Part I of our EMF Blog Series.

Did you know that magnetic fields have been used therapeutically since as early as 4000 BCE? And, that over the centuries, our understanding of why magnetic therapies work has dramatically evolved to the point that it is used in healthcare today?

Fact is, there is growing evidence that supports the magnetic stimulation of the body—using high intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) to enhance wellness.

In this blog article, we’re going to discuss how these PEMFs help enhance our health. Let’s start by discussing why this type of therapy is possible.

We’re Naturally Electromagnetic
First, it’s important to know that the human body is electromagnetic in nature. And, that the earth’s electromagnetic fields interact with our body’s own magnetic fields on a cellular level.

The cell membrane has its own voltage and channels in which the electromagnetic energy runs through. These channels can be open or closed based on the magnetic polarity of the membrane. When the channel is closed, it’s in its “resting potential,” and when it’s open, it’s in its “action potential” which can carry the electrical charges through.

Action potential happens in our excitable tissues, such as nerve or fiber muscles, specifically when the changing resting position reaches a firing threshold. This process is an “all or none” action—either it happens or it doesn’t. So the nerve stimulus process is fairly simple—basically 5 steps according to the chart.

Our cell membranes also require a charge to open the channels, which is a process that allows ions to flow into the cells (and increase the membrane’s potential, prompting more channels to open.)

This process produces the movement of charge, which is another non-nerve form of electric current—and which creates the resulting magnetic field—across the cell membrane.

Once all the channels are open, the membrane potential is so great that its polarity reverses, making those channels close, which then makes the exit channels open. This is the full cycle of the process, which creates an ebb and flow of energy—and which is the basis for all organisms being alive.

The main point to remember is this: Since our cells and their electromagnetic charge potentials are what allows cellular communication and processes to happen, they can be influenced by magnetic fields.

So what is PEMF Therapy?

It’s important to know that Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF) is different from electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation applies currents to the body’s tissues, while PEMF therapy induces or creates current in the tissues.

Since PEMF induces the charge in tissues, the tissues can only produce as much charge as it is capable of—so it can’t overcharge or burn as it can with an electrical charge, which is actually electrocution. This is why PEMF therapy is considered safer that electrical therapy.

Some Basic PEMF Definitions

Before we can get into some of the health benefits of PEMF therapy, let’s go over a few of the main keywords and their definitions so you can better understand how PEMF works.

Frequency – All of life of our planet oscillates or lives in a certain vibration level. Color is a vibration and sound is a vibration, for example. So, cells have its own unique vibration level, too.
Frequencies are measured in HertZ (1 HZ) which is one cycle per second. And PEMF systems that are used for health are at extremely low frequencies. All you need to know here is that PEMFs can affect cells by interactive with the cells frequency level.

Modulation – Modulation is basically the manipulate the frequency of a PEMF. It bundles frequencies into packets or groups, allowing a repetition of frequency in phases. Many higher frequency PEMF systems use modulation to increase the ability penetrate tissues.

Wavelength – Wavelength refers to the length of the wave itself. This is an important part of understanding frequencies used in healing magnetic field therapy. The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength. Most health magnetic frequencies have very long wavelengths.
Frequencies under 10Mhz are longer than six feet. The goal for any PEMF therapy is to completely pass through the body. A magnetic frequency wave of HZ is about 9000 miles long. So, most healing PEMFs have long enough wavelengths to penetrate the entire body.

Waveform – Waveform is the actual physical shape of the wave itself. There’s a wide variety of waveform in the body, nature and PEMFs. Here are the most common.

All you need to know here is that certain types of waveforms are stronger than others when it comes to providing a level of magnetic field intensity.

Intensity – Intensity is the measurement of strength or power of a magnetic field.

Amplification – Amplification of PEMFs can happen in the body, and what happens here is that many more molecules or tissues get impacted than just the molecules at the original point of stimulation.
This is why even treating only the foot with a PEMF has effects on the rest of the body. So ultimately, amplification can lead to changes in the tissue, unblocking neutral flows and returning the body to its natural state of flow.

In Summary

I hope you enjoyed this basic introduction to PEMFs and how they work on a very basic level. Consider Part I as the primer, so you can better understand the next blog post, How PEMFs Affect the Body!”

In the meantime, I invite you to try out our own PEMF Relaxation Chair now available at our Mind and Body Spa! I’m providing a Fall Special—four 20-minute sessions for only $100—it’s our PEMF Blog Special for first-timers only.  To see all of our great rates and services, visit the our Brain and Body Spa page.

After all, now that I’ve filled mind with all this great scientific information, you deserve to relax and enjoy the benefits of this amazing holistic and naturopathic treatment!

Until next time, be in good health!

Dr. Marianne Nielsen

Resource Material: “Power Tools for Health—How Pulse Magnetic Fields (PEMFs) Help You” by William Pawluk, MD MSc & Caitlin J Layne; Publisher: Friesen Press