How PEMF works
The main mechanism by which PEMF works is how the magnetic field helps all cells become healthier by improving mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are like mini batteries in that they produce energy for the body. The more mitochondria you have and the more efficient they are, the healthier you will be. Mitochondria produce ATP for us to use for energy and help us with detoxification. It is believed that a device generating a PEMF field into an area will give the cells within that magnetic field the energy to recharge its batteries (mitochondria) and cellular health. Wherever you place the device whether it is over an area of pain, or a bone that has osteoporosis, over the brain if someone has a migraine or depression or over the abdomen for digestive problems, it will help heal the cells by improving mitochondrial efficiency and increase circulation to a painful, irritated, or toxic area. PEMF increases our production of stem cells which are vitally important in our ability to heal damaged areas. PEMF also increases endorphins such as Dopamine and Serotonin. Some people think of PEMF as magnetically induced cellular exercise.
History of magnetic therapy
Magnetic therapy is not a new idea. The use of lodestones (magnetic rocks) was used by Hindus in 4000 B.C., and in 2000 B.C. Chinese physicians used lodestones on acupuncture points. Hippocrates around 400 B.C. used lodestones for headaches and both Paracelsus in the 1500’s and German physician Frank Mesmer in the 1800’s used lodestones to treat seizures and psychiatric disorders. Mesmer was so well known that it is his name where the term “mesmerized” comes from. There were others who contributed to magnetic therapy including most notably, Tesla who in the early 20th century developed the Tesla coil, which is like PEMF.
Our furry friends
PEMF is not just for humans. There are many Veterinarians who are adopting PEMF in the treatment of their patients. Dr. Marty Goldstein (no relation) is one of them. Dr. Marty is the author of The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat. Dr. Marty has been practicing for over 40 years and is a well-known proponent in the use of PEMF for his client’s pets. Not surprisingly, this therapy is also used for horses and in many cases some of the most valuable racehorses in the world.
Dr. Oz
On May 29, 2017, Dr. Oz had a show that focused on PEMF. Here is a link to a five-minute clip from that show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d6vashOHIA
PEMF devices
Looking for a PEMF device can be a confusing experience. Many devices claim that low level frequencies in the Schumann Resonance level is all that is needed to treat multitudes of health issues. However, at those frequencies the power of the magnetic field, (referred to as gauss) is not that strong. At a frequency or (Hertz) of 10-30 cycles per second, it would be hard for any device to generate a power output to penetrate much more than an inch below the surface of the skin. Therefore, it would require a much longer treatment time. Increasing the power output (gauss) would have to slow down the frequency. Therefore, for clinical problems deeper within the body requires a gauss level that many devices do not offer. With the lower-level machines which might have a gauss level of 200-500 gauss a treatment might take hours, whereas the stronger devices with gauss levels of 5000-10,000 gauss a treatment might be 10 minutes. Even with a stronger gauss, the magnetic field diminishes considerably deep in the body. According to Dr William Pawluk MD, (who has been in the PEMF field for 25 years) approximately 1000 gauss is needed for each inch of penetration into the body and ideally you want to deliver approximately 15 gauss to the target tissue. There is no one size fits all. There are times when low power and higher frequency work better and there are times when high power lower frequency works better. The analogy of lifting weights comes to mind. Is it better to curl 15 pounds 25x or 35 pounds 6x? They both have their benefits.
PEMF Devices
I just bought a device for the practice that includes both the lower-level power with higher Schumann frequencies and the higher gauss/lower frequency combination. The max output is 7400 gauss, certainly capable of delivering the needed 15 gauss up to 6 inches deep into the body in most people.
PEMF is one of the best kept secrets in the wellness arena and it is painless to do and has no side effects. If anyone wants to experience what it is like, call the office and we can set up a time to give you a demonstration with it. The only contraindication is having a pacemaker or any other battery device and pregnancy. Therefore, a hearing aid would need to be removed before treatment.