applications of PEMF are extensive, to say the least. While this compilation is merely a subset of the extensive research regarding PEMF, it is a great starting point for learning more about the science that backs this incredible technology. Lets discover the journey through early research around why and how PEMF works and further into the general wellness benefits that PEMF has been shown to provide - both for people and animals.
Early Discovies & Publications
The Fields of Life
Harold Saxton Burr, Professor of Anatomy at Yale University, Studied the predictive electromagnetic fields produced by the bodies of humans and animals and detailed his findings in publications such as The Fields of Life, The Electric Patterns of Life, and Blueprint for Immortality.
Energy Medicine
In 2001, Professor James L. Oschman compiled the extensive research-based evidence around energy as a driver of normal health and wellbeing. His book Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis makes the case for energy-based modalities as fundamental components of health & wellness regimens.
Healing is Voltage
In 2010, world-renowned physician, international author, and integrative health practitioner Jerry Tennant, MD released the first edition of his book Healing is Voltage in which he explored the relationship between voltage across cell membranes and wellness.
“ With enough voltage and raw materials, the body can heal almost anything.” - Dr. Jerry Tennant
Cells are like Batteries
Bioelectrical Understanding and Engineering of Cell Biology
(Journal of the Royal Society, 2020)
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Researchers from the University of Warwick’s Bio-Electrical Engineering Innovation Hub explained that a bioelectrical view of the cell could enhance our ability to predict and control cellular behaviour. In both electrochemical cells (batteries) and biological cells, the partitioning of charged molecules and ions across membranes in and around the cell gives rise to chemical reactions and ion movements. We know that when batteries are low on charge, they perform short of their potential. Similarly, biological cells that are low on charge will also exhibit dysfunction. Much like rechargeable batteries for cell phones, laptops, and cars, biological cells can also be recharged to function optimally. We can also expect that just as some rechargeable batteries hold their charges less as they age, the duration or impact of recharging biological cells will vary from one cell/individual to the next.
“The bioelectrical conceptualization of cell behaviour can be illustrated with an analogy between a biological cell and a battery, both of which use redox reactions and ion movements.”
How PEMF Works: The Mechanism of Action
AMBIENT AND SUPPLEMENTAL MAGNETIC FIELDS PROMOTE MYOGENESIS VIA A TRPC1-MITOCHONDRIAL AXIS: EVIDENCE OF A MAGNETIC MITOHORMETIC MECHANISM (The FASEB Journal, 2019)
After understanding that biological cells behave like electrochemical cells (batteries) through chemical reactions and ion movements, it helps to understand exactly what cellular and sub-cellular reactions and ion movements take place under the influence of PEMF. While the referenced article discusses PEMF’s mechanism of action on muscle cells, the components involved could translate to many other cells. For example, the TRPC1 protein involved in this study is a voltage-gated ion channel located on the plasma membrane of numerous human and animal cell types. PEMF helps position/orient TRPC1 so that it better facilitates the movement of calcium (Ca2+) ions into the cell. Inside the cell, calcium ions...
1. Get to the mitochondria, which in turn respires more
2. Aid in production of another protein (calcineurin) which supports the
immune system
3. Stimulate epigenetic cascades that support production of mitochondria.
In essence, with (1) and (3) you have more mitochondria available and each is respiring more, thereby generating more ATP and energy for the cell to do its job. Given that TRPC1 and other voltage-gated calcium channels are in so many different cells, it makes sense that regardless of the cells in question, the central impact of PEMF is moving calcium ions and stimulating mitochondrial respiration and reproduction, leading to greater energy.
Amplified Performance
PEMF - ITS CORRELATION TO ENHANCED ENERGY, ENDURANCE AND PERFORMANCE.
(Old Dominion University, Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, 2019)
In 2019, ODU’s Center for Bioelectrics studied the effects of Pulse PEMF technology on rat subjects and subsequently measured the subjects’ blood flow. The average increase in blood flow after each PEMF session was about 20% greater than the blood flow of the control subjects which were not given PEMF sessions. Additionally, blood flow after 60 minutes of PEMF treatment was significantly higher than blood flow after only 15 minutes of treatment. The researchers concluded that the results provide evidence that PEMFs improve blood flow, enhance oxygen consumption, and boost ATP production by facilitating electron transport. By doing so, they may also increase skeletal muscle cellular energy potential.
“PEMF increases heat-independent blood-flow to skeletal muscle after treatment. Increased blood flow, like that during exercise, enhances nutrient delivery and facilitates gas exchange in active or injured tissues.”
This study was performed on Pulse PEMF technology!
Natural Recovery
EFFECTS OF PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY ON DELAYED-ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS IN BICEPS BRACHII. (Physical Therapy in Sport, 2015)
The official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine published a study on PEMF’s impact on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in biceps brachii on 30 healthy human subjects. Their objective was to compare the effects of PEMF with placebo treatment on variables in elbow flexors following an exercise regimen that would induce muscle soreness.
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“Overall, the application of the PEMF was found to be effective in reducing the physiological deficits associated with DOMS [delayed onset muscle soreness], including improved recovery of perceived muscle soreness, increased median frequency (MDF), and enhanced electromechanical delay (EMD) during isometric contraction.”
Relaxation
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF MANUAL ACUPUNCTURE, LASER ACUPUNCTURE, AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD STIMULATION AT ACUPUNCTURE POINT BL15 ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY. (Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 2016)
• In this study, researchers focused on measuring heart rate variability (HRV), a key physiological metric for well-being.
• “An optimal level of HRV within an organism reflects healthy function and an inherent self-regulatory capacity, adaptability, and resilience.” They found that PEMF stimulation was identical to that of manual acupuncture in increasing HRV and activated the parasympathetic nervous system, typically responsible for rest and digestion.
“In conclusion, we found that manual acupuncture and electromagnetic field stimulation [2 Hz and 460 gauss] at BL15 caused identical patterns for the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.”
Enhanced Energy
EFFECTS OF A PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC THERAPY ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FATIGUE AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL. (Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2003)
In this study, scientists from Washington, Virginia, and New Jersey conducted experiments on effects of PEMF on subjects with multiple sclerosis. In this multi-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers noticed improvements in fatigue and overall quality of life in subjects who were placed on the active PEMF device. While the researchers were adamant that their study should be replicated and expanded upon, they noted the human body as being highly responsive to PEMF therapy.
“Specifically, subjects experienced significantly less fatigue during the four weeks they wore the active [PEMF] device than they did while wearing the placebo device.”
Benefits of PEMF Therapy for Humans
AS PEMF STIMULATES AND EXERCISES THE CELL, IT IS AS IF THE CELL “WAKES UP” AND STARTS DOING WHAT IT NEEDS TO DO. IT GETS MOVING. IT GETS EXERCISED. THIS IS WHY PEMF IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS “CELLULAR EXERCISE,” AND THIS PROCESS HAS SEVERAL IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN WELLNESS:
OPTIMIZE WELLNESS - NON-INVASIVELY
PEMF generates energy at the cellular level without medically invasive procedures. This amplification of natural energy encourages the body to function more effectively for overall wellness.
ENHANCE THE BODY’S NATURAL RECOVERY PROCESS
PEMF capitalizes on the body’s intelligence and incredible self-healing capabilities, encouraging the cells with natural energy to better perform their many functions.
ASSIST WITH MUSCLE FATIGUE & DISCOMFORT AFTER EXERCISE
Complement any training program.
SUPPORT GENERAL RELAXATION
PEMF
is a soothing and restorative modality.
EXPERIENCE MORE ENERGY, NATURALLY
The body’s holistic nature uses PEMF as a catalyst for full-body energy.
AMPLIFY ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Harness the power of natural energy to supplement training and performance goals.
Natural Healing
EFFECTS OF PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (PEMF) ON MOUSE BONE
MARROW-DERIVED MACROPHAGES
(Old Dominion University, Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, 2019)
In 2019, ODU’s Center for Bioelectrics studied the effects of Pulse PEMF technology on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (specialized cells involved in the detection, phagocytosis and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms). A number of results were observed including the up regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (intercellular signalling molecules involved in immunity, inflammation and hematopoiesis), downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and enhancement of macrophages.
“PEMF effects on macrophages* can enhance the body’s curative mechanisms to possibly clear infections and tissue damage, dissipate inflammation, and promote healing.”
This study was performed on Pulse PEMF technology!
Joint & Cartilage Function
EFFECTS OF PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY AT DIFFERENT FREQUENCIES AND DURATIONS ON ROTATOR CUFF TENDON-TO-BONE HEALING IN A RAT MODEL. (Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2018)
In this study, 210 rat subjects underwent acute bilateral supraspinatus injury and repair followed by pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for 1, 3, or 6 hours daily. Astoundingly, regardless of frequency or duration, improvements were seen in different mechanical properties on virtually all subjects that were given PEMF therapy.
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“Based on the results of this study, we speculate that PEMF treatment may increase tendon cell metabolism, which in turn increases both collagen production and matrix remodeling.”
Coupling of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) Therapy to Molecular Grounds of the Cell
(American Journal of Translational Research, 2018)
This comprehensive scientific review served 4 goals: a) investigate whether there were truly positive clinical outcomes after PEMF therapy; b) screen experimental studies dealing with PEMF and musculoskeletal cells and tissue, especially regarding interleukins and TNF-a c) search for an electromagnetic intrinsic counterpart and trigger for PEMF in cells and tissues and d) look for causal molecular and cellular mechanisms of possible PEMF actions. Among these results:
“[PEMF] is beneficial for both passive physical movement and for physical training performed by the patient.”
“PEMF can lead to chondroprotective effects on joint cartilage in animal models.”
“Proliferation, differentiation and synthesis of cartilage matrix proteins are enhanced by PEMF.”