Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: Almost Too Good to be True

Traditional thinking views our bodies as vessels containing thousands of coordinated chemical reactions. While this is true, electromagnetic processes occur simultaneously but get less attention. The reality is that since the discovery of electricity and its cousin magnetism, scientists have been looking into how they interact with biological systems. The classic example of how the body uses chemicals to produce electrical impulses is our nervous system, but every cell does the same thing using electrical potentials. This post will give a little background on the biology of electromagnetism, how it relates to our cells and tissues, and, finally, some of the benefits of applying low levels of electromagnetic energy to optimize health. The technology is called pulsed electromagnetic field application.

 Batteries, Mitochondria, and Cells

The batteries that run our remotes are chemical in nature, and combining these special chemicals across a gradient produces electricity. The cells in our bodies work the same way. Our cells partition ions (charged particles) across membranes and manage their flow through the membranes via pores and transporters, causing small electrical forces to regulate life processes. Like common household batteries, when cells lose their charge, their ability to drive our biological functions weakens. While there are too many unusual reactions to squeeze into one post, let me describe some of the more studied and important ones. 

Extremely Low-Frequency Electricity is Everywhere

The natural extremely low-frequency (ELF) in the atmosphere, continuously generated by global lightning activity, most likely provided the background electric fields for the development of the cellular electrical activity, and they are inextricably linked to one another. 1 The frequencies occur in rhythms that are similar to music. Certain combinations are harmonic, while others are discordant. The controversial 5G rollout is a good example of disruptive electromagnetic noise. However, science has shown that certain electromagnetic frequencies promote biological functions and can be artificially applied for beneficial effects. 2

 Ions and Membranes

At the most basic level, ELF applied to cells naturally, or pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) applied artificially to cells, and their energy generators, called mitochondria, stimulate "antennae" on the cell and mitochondrial membrane to increase the absorption of various charged particles called ions. The antennae that sense ELF and PEMF come in the form of molecules called glycoproteins that respond to certain frequencies known to be naturally generated. The ions act just like batteries, driving numerous biological systems. The most notable ion affected is calcium, but others like potassium are also influenced. Indeed, the common denominator of many PEMF-effect studies is a direct action on voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). 3

 Nitric Oxide, the Mitochondria, Energy, and Cell Growth and Survival

The process of energy production takes place in our mitochondria. Every cell has them except for our red blood cells. Nitric Oxide (NOS) is released from our mitochondria by applying ELF and PEMF to facilitate energy production in the form of ATP. In doing so, our "furnaces" are stoked, which makes more energy and more oxidation. However, our response is to upregulate our ability to rid of the oxidation products, which increases cell growth and survival. 4

 Ligands, Genomic Stability, Improved Gene Expression, and Cell Cycles

Ligands are polar molecules, just like little magnets. PEMF orients them to help downstream reactions modulated by Akt to upregulate over one hundred other cellular processes. 5 Taken as a whole, the benefit of PEMF on Akt is preserving the stability of our DNA, helping our genes to function better, and promoting the lifecycle of our cells. 4

 Resting Potential: Recharging Our Batteries

As previously discussed, a very important factor for the regulation of cell function is the electrical potential generated on the cell membrane. Furthermore, inflammation causes a lowering of our inner battery charges (the threshold for electrical potential). 6 Therefore, the observation that resting potential level can switch from a diseased potential back to normal could be a very good argument for PEMF therapy. The mitochondria do this via ATP synthase using protons which are hydrogen atoms missing an electron (H+). 7 In effect, PEMF recharges our batteries and relieves inflammation.

 Since all cells respond in kind, there appears to be no limit to the benefits of PEMF to act globally in our bodies. The following is a brief list of some of the benefits of PEMF. This post is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease. You should always consult with your healthcare provider should you have any health concerns and need guidance on how best to treat them.

 Chronic Pain

 One study used both PEMF and a control (non-PEMF) device on 50 patients experiencing chronic pain. After a four-week trial, the average reduction with PEMF subjects was 20% vs. only 4% in the non-PEMF control group. 8

 Swelling and Inflammation

A 2009 study showed the use of PEMF on post-clinical plastic surgery patients, showing that it was successful in managing the conditions of postsurgical pain and swelling. 9

 Improved Blood Flow and Wound Healing

Because PEMF liberates nitric oxide, it is effective in dilation of the blood vessels, which results in lower blood pressure (systolic) and a more relaxed state for the system to transport blood and heal wounds. 10, 11

 Reduced Fatigue

A study involving MS patients found that people who received a low frequency, low intensity magnetic pulsing treatment consistently reduced fatigue levels. 12 This makes total sense because PEMF increases our ability to generate energy.

 Cartilage Growth

The cells involved in cartilage regeneration are mesenchymal cells, and short exposure to PEMF on them substantially improved the regeneration potential of the mesenchymal cells into cartilage. 13

Conclusion

 Other benefits include improvements in pseudoarthrosis, diabetes mellitus-induced complications, delayed wound healing, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders in bone, tendon, ligament, arthritis, neuropathy, and degenerative disc disease. 4 Many PEMF devices are available for purchase. They are generally not inexpensive, but in my opinion, worth the cost. I have one made by PureWave Technologies that I use two or three times daily while I am in my bed. I have experienced some of the benefits I described today, but I am not suggesting you will. Of course, it is best to avoid things that damage our health and do the basic things that promote healing, like getting proper sleep, nutrition, and movement. But in our hectic modern lives, it is nice to know that PEMF devices can be an adjunct to healing and staying healthy.