People who have been using magnets know they are often heavy, bulky, and difficult to keep on. The body can become aggravated or not respond to magnets after a period of use. Gentle, and easy to use, the cutting-edge concept of pulsed magnetic fields imitate the low magnetic fields that occur naturally in our bodies. This concept is different from the ‘permanent’ magnets, which are less effective and require being worn the entire day. The results of pulsed magnetic fields are more profound since electro-magnetic balancing occurs in the body’s cells.

Research on PEMF’S & Pain
The Arthritis Foundations Guide to Alternative Therapies has a section devoted to Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields, page 156-7. “There is a magnetic treatment that is medically accepted for some uses, and studies have shown it may work for osteoarthritis (OA). It’s called pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and it’s been used successfully more than a decade to stimulate the healing of broken bones. It’s approved for other uses in more than 20 countries and is widely used in Europe for OA and other musculoskeletal conditions.

PEMF’s are being investigated at several major US universities, and studies have shown it can relieve the pain of OA of the knee and spine. It’s painless, noninvasive and has no reported side effects. The theory is the PEMF stimulates repair by replacing a short circuit in the normal electrical process in our bodies. It’s shown that bones and other parts of our bodies produce electrical signals. It is believed that under normal circumstances tiny electrical currents set off when we move or walk to stimulate bone and cartilage growth. Bone or joint damage, such as cartilage loss in OA, can interrupt that stimulation. Low-level doses of external electrical stimulation may signal the body to repair cartilage.

So far, there is no proof that PEMF can grow new cartilage. But studies do show it relieves pain and improves function. Two studies were done at Yale University using an electromagnetic coil device. The first a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study involving 18 people with OA of the knee, showed that those who got 18 half-hour treatments had an average improvement of 23 to 61 percent in pain, joint tenderness and discomfort. The placebo group that got fake treatments had two to 18 percent improvement (Trock 1994). Another Yale study with 167 patients with OA of the knee or cervical spine showed similar, significant improvements (Trock 1993).
Another double blind, placebo controlled study was also done at Johns Hopkins University where 78 patients with OA of the knee had four weeks of treatment or a placebo. The treatment group had significantly better results in terms of pain, function and physician assessment than the placebo group (Zizic 1993).”

The final opinion given by The Arthritis Foundation is that pulsed magnetic fields look promising for the pain and mobility related to arthritis disorders, appear to have no side effects and that they might be worth a try. At the time of publication, these treatments were not available in the United States. Recently, this treatment has become available with the introduction of a new in-home self-care product called Magnopro. Safe, long-lasting beneficial actions are created in only 15 minutes by simply lying down on a full body mattress. A small pillow addresses stressed areas of the body. The unit is operated with a control panel that is plugged into a wall socket. www.omtusa.com

Benefits of PEMF’S – Stress Reduction
Pulsed magnetic fields have already been in use in Europe for at least 30 years. What has been found with the ongoing use of pulsed magnetic fields to the body is an induction of electrons, which creates a natural resonance that the body and its cells recognize and work to maintain. The human body is electro-magnetic in nature. We all know the brain and nervous system are electrical. By adding a balancing charge to the cells, the cells are calibrated. Thus, with continued use individuals have found they feel more vital because their cells are better utilizing the water, food and air they take in. Increased elimination of waste byproducts also occur.

There is much experimental evidence that almost all biological systems are highly sensitive to the low magnetic fields generated by PMFs, with a wide range of biologic effects. Research, on humans and animals, has shown that PMFs alter stress responses by acting directly on the nervous system, cells, tissues and organs. Research has shown the following benefits: improvements in circulation, reduction of pain, muscle relaxation, reduction of swelling, decreased inflammation, improved oxygenation in the tissues, and a better nights sleep. Reducing stress factors in the body will also allow individuals to become proactive in slowing the aging process. Pulsed magnetic fields have these general actions on the body, and when these actions are understood, individuals will understand how they can help themselves for a lifetime.

Most importantly from a preventative perspective, pulsed magnetic fields manage and prevent stress reactions in the body. Once a stress reaction occurs, it can take hours, even days to recover. Since the effects of stress are also cumulative, a daily routine of reducing the physiologic response becomes necessary to ward off long-term damage and ensuing physical problems.

The stress response causes the brain to release chemicals that stimulate the nervous system. Adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream along with extra sugar and fat, from body stores, for energy to fuel muscles. Mental activity is focused; some organs slow their activity, while others accelerate it. The muscles tense up, the breathing rate increases, there may be tightness in the chest and queasiness in the stomach. In a high stress state, most of these reactions will be present. In a lower stress state only one or several may be present and in varying degrees.

Though, mild chronic daily stress causes untold damage to humans, research has shown that pulsed magnetic fields produce a number of general anti-stress changes in the body, both to ward off stress, that is, create stress resistance, and to decrease the hormonal, immune, neurologic, soft tissue, cardiac, vascular, low pH and low-oxygen damage caused by stress. Since the effects of stress are also cumulative, a daily routine of reducing the physiologic response becomes necessary to ward off long-term damage and ensuing physical problems like irritability, headaches, hypertension, gastritis, arrhythmias, depression, fatigue, immune deficiencies, etc.

Many approaches are used to reduce the effects of stress, including relaxation, meditation, yoga and stress avoidance. Whole body pulsed magnetic fields (PMFs) is the new, simple, easily useable approach to reducing the physical response to the effects of daily stress. We all know that a relaxed and well-rested body and mind are more productive and enable us to maximize the effectiveness of accomplishing daily tasks. With ongoing use of PMFs individuals have observed a calmer happier lifestyle for themselves and their families too.

As we want to see real improvement with stress relief, seeing results and changes are real concerns with this new health concept. Immediate changes that may be experienced are calmness or drowsiness and increased warmth to the body with increased circulation. Others may experience slight tingling, relief from discomfort and “tipsy” after a treatment. Some people see deepened and clearer breathing, relief from body aches and better sleep that night. Some people need a few days to a few weeks to feel more energy, have body aches go away and see an improvement in their sleep. Thirty days is the optimal time to see distressing occur throughout the different areas of one’s lifestyle.

As people are busy with full schedules adding something new to their schedules is always a concern. The beauty of fitting PMF’s into a daily routine is that it is as easy as lying on a bed or in a chair. Magnopro can be used while watching TV, opening the mail, talking on the phone, holding a loved-one, reading, filing finger nails or simply relaxing! No pills or exercise. Simply lie down to get all these benefits.

Pulsed magnetic fields can be used safely on babies, animals and adults of all ages. Pulsed magnetic fields are noninvasive and nontoxic, which makes them ideal for gradual body rebalancing. There are no undesirable side effects. If a dull headache, increased thirst, slight fatigue and achy muscles are initially experienced, increased water intake is needed. These symptoms will clear when toxics have released from the body. Contraindications do include use of pulsed magnetic fields for people with severe mycosis or epilepsy who should consult a doctor before use. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women or by people with heart pacemakers.

Using PMF’s could very likely lower a family’s overall health care costs. Ongoing lifetime use of pulsed magnetic fields lowers stress levels in the body. This can prevent disease before it starts. Taking this kind of preventative approach will lower health care costs overall by reducing the need for more costly treatments such as medications and surgery. >From this perspective, pulsed magnetic fields used regularly should be able to prevent or reverse many of the long-term effects of stress that all of us experience daily.

Pulsed magnetic fields will continue to be the choice of educated consumers as a new approach to “pure prevention” in health care. Now, optimizing health and lifestyle only takes 15 minutes of whole body relief. Magnopro augments sleep and relieves body aches, the body better receives nutrients; detoxification and water absorption are also increased.

To learn more about this new health and lifestyle trend, please go to www.omtusa.com or call toll free 877-354-7152 to learn about a 30-day trial.

Pulsed magnetic fields prevent and manage stress reactions in the body. Once a stress reaction occurs, it can take hours, even days to recover. Though, mild chronic daily stress causes untold damage to humans, research has shown that pulsed magnetic fields produce a number of general anti-stress changes in the body, both to ward off stress, that is, create stress resistance, and to decrease the hormonal, immune, neurologic, soft tissue, cardiac, vascular, low pH and low-oxygen damage caused by stress. Since the effects of stress are also cumulative, a daily routine of reducing the physiologic response becomes necessary to ward off long-term damage and ensuing physical problems like irritability, headaches, hypertension, gastritis, arrhythmias, depression, fatigue, immune deficiencies, etc.

Another consideration is that the United States spends much more on health care than other industrialized countries, yet does not seem to get any more benefits from the increased spending, according to research. According to experts, it needs to be determined whether Americans‚ increased spending on health care translates into more resources for patients or simply higher income for health care providers. However, according to the report Americans seem to be getting fewer real resources than people in other industrialized countries. Health Affairs 2003;22:89-105 This translates to the need for other health solutions that are lest costly and more effective. Fifteen minutes of full body application of pulsed magnetic fields seems to be the new preference of choice for self-care.

Pulsed magnetic fields have already been  in use in Europe for at least 30 years. What has been found with the ongoing use of pulsed magnetic fields to the body is an induction of electrons, which creates a natural resonance that the body and its cells recognize and work to maintain. Based on extensive research, this new health concept is now being introduced into the United States and Canada with a new home health appliance called Magnopro.

Questions abound with the introduction of this novel health technology that consists of a full body mattress, a small pillow and control panel that is plugged into a wall socket.

“How do pulsed magnetic fields work?”
The human body is electro-magnetic in nature. We all know the brain and nervous system are electrical. By adding a balancing charge to your cells, your lifestyle improves because your cells are calibrated. Thus, with continued use you will find you feel more vital because your cells are better utilizing the water, food and air you take in. Increased elimination of waste byproducts also occur.

“I want to see real improvement with stress relief. How soon will I see results and what changes might I expect to see?”
Some people see immediate relaxation, deepened and clearer breathing, relief from discomfort of one type or another, and better sleep that night. Some people need a few days to a few weeks to feel more energy, have body aches go away and see an improvement in their sleep.

“Is the Magnopro like a massage and does it affect my muscles?”
Pulsed magnetic fields are similar to a massage in that they do increase blood flow and relax muscles. The results of pulsed magnetic fields are more profound since electro-magnetic balancing occurs in the body’s cells.

“Can you feel pulsing while lying on the mat?”
No, the magnetic field is so gentle and low that most people cannot detect it.

“How much time each day do I use the Magnopro? Do I sleep on it?”
No, you do not sleep on the Magnopro. One fifteen-minute treatment upon rising or after work is all you need. For best results, using the Magnopro again before bedtime will assist in sleep and regenerating a tired stressed body.

“I am a busy person and have a full schedule. How will I fit using the Magnopro into my daily routine?”
Use the Magnopro on a bed or in a chair while watching TV, opening the mail, talking on the phone, holding a loved-one, reading, filing your nails or simply relaxing!

“Are there any contraindications?”
People with severe mycosis or epilepsy should consult a doctor before use. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women or by people with heart pacemakers.

“Is this product safe?”
Yes, it can be used safely on children, animals and adults of all ages. Pulsed magnetic fields are noninvasive and nontoxic, which makes them ideal for gradual body rebalancing.

“Will I experience any side effects?”
There are no undesirable side effects. If a dull headache, increased thirst, slight fatigue and achy muscles are initially experienced, persist with increased water intake. These symptoms will clear when toxics have released from the body.

“Would using Magnopro lower my overall health care costs?”
Yes, ongoing lifetime use of pulsed magnetic fields lowers stress levels in the body. This can prevent disease before it starts. Taking this kind of preventative approach will lower health care costs overall by reducing the need for more costly treatments such as medication or surgery.

More importantly, life processes that are inexplicable according to biochemistry have been either ignored or misinterpreted. As a result, medical science has abandoned the central rule of all science, which is revision in light of new data. In many ways medical science has been frozen in time by looking for more and more chemical solutions for problems that are not chemical in origin. As a consequence, the discoveries that have kept physics so vital have not occurred in medicine.

The search for a cancer cure illustrates this tunnel vision. The battle against cancer in 1974 was being waged with $270 million. Today the budget has grown to over $6 billion and, using more and more complex and toxic chemical weapons, we are not winning the war. After so many years and millions of dollars spent for negligible results, it is still assumed that the cure for cancer will be a chemical. On every level, this approach is becoming more and more disastrous.

Conventional medicine has always put the emphasis on crises intervention, and that is where it is most successful. We are the best in the world when battling disease with surgery and drugs. With acute illness, high tech medicine outperforms any alternatives as far as speed of effectiveness.
However, illness in this country has shifted from being predominantly acute to chronic. Degenerative diseases, heart attacks, arteriosclerosis, cancer, stroke, arthritis, hypertension, ulcers, and others, have replaced infectious diseases as our primary health problem.

The newly organized Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institute of Health is spearheading the exploration of a wide range of alternative approaches. Many of these efforts are aimed at chronic diseases for which conventional allopathic medicine and biochemical solutions have been least effective. Even insurance companies are beginning to reimburse some alternative modalities, because they help them where they hurt…in their pocketbooks.

Dr. James Gordon, a clinical professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Community and Family Medicine at Georgetown Medical School, Director of the Center for Mind-Body Studies in Washington, D.C. and Chairman of the Advisory Council to the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine, stated in an editorial published in the Washington Post that The surgical and pharmacological remedies that modern biomedicine has developed are potent and effective in emergencies, but for most chronic illnesses they are little more than palliative. And all too often, both surgical and pharmacological treatments are used inappropriately, produce significant and deleterious side effects and are overpriced.

Dr. Gordon and many of his colleagues believe that techniques that are fundamental to the healing systems of other cultures should be fully integrated into our own., Alternative approaches, nourished on our own soil yet scorned by the medical establishment, should once again be considered as members of the family of official medicine.

Quantum Physics Redefines Humans

Western medicine’s Newtonian view that sees the body as a chemical soup, operating as a complex biological machine down to the cellular level, is incomplete. The body would be a puddle of chemical soup was it not for an energy and information source that organizes our atoms and molecules into our human form.

Most profound changes in the conception of reality came from Einstein’s Unified Field Theory where all matter is organized energy, and field reality is one of the characteristics of the universe. Quantum physics has shown us that the distinction between matter and energy is lost at the subatomic level. Whether the energy is constelled as a cup, a tree, or a human being, it has a field associated with it. The denser the substance, the less energetic and more rigid the field becomes. We know that all living things have dynamic fields.

Two-time Nobel Prize winner, Linus Pauling, received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 for his discovery of the magnetic properties of hemoglobin in the blood. He found that iron, in addition to its function as the carrier of oxygen, plays an important role in cell metabolism. Since iron and as many as five electrolytic salts in our blood circulate biomagnetically, Magnetic Therapy can beneficially influence the naturally occurring magnetic currents in our bodies.

The growing emphasis on therapeutic use of electromagnetic energy to hasten the healing of bones, to alleviate pain and improve enzyme and vascular activities, attests to the electrical nature of cells. There is increased evidence that electrical field changes at the cellular level occur before structural physiological changes. When constructive changes occur on the cellular level the structural regeneration on the tissue level follows.

Ancient Views of Bio-Energy

Information from ancient Indian literature describes whirling vortices of subtle energies, which they called chakras, which is the word for wheels in Sanskrit. The chakras are then connected to 72,000 fine threads of fluid energy channels. In China and Japan, healing focuses on energy flow. They feel energy. They see other people’s energy. They believe that the health of the body is a result of proper energy flow as well as blood flow.

In general, Eastern medicine recognizes something beyond nerves in our bodies. In fact, it has mapped out an entire energy system consisting of so-called energy channels or meridians, thought to be established early in our development. Structurally, they are comparable to magnetic fields. These energy channels circulate life energy throughout the human body. They are believed to balance the flow of energy. In the case of illness, the intersection of these circulatory channels are thought to become irritated wherein the flow of energy breaks down.

The differences in focus between the two medical systems explains why acupuncture is traditional in China, where it has been practiced successfully for more than 2,000 years, and is considered an alternative or, at best, a complement to other forms of treatment in America.

The Energy Paradigm

The older concept that everything progresses toward decay does not hold with field beliefs. From a field reality, the world grows and changes, it evolves. Prigogine, the Nobel biochemist, showed that when energy was introduced into a system, whether it was motion or vibrations, which substance refined and changed. It did not decay.

The healthy body is a flowing, interactive electrodynamic energy field. Motion is more natural to life than non-motion; things that keep flowing are inherently good. What interferes with flow will have detrimental effects. Energy field medicine is based upon treating illness with the introduction of new energy.

Recently, we have been able to measure human fields separate from mass and describe them as energy patterns, wave s shapes, wave trains, and wave packages or quanta. Physics has found that by periodically introducing energy into chaotic systems they could be pulled back toward order. It follows that because of the resilient nature of the human field energy manipulation techniques such as hands-on healing, subtle energy devices, and body therapies introducing subtle energy into the system will be more effective in preserving health than those geared to chemical or mechanical intervention.

There is an old saying that seeing is believing. It should be changed to believing is seeing. Those researchers and physicians, who believe that the bio-chemical solution is incomplete, are discovering new answers from doctors trained in Eastern medicine, particularly energy field therapy. What they are finding is increasing evidence that the origin of many major diseases begins as field disturbances. Numerous studies are suggesting that many of the problems associated with degenerative diseases, certain types of memory loss or conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are the result of energy field deficiencies. And, the good news is that extensive testing has shown that Magnetic Field Deficiencies may be like vitamin deficiencies, which means that once the vitamin or magnetic influence is restored, the body functions normally.

The New Science of Healing

Today, all over the world, more and more scientists and physicians are working with magnet therapy. Doctors in both Europe and the United States are obtaining astounding results using electromagnetic fields to treat damage ranging from ulcers to severe burns. Research studies show that magnetic fields predictably accelerate the healing time of soft tissue injuries as well as bones and joints. In Russia, doctors regularly use magnets to speed up healing after surgery, to improve circulation and to strengthen mending bones. Some researchers have used super magnets and electrical therapies on lung and breast cancers. An increasing number of dentists are using magnets to relieve the pain of TMJ and jaw dislocations, as well as headaches and gum disease. In Germany, unsightly keloid scar tissue has been shown to virtually disappear with the application of magnetic foils.

Balancing Our Energy Flow

Therapeutic magnets work on the same principles as acupuncture but without the needles. They fit perfectly into the Eastern concept of Energy Medicine. In the Orient they feel energy. It’s normal. They see other people’s energy. They believe that the health of the body is a result of proper energy flow as well as proper blood flow. By contrast, our Western medical model is a biochemical model. We look at people as biochemical machines. And if there is something wrong, we use some chemicals to fix it. Therefore, while acupuncture is traditional in China, where it has been practiced successfully for more than 2,000 years, it is considered an alternative or, at best, a complementary form of healing in America.

Acupuncture and Magnetic Field Therapy

Acupuncturists use hair-thin needles, gentle finger pressure (acupressure) or in a modern variant, electrodes to stimulate designated points along the body through which healthful qi (pronounced chee) energy is said to flow. Acupuncture has proven effective in relieving arthritis and chronic pain. Without acupuncture, chemical painkillers, that are bad for the liver, are commonly used to treat these problems.

Magnetic Therapy uses magnets instead of needles. These flexible, rubberized, permanently charged magnet pads, cut into a variety of shapes, can be attached to an injury site or an acupuncture site with athletic tape. Magnet therapy, much like acupuncture, reestablishes order in the energy system and allows healing to occur.

Fighting the Aging Process

Every doctor practicing medicine knows the human body was designed to heal itself. Under ideal conditions, each cell is bathed in fluid from which it receives its nutrients and into which it releases its waste products. For any cell to be completely healthy it must constantly be fed nutrients and its waste products must be taken away quickly so it does not become bathed in its own waste. To accomplish this, it is extremely important that the blood and lymph circulation be unobstructed and that the nervous system be free of interference.

Recent studies on aging have concluded that aging is not a natural process. It is due, instead, to our mental attitude and a series of malfunctions in our bodies, which have been allowed to progress without correction, and eventually result in the destruction of cells and organs. The growing consensus among researchers is that the best way to treat aging is to prevent it in the first place.

However, in the course of living, many minor problems will inevitably occur. Obstructions and circulatory problems are very common. Some capillaries are only the diameter of a single blood cell, so our blood must travel in single file. Tension, causing vascular constriction or early arteriosclerosis, can easily produce a 10% decrease in the inside diameter of a capillary which completely stops the flow of blood to the cells.

Out-of-place joints along the spinal column cause interference to nerve function, which in turn causes inadequate stimulation and constriction of the blood vessels. Decreased blood supply follows, setting the stage for cell degeneration and the appearance of pain and other symptoms.

Symptoms of pain and disease surface when conditions cause the capillary pores to dilate allowing the escape of quantities of blood proteins in the area of the cells. This eroding of proteins attracts fluid (inflammation), causing pain, depriving some cells of proper oxygen and nutrients, resulting in malfunctioning cells. If not carried away and disposed of by the lymphatic system, these cells begin to destroy healthy cells.

Alternatively, the combination of increased oxygenation and blood flow is very effective in eliminating these conditions and the accompanying pain. Since most disease is either a function of toxicity or deficiency, improved circulation benefits most aspects of our overall health.

Consequently, many different illnesses can be successfully treated with magnet therapy because every illness is a bioenergetic breakdown of the organism. It is a sign that the cells have been deprived of energy and their defense mechanisms have been weakened. It is the task of magnet therapy to remove the blockages that get in the way of normal functioning and restore the body’s natural balance.

Accelerating the Body’s Natural Healing of Injuries

Our bodies respond in several ways to traumatic injury. The vessels that carry blood from the heart constrict. The supply of blood in the capillaries increases. Next, scavenger cells flock to the area, removing bacteria. While this repair process is going on, the traumatized area immobilizes itself, and painful spasms usually result. What we need then is subtler than pain relief medication, we need a resumption of normal blood flow to promote rapid and complete tissue repair.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Conventional treatment recommends Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, or R.I.C.E. for short, followed by stimulation therapy such as infrared light, anti-inflammatory drugs, trigger-point injections, microwave diathermy, ultrasound or electrical stimulation which are used to increase blood flow to an area. However, while all of these treatments eventually restore some degree of blood flow, they all require a considerable amount of time to be effective.

But now, the healing time for many sports injuries can be shortened with the use of magnets. A recent study conducted at M.I.T. showed that biomagnetic products increase blood flow. This allows the bodies own healing processes to be accelerated, as increased concentrations of oxygen and other vital nutrients are brought to the cells.

Thus, biomagnets enable anyone who uses them to target a specific body area with great precision and to start stimulating the healing process almost immediately. As a consequence, studies have shown that both hard and soft tissue injuries heal in only a fraction of the time required by other treatments.

Mending Bones: In the U.S. a recent innovation, developed for treating bone breaks that would not heal, involves wrapping the wound on a leg or arm with a coil that emits a low electric current. The procedure has been highly successful and is acceptable in conventional medical circles. However, electricity cannot penetrate bone and the skin further attenuates it. By contrast, magnetic fields penetrate the skin more easily and flow more deeply into the body through skin, fat, nerves and bones to provide greater therapeutic effectiveness.

Outside of the U.S. biomagnetic therapy has been used in this way for decades. In Russia, it has been used as special therapy for top athletes to promote soft tissue healing such as tendons and nerve tissue as well as bone fractures and other injuries. Around the world bio-magnets are used on prize thoroughbred racing horses to aid in healing spinal and leg injuries.

Mother Earth’s Magnetism

Scientists have established beyond any doubt that all living cells are electromagnetic in nature. The functioning of the cells and the nervous system of every living being is based on pulsating DC energy. Each individual cell possesses a positive electrical charge at its nucleus and a negative electrical charge on its outer membrane. This polarization allows each cell to function in an orderly and healthy manner.

All living cells are designed to operate optimally against the backdrop of the earth’s natural magnetic field, which supports the biorhythmic balance of all living things. Prior to the beginning of this century, that was the environment for life on this planet.

However, since the industrial revolution and especially since World War II, nearly every human action has involved an electrical appliance and changes to these naturally occurring electromagnetic fields. As a result, we are currently enveloped by sources of electromagnetism that no life form has ever been exposed to before.

Today, sensitive instruments show that man’s mushrooming alternating current (AC) technology is interfering with the earth’s magnetic fields. Noted researchers, including the U.S. Surgeon General, warn of the harmful effects of electric smog from television, radio, radar, electric blankets, water bed heaters, household appliances, power lines and other sources.

Magnetic Field Deficiency: The Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

As cells perform their normal functions, their electromagnetic charge decreases. Under normal conditions, one of the sources of revitalization of these tired cells is the earth’s magnetic field. However, within a typical home, the AC radiation is sufficiently prolific to overpower the earth’s natural magnetic field by as much as 16 times. In today’s modern buildings, the iron and steel alone can deplete the magnetic field by more than one-half.

Many scientists believe that the electro-pollution we face everyday may interfere with our body’s own electromagnetic fields and impair our ability to repair ourselves efficiently, resulting in a host of maladies. In the opinion of these scientists, such maladies can range from headaches and fatigue to tumors, as well as the disruption of both circulatory and digestive systems.

Kyoichi Nakagawa, M.D., Chief of Tokyo’s Isuzu Hospital, one of the world’s foremost authorities on magnetism and its therapeutic effects on the human body, claims that the continuing degradation of the Earth’s magnetic field, by man’s electronic environment, is responsible for Magnetic Deficiency Syndrome (MDS). Its symptoms include stiffness of the shoulders, back and neck, low back pain, chest pains, habitual headache and heaviness of the head, dizziness and insomnia, habitual constipation, and general fatigue for seemingly no specific reason. Other doctors have hypothesized that MDS may well be the cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which does not have a definable cause in Western medicine.

Dr. Nakagawa has used magnet therapy on more than 11,000 patients. The primary complaint of these patients was muscle spasm in the shoulder and neck region. For many of the patients pain was already extending to the head, upper neck and down the back. With magnet therapy he was able to free ninety per cent of his patients from pain.

However, the most exciting news is that evidence from these studies and others appears to indicate that Magnetic Field Deficiency is like a vitamin deficiency, which means that once the vitamin or magnetic influence is restored, the body functions normally.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Magnetic Therapy is that individuals can learn to apply a magnetic pad as easily as they once learned how to apply a band-aid to a cut. It is non-invasive, low cost, appears to have few if any problems and, on the up side, delivers numerous benefits not available in pills and potions. In fact, Magnetic field therapy has proven to be so effective that an increasing number of physicians in this country are beginning to use it where conventional treatment has failed.”

An example of one of the leading pulsed magnetic field consumer products in the industry is the Quantron Resonance System. For information on this device please go to www.quantronmedicine.com. Note: all results and medical claims on this website originate from the research and experience of European doctors and patients. As yet, no medical claims are made or implied concerning use or application in the United States.

While there have been many kinds of studies performed, there have been numerous studies performed in a controlled fashion. Some of the areas studied this way, include:

This summary will encompass a review of some of the findings published in this book for various diseases and/or body systems.

Peripheral vascular diseases
Peripheral vascular disease is a very common consequence of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis begins often in 40-year olds and obviously extends into late adulthood. It is generally crippling, restricts activity and may require major surgery. Extensive atherosclerosis is especially common in diabetes. In one placebo-controlled trial, 12 to 15 exposures for 20 minutes, either too, the lower thoracic spine or locally to the lower extremities, objective measures of walking distance were studied. Other objective measures were also examined. The severity of restriction of walking, is indicative of the severity of vascular blockage. 30 to 40% of the treatment groups responded to the therapies, at a better level than the placebo group. Local exposure produced the best results. Even better results were found with the use of a therapeutic exercise, and the magnetic fields. Lee’s results were true even patients with diabetic neuropathy, with the fields applied locally to the lower extremities.

When sinusoidal feels were compared to static magnetic fields, applied for 20 minutes over 25 sessions, the benefit was dependent on the stage of the disease at presentation. 87% versus 81% of the sinusoidal treatments over the static field treatments were beneficial. Several of the static field patients actually continued to worsen. Patients with advanced disease had that no subjective or objective improvement in their symptoms. Relief was reported from eight to 10 months following the treatments.

Microcirculation improvement is seen as one of the basic mechanisms of action for many of the results seen on circulation and vascular conditions. Edema is often associated with vascular disease and other conditions. Edema frequently contributes to difficulty in improvements of tissue circulation and healing. Significant edema often leads to tissue breakdown with the development of ulcers. A very common finding with magnetic field therapies is the reduction of edema and often rapid tissue healing. Vascular flow can improve by as much as 15% in some patients, indicative of vascular tone improvement. In one extensive series of studies in over 3000 individuals, with exposures last thing tens of minutes up to 30 times, with either static or pulsed magnetic fields, to the cervical spinal area produced an increased number of open capillaries in the nail beds of even the hands. One of the actions that may have contributed to some of these benefits was a reduction in coagulation parameters, due mainly to suppression of platelet function. Increased numbers of exposures led to continued improvements.

Raynaud’s syndrome, or reactive vasoconstriction, often aggravated by cold and smoking, treated with sinusoidal fields applied to the spinal area improved 95% of the time with a reduction in palmar hyperhidrosis, called sensitivity, reflexes and ulnar nerve velocities.

Lymphatic vessels
One study using pulse magnetic fields for 20 minutes over 15 sessions, produced both subjective and objective improvements in vascular flow and tissue oxygen levels in these primary lymphedema patients, the volume of the involved extremity showed reduction of edema by 20 to 50% in 95% of the patients.

Heart disease and hypertension
It is well known that accepted that much of heart disease and hypertension is caused by occlusion of blood vessels by atherosclerotic plaques. Patients who have hypercoagulability have more severe problems. This situation has led to the common recommendation for patients with atherosclerosis to use aspirin daily. The basis for the use of aspirin is to reduce platelet adhesiveness. Static and pulse magnetic fields have been found to reduce platelet adhesiveness and fibrinogen levels. Magnetic fields have been found to be beneficial in patients with hypertension end ischemic heart disease, by reducing blood pressure, pulse rates, cardiac output, EKG improvements and even x-ray evidence of heart and lung, shrinkage and clearance, respectively.

In patients who have had heart attacks, pulse magnetic fields for 15 minutes at a time for 12 sessions every other day during their rehabilitation, compared to placebo treatment, had improvements in their stress test loathes, reduced frequency of angina and reduced or eliminated use of nitroglycerin.

Patients with heart failure had a reduction of their circulating blood volume, liver enlargement, blood-pressure reduction in hypertensives and general blood perfusion improvement. These patients also had an increased loss fluid through their kidneys, without the use of diuretics. No adverse effects were found in these cardiac patients.

Lung diseases
Magnetic fields appear to be beneficial, objectively and subjectively in many lung conditions. Static and the sinusoidal magnetic fields have been found to improve pulmonary function in asthma patients. Asthma episodes and frequencies were interrupted and improved as were cough, shortness of breath and and general health. Magnetic fields were applied to the chest, besides, and back, and the head.

Other lung conditions improved by magnetic therapy include bronchiectasis, the chronic effects of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Ventilation studies, inflammatory signs, immune parameters and lung hemodynamics improved. In these cases, the back and sides of the chest were treated.

Even tuberculosis, magnetic fields were found useful as a complementary therapy. In treated patients versus controls, coughing, was reduced sooner and bacterial growth was less in the magnetic group within a month, while not at all in the control. Double the number of magnetically treated patients had cavities healed in 1 1/2 months versus controls. These patients required 20 minute exposures, over 30 to 100 sessions.

Lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and magnetic fields, compared to nonmagnetic controls, had less adrenal suppression from their chemotherapy.

Gastrointestinal diseases
Static or sinusoidal magnetic fields, for 12 minutes over 10 sessions, to the epigastrium were effective in treating gastric and duodenal ulcers. Objective studies have also shown decreases in gastric acid, reduction in ulcers eyes and gastric and pyloric spasm. Even liver perfusion was noted to be improved. I myself have used static and pulsed magnetic fields on myself to treat epigastric pain, unresponsive to antacids. I usually found response within five to 10 minutes, with pulsed magnetic fields, being more effective and faster acting. Another controlled study showed that a combination of magnetic fields and medication produced faster symptom reduction and ulcer healing.

In acute and chronic pancreatitis, conditions with no effective medical therapy, there’s kinds of magnetic fields applied to the epigastrium and lumbar areas showed improvements in at least two thirds of the patients within two weeks. These improvements were supported by laboratory testing of pancreatic secretions.

Inflammatory bowel disease, even post radiation therapy, not only improved symptoms, but also biopsy results.

Neurologic diseases
Patients with spasticity and Parkinsonism improve significantly with pulsed magnetic fields in local motion, change of position, ability to arise and muscle spasticity.

Pulsed magnetic fields applied to the thoracic and lumbosacral areas and lower extremities, 10 minutes to each area, improved walking 10 years and negotiating steps, up and down. At least two treatment courses were required to demonstrate a significant improvement

Cerebrovascular atherosclerosis
Static magnetic fields were found to significantly improve vascular flow to the brain, either to the carotid sinus or the suboccipital areas of the head. Carotid stimulation produces a stronger response. In vascular dementia patients, sinusoidal magnetic fields applied bitemporally showed marked subjective and psychological test improvement in the 85% of mildly affected patients, 67% of moderately to more severely affected patients. Minimal improvement was found in the placebo group. Vascular flow showed improved circulation at the back of the head. The EEG’s also affected. In some patients in the more severely affected group, vestibular function, that is balance, also improved.

Syringomyelia patients treated with pulse magnetic fields, compared to controls, had reduced pain, paresthesias and cyanosis. And temperatures increased significantly and muscular strength is well. The benefits from a course of therapy lasted for upwards of a year. Electrical stimulation produced some improvement, but not as pronounced as pulse magnetic fields. No adverse side effects were found in any of the treated subjects.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy/polyneuritis and should 50% of the children go at a complete remission and 92% of the adults, versus 56% of those treated with medication alone. Improvements were found in pain, hyperemia and reflex symptoms.

Static magnetic fields were also found to significantly improve the benefits and side effects of chemotherapy and surgery in the treatment of gliomas. In malignant gliomas magnetic fields used in combination with chemotherapy, compared to chemotherapy alone, treated patients needed five times less frequent transfusions and were generally better off psychologically. The mean survival time in the treated group was 22 months versus nine months in the controls. In some cases, the tumor growth actually stopped or shrank.

Nerve injuries can be significantly improve with magnetic field therapies. Ischemic or inflammatory peripheral neuropathies respond, 73% of the time to pulsed or sinusoidal fields applied along the nerve and spine.

Meniere’s syndrome improves after treatment with a sinusoidal field. In all there is a reduction in vertigo, 16% had improved audiograms and 50% had improved tinnitus. Improvements could last as long as one to two years in upwards of 80% of the treated individuals.

Spinal cord injuries treated with pulse magnetic fields for 25 to 30 minutes over 10 to 15 treatments, along with comprehensive rehabilitation can reduce spasticity. Bladder function improves, as well as mobility. In some research 84% of untreated patients remain bedridden, versus 60% of those treated. In many of these patients in EMG’s are found to also improve.

Other research shows activation of the reticular formation, improvement of neuralgias and neuritis. In stroke patients, there was a reduction of delta EEG activity, suggesting more alertness.

Summary
Magnetic fields of various kinds and especially electromagnetic pulsed fields produce many research proven benefits in humans across many medical conditions, including but not limited to vascular, cardiac, lung, gastrointestinal and neurological diseases and conditions. While there are many treatable conditions, the basic physiological actions of magnetic fields on all biologic systems, human and animal included, affect those same body functions that are similarly affected by most diseases, and usually include, at a minimum, the vascular, hematologic, nervous and immune systems. Not all magnetic fields or devices act similarly well on all conditions. Only an extensive review of the medical literature will guide us properly. Anyone who states categorically that any single therapy or therapeutic system will “cure all” is to be considered suspect. In 30 years of medical practice I have never found claims for “cure alls” to be true. The potential and limitations of magnetic fields for treatment continues to unfold gradually, revealing the body’s secrets to those open to other than “traditional” thinking.

To learn about one of the most researched and earliest pulsed electromagnetic consumer systems available, go to http://www.quantronmedicine.com.

]]> 15978 https://healthy.net/2003/03/24/pain-management-with-pulsed-electromagnetic-field-pemf-treatment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pain-management-with-pulsed-electromagnetic-field-pemf-treatment Mon, 24 Mar 2003 10:39:25 +0000 https://healthy.net/2003/03/24/pain-management-with-pulsed-electromagnetic-field-pemf-treatment/ The issue of pain treatment is an extremely urgent health and socio-economic problem. Pain, in acute, recurrent and chronic forms, is prevalent across age, cultural background, and sex, and costs North American adults an estimated $10,000 to $15,000 per person annually. Estimates of the cost of pain do not include the nearly 30,000 people that die in North America each year due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric lesions. 17% of people over 15 years of age suffer from chronic pain that interferes with their normal daily activities. Studies suggest that at least 1 in 4 adults in North America is suffering from some form of pain at any given moment. This large population of people in pain relies heavily upon the medical community for the provision of pharmacological treatment. Many physicians are now referring chronic pain sufferers to non-drug based therapies, that is, “Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” in order to reduce drug dependencies, invasive procedures and/or side effects. The challenge is to find the least invasive, toxic, difficult and expensive approach possible.

The ability to relieve pain is very variable and unpredictable, depending on the source or location of pain and whether it is acute or chronic. Pain mechanisms are complex and have peripheral and central nervous system aspects. Therapies should be tailored to the specifics of the pain process in the individual patient. Psychological issues have a very strong influence on whether and how pain is experienced and whether it will become chronic. Most effective pain management strategies require multiple concurrent approaches, especially for chronic pain. It is rare that a single modality solves the problem.

Static or electromagnetic fields have been used for centuries to control pain and other biologic problems, but scientific evidence of their effect had not been gathered until recently. This review explores the value of magnetic therapy in rehabilitation medicine in terms of static magnetic fields and time varying magnetic fields (electromagnetic). A historical review is given and the discussion covers the areas of scientific criteria, modalities of magnetic therapy, mechanisms of the biologic effects of magnetic fields, and perspectives on the future of magnetic therapy.

In the past few years a new and fundamentally different approach has been increasingly investigated. This includes the use of magnetic fields (MF), produced by both static (permanent) and time-varied (most commonly, pulsed) magnetic fields (PEMFs). Fields of various strengths and frequencies have been evaluated. There is as yet no “gold standard”. The fields selected will vary based on experience, confidence, convenience and cost. Since there does not appear to be any major advantage to any one MF application, largely because of the unpredictability of ascertaining the true underlying source of the pain, regardless of the putative pathology, any approach may be used empirically and treatment adjusted based on the response. After thousands of patient-years of use globally, there very little risk has been found to be associated with MF therapies. The primary precautions relate to implanted electrical devices and pregnancy and seizures with certain kinds of frequency patterns in seizure prone individuals.

Magnetic fields affect pain perception in many different ways. These actions are both direct and indirect. Direct effects of magnetic fields are: neuron firing, calcium ion movement, membrane potentials, endorphin levels, nitric oxide, dopamine levels, acupuncture actions and nerve regeneration. Indirect benefits of magnetic fields on physiologic function are on: circulation, muscle, edema, tissue oxygen, inflammation, healing, prostaglandins, cellular metabolism and cell energy levels.

Most studies on pain use subjective measures to quantitate baseline and outcome values. Subjective perception of pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and pain drawings is 95% sensitive and 88% specific for current pain in the neck and shoulders and thoracic spine.

Measured pain intensity (PI) changes with pain relief and satisfaction with pain management. A 5%, 30%, and 57% reduction in PI correlated with “no,” “some/partial,” and “significant/complete” relief. If initial PI scores were moderate/severe pain (NDS > 5), PI had to be reduced by 35% and 84%, to achieve “some/partial” and “significant/complete” relief, respectively. Patients in less pain (NDS < or = 5) needed 25% and 29% reductions in PI. However, relief of pain appears to only partially contribute to overall satisfaction with pain management.

Several authors have reviewed the experience with PEMFs in Eastern Europe and the West. PEMFs have been used extensively in many conditions and medical disciplines. They have been most effective in treating rheumatic disorders. PEMFs produced significant reduction of pain, improvement of spinal functions and reduction of paravertebral spasms. Although PEMFs have been proven to be a very powerful tool, they should always be considered in combination with other therapeutic procedures.

Since the turn of this century, a number of electrotherapeutic, magnetotherapeutic and electromagnetic medical devices have emerged for treating a broad spectrum of trauma, tumors and infections with static and PEMFs. Their acceptance in clinical practice has been very slow in the medical community. Practitioner resistance seems largely based on confusion of the different modalities, the wide variety of frequencies employed (from ELF to microwave) and the general lack of understanding of the biomechanics involved. The current scientific literature indicates that short, periodic exposure to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) has emerged as the most effective form of electromagnetic therapy.

The ability of PEMFs to affect pain is dependant on the ability of PEMFs to positively affect human physiologic or anatomic systems. Research is showing that the human nervous system is strongly affected by therapeutic PEMFs. Behavioral and physiologic responses of animals to static and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are affected by the presence of light. Light strengthens the effects of PEMFs.

One of the most reproducible results of weak, extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) exposure is an effect upon neurologic pain signal processing. PEMFs have been designed for use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic pain in humans. Recent evidence suggests that PEMFs would also be an effective complement for treating patients suffering from acute pain. Static magnetic field devices with strong gradients have also been shown to have therapeutic potential. Specifically placed static magnets reduce neural action potentials and alleviate spinal mediated pain. The placebo response may explain as much as 40% of an analgesia response. The central nervous system mechanisms responsible for the placebo response are an appropriate target for magnetic therapies. Magnetic field manipulation of cognitive and behavioral processes is seen in animal behavior studies and in humans. This may also be one of the mechanisms of the use of MFs in managing pain.

Some of the mechanisms of PEMF effects

Magnetotherapy is accompanied by an increase in the threshold of pain sensitivity and activation of the anticoagulation system. PEMF treatment stimulates production of opioid peptides; activates mast cells and increases electric capacity of muscular fibers. Long bone fractures that did not unite over 4 months to 4 years are repaired in 87% of cases with 14-16 hr of daily PEMF treatment. Several of these devices are FDA approved. PEMF of 1.5- or 5-mT field strength, proved helpful edema and pain before or after a surgical operation.

PEMF for 15-360 minutes increases amino acid uptake about 45%. PEMF for 2 hour induces changes in transmembrane energy transport enzymes, allowing energy coupling and increased biologic chemical transport work.

The density of pigeons’ brain mu opiate receptors decreases by about 30% and therefore their pain perception. A 2 hr exposure of healthy humans was found to reduce pain perception and decreased pain-related brain signals. Biochemical changes were found in the blood of treated patients that supported the pain reduction benefit.

Normal standing balance is subject to control by the vestibular area of the brain. PEMF couple with muscular processing or upper body nervous tissue functions. 200-uT PEMFs cause a significant improvement in normal standing balance in adult (18-34 year old) humans. Further evidence of the sensitivity of the nervous system on MFs.

Various MFs with different characteristics reduce pain inhibition in various species of animals including land snails, mice, pigeons, as well as humans. 0.5 Hz rotating MF, 60 Hz ELF magnetic fields and even MRI reduces analgesia induced by both exogenous opiates (i.e. morphine) and endogenous opioids (i.e. stress-induced). Reduction in stress-induced analgesia can be obtained not only by exposing animals to a variety of different magnetic fields, but also after a short-term stay in a near-zero magnetic field. This suggests that even for magnetic field, as for other environmental factors (i.e. temperature or gravity), alterations in the normal conditions in which the species has evolved can induce alterations in physiology as well as in behavior.

MFs applied to the head or to an extremity, for from 1 to 60 minutes, with intervals from several minutes to several hours, randomly sequenced with sham exposures allowed study of brain reactions by various objective measures. From these multiyear studies, the brain shows a non-specific initial response. The changes were “modulatory”, meaning that the brain was found to sense EMF exposures vs. sham exposures. The sensory reactions were a weak pain, tickling, pressure, etc. sensations, mediated by the body’s peripheral sensory systems. Reactions could be prevented by local anesthesia of the exposed area. EEGs showed increased low-frequency rhythms, more pronounced when brain damage was present. This explains the common perception of relaxation and sleepiness with MFs. Cell analysis showed that all types of brain cells react to EMFs but astrocytes were most sensitive. They are involved in memory processes and slow wave brain activity.

The benefits of PEMF use may last considerably longer than the time of use. In rats, a single exposure produces pain reduction both immediately after treatment and at 24 hrs after treatment. The analgesic effect is still observed at 7th and 14th day of repeated treatment and even up to 14 days after the last treatment.

PEMFs promote healing of soft tissue injuries by reducing edema and increasing resorption of hematomas. Low frequency PEMFs reduce edema primarily during treatment sessions. PEMFs at very high frequencies (PRFs) for 20-30 minutes cause edema decreases lasting several hours. PRFs induce vasoconstriction at the injury site. They displace negatively charged plasma proteins found in traumatized tissue. This increases lymphatic flow, an additional factor in reducing edema.

In rats exposed for 20 min daily on 3 successive days to PEMFs of 50 mG, the pain threshold increased progressively over the 3 days. The pain threshold following the third magnetic field exposure was significantly greater than those associated with morphine and other treatments. Brain injured and normal rats both showed a 63% increase in mean pain. PEMFs may be very helpful in patients with closed head injuries. The mechanism probably involves the longer acting endorphins rather than enkephalins.

Chronic pain is often a result of aberrantly functioning small neural networks involved in self-perpetuated neurogenic inflammation. High intensity pulsed magnetic stimulation (HIPMS) noninvasively depolarizes neurons and can facilitate recovery following injury. Patients suffering from posttraumatic or postoperative low-back pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, peripheral neuropathy, thoracic outlet syndrome and endometriosis had pain relief. Up to ten,10-min exposures to 1.17 T at a rate of 45 pulses/minute were applied to the areas of maximal pain for 6 treatments. One patient became pain free after 4 HIPMS treatments. All patients reported some pain relief. Maximum pain relief occurred 3 hr after treatment. Two patients had complete pain relief and 3 had partial pain relief that lasted for 4 months. The others had pain relief that lasted for 8-72 hours.

Even weak AC magnetic fields affect pain perception and pain-related EEG changes in humans. A 2 hour exposure to 0.2-0.7G ELF magnetic fields caused a significant decrease in pain-related EEG patterns.

Pain relief mechanisms vary by the type of stimulus used. For example, needling to the pain-producing muscle, application of a static magnetic field or external qigong or needling to an acupuncture point all reduce pain but by different mechanisms. Pain could be induced by reduction of circulation in muscle and reduced by recovery of circulation. Pain mediating substances are accumulated in a muscle under reduced circulation and reversed with restoration of circulation. This is why chronic muscle tension is a frequent cause of chronic pain. The effect of a static magnetic field or external qigong is mediated by enhanced release of acetylcholine as a result of activation of the cholinergic vasodilator nerve endings in a muscle artery. Needling an acupuncture point is probably induced by a somato-autonomic reflex through the brain, in the anterior hypothalamus.

In normal subjects, a magnetic stimulus over the cerebellum reduces the size of responses evoked by cortical stimulation. Suppression of motor cortical excitability is reduced or absent in patients with a lesion in the cerebellum or cerebellar nerve pathways. Magnetic stimulation over the cerebellum produces the same effect as electrical stimulation, even in ataxic patients and may be useful for the pain associated with muscle spasticity.

Clinical benefits

In diabetic neuropathy, PEMF treatment every day for about 12 minutes, improves pain, paresthesias and vibration sensation and increases muscular strength in 85% of patients compared to controls.

One author reported that, of treated patients followed for 2-60 months, better results happened in patients with post-herpetic pain and those simultaneously suffering from neck and low back pain.

Chronic pain is often accompanied with or results from decreased circulation or perfusion to the affected tissues, for example, cardiac angina or intermittent claudication. PEMFs have been shown to improve circulation. Skin infrared radiation increases due to immediate vasodilation with low frequency fields and increased cerebral blood perfusion in animals. Pain syndromes due to muscle tension and neuralgias improve.

The results of the treatment depend not only on the parameters of the fields but also on the individual sensitivity of the person. The most effective results in clinical use were found with extremely ultra low frequency PEMFs.

Back, neck and shoulder pain

Chronic low back pain affects approximately 15% of the United States (US) population during their lifetime, with 93 million lost work days and a cost of more than $5 billion per year. Lumbar arthritis is a very common cause of back pain. 35-40 mT PEMFs, for 20 minutes daily for 20-25 days for back pain gives relief or elimination of pain, improves results from other rehabilitation and improves secondary neurologic symptoms. Continuous use over the treatment episode works best, in about 90-95% of the time. Control patients only show a 30% improvement.

PEMF of 5 to 15 G, from 7 Hz to 4 kHz used at the site of pain and related trigger points for 20 to 45 minutes also helps. Some patients remain pain free 6 months after treatment. Some return to jobs they had been unable to perform. Short term effects are thought due to decrease in cortisol and noradrenaline and an increase serotonin, endorphins and enkephalins. Longer term effects may be due to CNS and/or peripheral nervous system biochemical and neuronal effects in which correction of pain messages occurs and the pain is not just masked as in the case of medication.

Back pain or whiplash syndrome treated PEMF twice a day for two weeks along with usual pain medications relieves pain in 8 days vs. 12 days in the controls. Headache is halved in the PEMF group and neck and shoulder/arm pain improved by one third versus just medications alone.

Permanent magnetic therapy can also be useful in reducing chronic muscular low back pain. Treatment with a flexible permanent magnetic pad for 21 days reduces pain 6 times more than placebo. This has been effective for herniated lumbar discs, spondylosis, radiculopathy, sciatica and arthritis. Pain relief is sometimes experienced as early as 10 minutes or in some cases takes as long as 14 days.

Low-power pulsed short wave 27 Hz diathermy has successfully treated persistent neck pain and improved mobility. The neck pains lasted longer than 8 wk and did respond to at least 1 course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A miniaturized, 9V battery-operated, diathermy generator was fitted into a soft cervical collar. Treatment is for 3-6 weeks, 8 hr daily. Analgesics can be used as needed and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 75% of patients improve in range of motion and pain within 3 wk of treatment.

For neck pain, PEMFs may have more benefit, compared to physical therapy, for both pain and mobility.

Other pain applications

High frequency PEMF of 10-15 single treatments every other day either eliminates or improves, even at 2 weeks following therapy, 80% of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease, 89% with back pain, 40% with endometriosis, 80% with postoperative pain, and 83% with lower abdominal pain of unknown cause.

In dentistry, PEMFs have also been found only slightly useful in treating dental pain, jaw muscle spasms and swelling during wisdom tooth extraction with a high frequency system. As is often seen in pain studies, a placebo response is high, 30-40% of the time. In periodontal disease bone resorption may be severe enough to require bone grafting. Grafting is followed by moderate pain peaking several hours afterwards. Repeated PEMF exposure for two weeks eliminates pain within a week. Even single PEMF exposure to the face for 30 minutes of a 5mT field and conservative treatment produces much lower pain scores vs. controls.

Pelvic pain of gynecological origin was also found to be benefited by a different high voltage, high frequency system. This includes ruptured ovarian cysts, postoperative pelvic hematomas, chronic urinary tract infection, uterine fibrosis, dyspareunia, endometriosis and dysmenorrhea. Treatment times vary from 15 to 30 minutes on subsequent or alternate days. 90% of patients experience marked, rapid relief from pain with pain subsiding within 1-3 days. Most of these patients don’t require supplementary analgesics.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a very common and painful condition, which is often medically-resistant, responds to PEMF for 20-30 minutes daily for 19 treatments over 34 days. The PEMF is a 4-16 Hz and 0.6-T samarium/cobalt magnet system surrounded by spiral coil pads with a maximum 0.1-T pulse at 8 Hz pasted on the pain/paresthesia areas or over the spinal column or limbs. Treatments continue until symptoms improve or an adverse side effect occurred. PEMF therapy is effective in 80%. No pain was made worse. This treatment approach shows that treatment for pain problems may either be localized to the pain or done over the spinal column or limbs, away from the pain.

PEMFs applied to the inner thighs for at least 2 wk is effective short-term therapy for migraine. Greater reduction of headache activity is achievable with longer exposure. PEMF using a high frequency signal to the inner thigh femoral artery area for 1 hr/day, 5 day/wk, for 2 weeks decreases headache. One month after a treatment course, 73% of patients report decreased headache activity vs. only half of those receiving placebo treatment. Another 2-wk of treatment after the 1-month follow-up gives an additional 88% decrease in headache activity. If there is no additional treatment after an initial course 72% still show a benefit. Placebo patients getting active treatment afterwards report much better additional improvement in headache.

Patients suffering from headache treated with a PEMF after failing acupuncture and medications, applied to the whole body, 20 min/day for 15 days get effective relief of migraine, tension and cervical headaches at about one month after treatment. They have at least a 50% reduction in frequency or intensity of the headaches and reduction in analgesic drug use. Poor results are seen in cluster and posttraumatic headache.

Chronic pain frequently presented by postpolio patients can be relieved by application of magnetic fields applied directly over trigger points using 300 to 500 G static magnets for 45 minutes.

Orthopedic or musculoskeletal uses

The use of PEMFs is rapidly increasing and extending to soft tissue from its first applications to hard tissue. EMF in current orthopedic clinical practice is used to treat delayed and non-union fractures, rotator cuff tendinitis, spinal fusions and avascular necrosis, all of which can be very painful. Clinically relevant response to the PEMF is generally not always immediate, requiring daily treatment for several months in the case of non-union fractures. PEMF signals induce maximum electric fields in the mV/cm range at frequencies below 5 kHz. Pulse radiofrequency fields (PRF) consist of bursts of sinusoidal waves in the short wave band, usually in the 14-30 MHz range. PRF induces fields in the V/cm range. PRF signals have higher field strengths than PEMFs. PRF signals have low frequency bursts nearly equivalent in size to PEMFs. This means that PRF signals have a broader band. PRF applications are best for reduction of pain and edema. The tissue inflammation that accompanies the majority of traumatic and chronic injuries is essential to the healing process, however the body often over-responds and the resulting edema causes delayed healing and pain. For soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical, post-traumatic and chronic wounds, reduction of edema is thus a major therapeutic goal to accelerate healing and associated pain. Double-blind clinical studies have now been reported for chronic wound repair, acute ankle sprains, and acute whiplash injuries. PRFs accelerated reduction of edema in acute ankle sprains by 5-fold. Response to MFs is during or immediately after treatment of acute injuries. Responses are significantly slower for bone repair. The voltage changes induced by PRF at binding sites in macromolecules affect ion binding kinetics with resultant modulation of biochemical cascades relevant to the inflammatory stages of tissue repair.

High strength repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) has been found to relieve musculoskeletal pain. Specific diagnoses were painful shoulder with abnormal supraspinatus tendon, tennis elbow, ulnar compression syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, semilunar bone injury, traumatic amputation neuroma of the median nerve, persistent muscle spasm of the upper and lower back, inner hamstring tendinitis, patellofemoral arthrosis, osteochondral lesion of the heel and posterior tibial tendinitis. Patients receive rMS for 40 minutes. Mean pain intensity is 59% lower vs. 14% for controls. Patients with amputation neuroma and patellofemoral arthritis obtain no benefit. Those with upper back muscle spasms, rotator cuff injury and osteochondral heel lesions showed more than 85% decrease in pain, even after a single rMS session. Pain relief persists for several days. None have worsening of their pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 40 million people in the USA. OA of the knee is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Medical management is often ineffective and creates additional side-effect risks. The QRS has been in use for about 20 years in Europe. The QRS applied 8 min twice a day for 6 weeks improves knee function and walking ability significantly. Pain, general condition and well-being also improve. Medication use decreases and plasma fibrinogen decreases 14%, C-reactive protein ( a sign of inflammation) drops 35% and the blood sedimentation rate 19%. The QRS has also been found effective in degenerative arthritis, pain syndrome and inflammatory joint disorders. Sleep disturbances often contribute to increased pain perception. The QRS has also been found to improve sleep. 68% report good/very good results. Even after one year follow-up, 85% claim a continuing benefit in pain reduction. Medication consumption decreases from 39% at 8 weeks to 88% after 8 weeks.

Even strengths lower than the QRS may also treat knee pain in osteoarthritis. Treatment for eight 6-min sessions over a 2-wk period may give a 46% decrease in pain vs. an average 8% in the placebo group, sustained at the same level even two weeks after treatment.

A 50 Hz pulsed magnetic field sinusoidal, 0.035 Tesla field PEMF for 15 min for 15 treatment sessions improves hip arthritis pain in 86% of patients. Average mobility without pain improved markedly.

Post-traumatic Sudeck-Leriche syndrome (late stage reflex sympathetic dystrophy – RSD) is very painful pain and largely untreatable by other approaches. Ten 30-minute PEMF sessions of 50 Hz followed by a further 10 sessions at 100 Hz plus physiotherapy and medication reduced edema and pain at 10 days. There is no further improvement at 20 days.

Neuropathic pain syndrome (NPS) patients benefit from pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment. Patients with severe left-sided sciatica and back pain, neuropathic pain in the anterior chest wall had been taking oral medications and had received repeated injections of local anesthetic agents and steroids with poor results. The patients treated with an invasive PRF applied to the related lumbar dorsal root ganglion for 2 minutes or the spinal roots of the thoracic T2-T4 dermatomes experience significant pain relief.

Even chronic musculoskeletal pain treated with MFs for only three days, once per day can eliminate and/or maintain chronic musculoskeletal pain.

A static magnetic foil placed in a molded insole for the relief of heel pain was used for 4 weeks to treat heel pain. 60% of patients in the treatment and sham groups reported improvement. There was no significant difference in the improvement on a foot function index. A molded insole alone was effective after 4 weeks. The magnetic foil offered no advantage over the plain insole, in this study. This study like others with low numbers of patients, may not have had a large enough sample. Placebo reactions in pain studies can be large and differences in benefit may be harder to detect. In addition, since magnetic foils produce fairly weak fields, placement against tissue becomes important, as does consideration of the depth into the body of the target lesion or tissue. Magnetic fields drop off in strength very rapidly from the surface.

Even small, battery-operated PEMF devices with very weak field strengths have been benefit musculoskeletal disorders. Because of the low strength used treatment at the site of pain may need to last between 11 to 132 days, between 2 times per week, 4 hours each or, if needed, continuous use. Use at night could be near the head, e.g., beneath the pillow, to facilitate sleep. Pain scale scores are significantly better in the majority of cases. Conditions that can be considered are arthritis, lupus erythematosus, chronic neck pain, epicondylitis, femoropatellar degeneration, fracture of the lower leg and Sudeck’s atrophy.

240 patients treated with PEMFs in a conservative orthopedic practice had decreased pain, increased functionality and increased point pressure thresholds, disappearance of swelling and pathological skin coloration, less need for orthopedic devices and less reaction to changes in the weather. Treatments are daily for an hour. Conditions treated are: rheumatic illnesses, delayed healing process in bones and pseudo-arthritis, including those with infections, fractures, aseptic necrosis, loosened protheses, venous and arterial circulation, reflex sympathetic dystrophy all stages, osteo-chondritis dissecans, osteomyelitis and sprains and strains and bruises. The success rate approaches 80%. Even X-rays may show improvement. cartilage/bone tissue may reform, including the joint margin. About 60% of loosened hip protheses have subjective relief of pain and walk better, without a cane. Perthes’ disease rarely completely reforms the articular head of the hip.

Summary

PEMFs of various kinds and strengths have been found to have good results in a wide array of painful conditions. There is little risk when compared to the potential invasiveness of other therapies and the risk of toxicity, addiction and complications from medications. Clearly more research is needed to elaborate mechanisms and optimal treatment parameters. Many studies that have been reported here have been controlled trials and many have been double blind placebo. Medical practitioners are becoming gradually aware of the potential of MFs to successfully treat or significantly benefit the myriad of problems presented to them.

To learn about one of the most researched and earliest pulsed
electromagnetic consumer systems available, go to www.quantronmedicine.com.

The original human need for a stress response was adaptive, called the “fight or flight” response. Typically, this response allowed us to engage a threat, such as an attacking animal. In modern Western society, the most common daily stressors are minor psychological events, such as an angry client on the telephone or the tension of driving in heavy traffic. Even these seemingly minor occurrences produce a low-level “fight or flight” reaction in the body. The cumulative or chronic occurrence of these mild stressors may not allow adequate or full recovery and results in many of modern society’s health problems.

The stress response causes the brain to release chemicals that stimulate the nervous system. Adrenalin is pumped into the bloodstream along with extra sugar and fat, from body stores, for energy to fuel muscles. Mental activity is focused, some organs slow their activity, while others are accelerated. The muscles tense up, the breathing rate increases, there may be tightness in the chest and queasiness in the stomach. In a high stress state, most of these reactions will be present. In a lower stress state only one or several may be present and in varying degrees.

Many believe that a healthy human body could be able to live as long as 120 years before organs gradually slow down and stop. Stress accelerates the decline by actually damaging some organs and accelerating the wear and tear on others. Stress may accelerate aging and cause heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, fatigue, immune problems, adjustment disorders and anxiety and depression, and many other problems, including cancer. Close to 70-80% of the problems seen by doctors are most likely caused by stress.

Some of the physiologic reactions to stress are: muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, diarrhea or constipation, increased gastric acid, high blood pressure, increased adreanl hormones, exaggerated mental alertness, increased blood sugar, increased blood lipds, dry mouth, increased insulin, increased thyroid hormone and immune changes.

The physical problems that can result from stress are: insomnia, nervous irritability, headaches, atherosclerosis, hypertension, irritable bowel, gastritis, arrhythmias, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, fatigue, substance abuse, immune deficiencies, asthma, skin problems, allergies, muscle spasms, neuralgias, vision changes, hyperventilation, dehydration, sudden cardiac death, vasospasm, increased cholesterol, increased platelets, decreased oxygen, appetite problems, accelerated auto immune problems increased actually, miscarriages decreased libido, impotence, menstrual changes, disturbed memory, among others.

Clearly not all of these problems happen to everybody under stress. They happen to varying degrees depending on genetics, life and environmental experiences and the level and duration of the stress. Most of us throughout our lifetimes will develop at least some of the above problems.

Once a stress reaction is initiated it is difficult to turn off immediately. The reaction is immediate but the recovery takes hours to days. Since the effects of stress are cumulative, a daily routine of reducing the physiologic response becomes necessary to ward off long-term damage. Many approaches are used to reduce the effects of stress, including relaxation, meditation, yoga and stress avoidance. A new, simple, easily useable approach to reducing the physical response to the effects of daily stress is whole body, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy.

The body is very sensitive to magnetic fields (MFs). The Earth is a large magnet. We are also bombarded by electromagnetic activity from outside the planet. Physiologic changes are seen during solar storms in healthy humans, in patients with cardiovascular diseases and in cosmonauts in SOYUZ spacecraft and the MIR space station. They had nonspecific adaptive stress reactions, with increased cortisol secretion, activation of the sympathoadrenal system (SAS) and suppressed melatonin.

There is much experimental evidence that almost all biological systems are highly sensitive to weak PEMFs, with a wide range of biologic effects. Research, on humans and animals, has shown that PEMFs alter stress responses by action directly on the nervous system, glands, cells, tissues and organs.

The SAS is activated by stress. PEMFs inhibit activation of the SAS and prevent decreases in nonspecific stress resistance. Through PEMFs, the plasma catecholamines, adrenalin and noradrenalin, chemical messengers associated with increased sympathetic nervous sytem arousal, decrease. PEMFs do this by acting on the hypothalamus and increasing urine excretion of adrenalin. Generally, the excitability of the nervous system also decreases and emotional reactions accompanying stress are corrected. Long term use of weak PEMFs may be able to help the body remodel tissues that tend to be hyper-reactive to chronic or acute stress so that over time they will become less and less reactive.

Environmental stressors, such as heat or sunlight, affect cellular homeostasis. Thermal stressors and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) interact to induce intracellular heat stress proteins (HSP), protective proteins in the cell. PEMFs can be used preventively prior to anticipated heat, toxicity or surgical injury to prevent cellular harm and thus increase cellular stress resistance and reduce damaging cellular stress responses. This phenomenon could be exploited as a protective presurgical cardiovascular treatment. Other potential uses include protection against viral infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and to enhance the normal stress response in the elderly, by counteracting the normal loss of a healthy stress response during aging.

PEMFs not only activate metabolic processes in the immediate tissues exposed but also act indirectly through the endocrine system and control centers of the nervous system. For example, exposing the thyroid area produces a similar response with a lower field dose vs. the higher dose required by local area exposure, e.g., to the heart in ischemia. In experimental hepatitis, microwave PEMFs to the thyroid were more effective in restoring liver function than exposing the liver itself. Exposure of the adrenals in patients with rheumatoid arthritis activated the body’s own natural cortisone and made lymphocytes function normally. Again, controlled exposure to short-term, weak PEMFs increases the resistivity of the organism to other more severe stressors, including low temperatures, physical load, ischemic heart damage, ionizing radiation, etc.

Stress causes a very quick and significant decrease in white blood cell counts, creating a sudden state of immune vulnerability, such as may be caused by lack of sleep or travel. It also increases serum cortisol two to three-fold, a useful indicator of the level of stress. PEMFs increase host resistance by enhancing some immune functions. After exposure, neutrophils increase gradually and neutrophil metabolism and superoxide production are increased significantly. The cortisol level decreases.

Ascorbic acid (AA) is key to the antioxidant, neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms of stress adaptation (34). PEMFs cause ascorbic acid and serotonin to increase nearly two-fold by the 30th day of exposure. By the 90th day, ascorbic acid concentration returns to the initial (pre-exposure) value, while serotonin still remains significantly increased. This indicates that PEMFs may be useful in acute stress situations as well, by enhancing ascorbic acid function.

In athletes, PEMF therapy of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland or collar bone areas augments immune status and production of hormones, specifically, T-lymphocytes, testosterone and growth hormone and decreases circulating B-lymphocytes, cortisol and initially elevated levels of thyroid hormones. The athletes therefore have higher resistance to disease and higher work capacity.

In rabbits, emotional stress increases risk of sudden death. PEMFs increase resistance of the rabbits to stress. Death risk is lowered almost two-fold.

Pain is a major stressor. Pain inhibition has been consistently found by exposure to PEMFs in various species of animals, including: land snails, laboratory mice, deer mice, pigeons, as well as humans.

Heart rate variability (HRV) results from a complex interplay of neural and hormonal control mechanisms. Changes in HRV have been associated with increased risk of severe arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in patients with recent myocardial infarction. Heart-rates (HR) are slowed. Some individuals may be more sensitive to or more consistent in having these PEMF-induced changes in HR and HRV. This effect appears to be due to changes to the cardiac pacemaker, the sino-atrial node, giving rise to a more normal beat-to-beat variability. Intermittent exposure daily is more effective than continuous exposure, e.g., overnight.

PEMFs and static magnetic fields (SMFs) act on carotid baroreceptors to reduce blood pressure by causing vasodilation and lowering heart rate. The stimulated baroreceptors reset sympathetic tone. The effects are thought to be due to changes in cell membrane calcium ion (Ca++) transport since they were abolished by verapamil, a potent Ca++ channel blocker. The effects may be of minimal clinical significance in healthy individuals but could be very significant in individuals with cardiovascular disease with abnormal HRV. In other work, strong SMFs had a parasympathetic or vagotonic action. Parasympathetic or vagotonic stimulation is stress reducing.

One group compared the effects of PEMFs and constant (static) magnetic fields on stress. Both weak PEMFs and SMFs (up to 100 gauss) were antitumorigenic, protective against toxic agents and Xray radiation and produced rejuvenation effects in states of stress.

Millimeter wave (MMW) PEMF exposure of an acupuncture point affects heart rate and heart rate variability and lability of the nervous system (NS) processes. Physical exercise increases lability of the nervous system (NS). Humans may naturally have predominance in their autonomic NS of either sympathetic or parasympathetic responses. With parasympathetic predominant people, exercise increases both heart rate and its variability. With sympathetic predominance, individual reactions to exercise vary greatly. MMW stimulation of selected acupuncture points helps recovery of heart rhythm changes after exercise in parasympathetic toned individuals, but not consistently in sympathetic predominance.

Use of PEMFs on acupuncture points may produce similar results to electroacupuncture (EA). The stress responses induced by painful tooth pulp stimulation in rats are reduced by electroacupuncture (EA). EA decreases nor/adrenalin, dopamine, ACTH, and cortisol. Stress-induced elevation of blood pressure is blunted by EA. In addition, stress can also induce brain neuron atrophy and death, especially in the hippocampus. Neurotrophic chemicals are implicated in stress-induced hippocampal degeneration. EA stimulation significantly restores these neurotrophic chemicals.

Healthy 20 to 24 yr. old humans treated with MMWs applied to the outer hand had improved heart rate variability (HRV). Stress-induced EEG changes include suppression of alpha rhythm, increased theta and other decreases in bioelectric activity. EEG rhythms caused by stress are reversed with MMW treatment. Stressed animals have precipitous decreases of non-specific resistance and activation of lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is very damaging to tissues. Normal control animals exposed to MMWs have a 10-15% increase in neutrophil metabolism and increased thalamic and hypothalamic anti-oxidant exchange. The abnormal changes in stressed animals are reversed by MMW PEMFs.

Soft tissue may also respond negatively to stress and high lipid levels. Stress and high lipid levels can lead to breakdown of elastin and collagen fibers of heart muscle and other tissues. PEMFs directed from the front to the back of the head reduce this tissue breakdown by inhibiting the enzyme that causes it and by anti-oxidant action.

PEMFs result in the several apparently related long-lasting effects, that reduce stress: an increase in blood volume, increase in tissue oxygen, increased pH (reduced acidity), increased depth of respiration, decreased heart rate and improved blood pressure. The magnitude of these effects in humans show significant inter-individual variability. The benefits appear to be caused by lowered blood acidity, as indicated by measurements of lactic acid and pyruvic acid concentration, blood carbon dioxide levels and hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. PEMF effects are increased during periods of high muscle activity, after drinking alcohol, while sleeping or after inhaling carbon dioxide. Conditions that raise pH such as hyperventilation and eating large meals could be expected to reduce the magnitude of the benefits.

Extremely low-frequency (ELF) PEMFs to the head and chest induce dilation of the larger blood vessels in these areas and increased tissue oxygen. Various kinds of PEMFs applied to the neck of human volunteers altered the respiration cycle, heart rate, blood pressure, and vessel perfusion. These effects showed wide variability and poor reproducibility.

To summarize, mild chronic daily stress causes untold damage to humans. Research has shown that PEMFs produce a number of anti-stress changes in the body, both to ward off stress, that is, create stress resistance, and to decrease the hormonal, immune, neurologic, soft tissue, cardiac, vascular, low pH and low-oxygen damage caused by stress. From this perspective, very low level PEMFs used regularly should be able to prevent or reverse many of the effects of stress that all of us experience daily.

Based on extensive research in Europe, this new healing concept is now being introduced into the United States. See www.quantronmedicine.com

Magnetic fields penetrate the body as if it was air. They are noninvasive and nontoxic, which makes them ideal for the gentle and gradual body rebalancing and healing. Magnetic fields work individually on the natural healing systems of the body but also work through the acupuncture systems. A whole body treatment with magnetic fields can be as strong as acupuncture in many cases. Treatment of the whole person requires an understanding of the underlying causes of the individual’s difficulty. Magnetic fields, like other therapies, can help to rebalance the individual but full recovery is unlikely unless the cause of the problem is also managed.

What is a typical treatment like for your patients?

It is very difficult to say that there is a typical treatment. Every individual and problem is unique. Magnetic field treatments can be done with either permanent magnets or pulsating electromagnetic fields. I started out with the use of permanent magnets only. As I have learned more about pulsed magnetic fields, and started having access to these systems, I have begun combining them into a treatment program. They are combined since pulsed magnetic fields act more gently on the body and can frequently accelerate treatment faster. There are strong electromagnetic fields that are only used in the doctor’s office, usually at the start of a course of care. Then, pulsed electromagnetic treatment systems can be purchased for self-managed home use.

Treatments usually take between 8 to 30 minutes, once to three times per day. Pulsed magnetic fields may often be the only treatment required. Occasionally, permanent magnets may be used between therapeutic sessions, especially for orthopedic, musculoskeletal and soft tissue problems. If a rapid response is required, permanent and pulsed fields are combined. If the circumstance requires a more gentle approach, pulsed fields are usually the first to be used, the response is reviewed and if necessary static/permanent magnets are added. For acute problems magnetic therapy treatments could last from several weeks to months. For chronic problems normally long periods of time are required. A proper treatment course frequently combines nutritional supplements, possibly medications and other physical therapies.

How can magnetic fields help to maintain health and wellness?

Magnetic fields can also be used for lifetime health maintenance. Since stress is a continuous challenge in North American life, lifetime health maintenance with the daily use of gentle pulsed magnetic fields is now our reality and a major stress reducer. The primary actions of magnetic fields are to reduce muscle contraction. This means that the muscles of the back and shoulders can be relaxed at the end of every day. This is not to allow stress to gradually accumulate its damage in the body. Whenever there is muscular tension the blood supply to the tissues involved is diminished. This is a primary cause of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, using a whole body treatment mattress, can simulate the oxygen improving benefits of exercise. Therefore, magnetic fields can be a major anti-aging preventive care system. In addition, research is showing that magnetic fields have strong actions on bone, particularly in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Many studies have also shown a benefit in treating arthritis, which almost everyone will get with age. One study has even shown that magnetic field treatment may reduce the development of arthritis in the first place. While individuals may use magnetic fields without consultation with a magnetic therapy expert, the best response and most specific individually tailored treatments would be obtained with this kind of consultation.

For what application(s) is the modality of magnetic field therapy best suited?

Because magnetic fields act on many specific physical processes, they can be used in almost any kind of illness, either as a prevention or treatment. The primary actions of magnetic fields include: muscle relaxation, increased circulation, pain reduction, reduced nerve irritability, enhanced tissue and bone healing, reduction in swelling, bruising and inflammation, decreased clotting, improvement in scars, enhancement of acupuncture and rebalancing of the sympathetic/parasympathetic system. The nervous system is particularly sensitive to magnetic fields.

Like acupuncture, magnetic fields appear to act in a more obvious fashion when obvious imbalances exist, such as pain, scars, injuries, etc. In the presence of chronic health problems, sleep disturbance and mood disorder are common. Once therapy begins these problems are often the first to respond. Even if therapy is stopped during the course of care, healing often continues for some time after. Health problems from deficiencies, such as low thyroid, in hypothyroidism, low insulin in pancreatic dysfunction, anemia from lack of iron, will not be cured by magnetic fields. Only the missing substances can properly treat the problem. Magnetic fields cannot be used as a sole therapy for cancer. Often however they can be used to supplement traditional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. The use of medications is usually enhanced with magnetic fields. This means that magnetic fields do not interfere with most medical therapies and in fact appear to enhance them. Magnetic therapy has saved numerous people from needing surgery, in selected circumstances.

Dr. Pawluk’s philosophical statement.

Humans are souls with bodies — not bodies with souls. Our legacy prior to and after this physical existence is much grander than can be imagined. True health only comes when the soul is balanced. Health does not equal happiness. Happiness does produce health. Newtonian physics is a physics of direct cause and effect, in a perceived “material” particle-based, molecular world. Newtonian physics clashes with quantum physics only for those who can’t imagine a grander picture. Many complementary and integrative therapies are more quantum than Newtonian. The difference is like plowing fields by hand or using a large diesel tractor. Another example is like walking from Washington to New York vs. taking the Concorde. Surgery, which sometimes can be lifesaving, is savagery, whereas self-healing with imagery is elegant – Newtonian vs. Quantum. Both systems have their place. Neither one can discount the other. It takes wisdom, from both the individual seeking care and the practitioner, to know the difference.

Complementary practitioners, like medical physicians, who know only one art may be very skilled at their art but can’t speak from experience about others they don’t use. The more disciplines, from very different orientations that a practitioner knows, the less tunnel vision there is and the more likely the treatment selected will be appropriate to the problem being treated. Square pegs won’t get put in round holes by mistaken faith.

Magnetic fields can be as strong as surgery or as gentle as quantum fields. Ultimately, the soul and the body are electromagnetic. All magnetic fields interact. When the body (or the soul) is out of balance, the electromagnetic fields of the body (or soul) are out of balance. Magnetic field therapies can help to restore some or all of these imbalances. Before the body gets out of serious imbalance, unless there is a sudden trauma, it must go through progressive stages of imbalance, from energetic imbalance through physiologic imbalance to a pathophysiologic stage and then to a pathologic stage. This latter is organ or tissue death. Magnetic fields work best in the earlier stages of imbalances. With severe imbalances more drastic measures are usually required, such as surgery, chemotherapy, etc. Magnetic fields would be least obvious in their benefit in these latter stages but could still be very helpful in a complementary fashion.

Therefore, magnetic fields can be used across the spectrum of health states. Because of this, they can be dramatically helpful in preventing energetic imbalances from the day-to-day stresses caused by modern life. These cumulative stresses, often so small as to be unnoticeable, gradually accumulate and like grains of sand over time, can create a desert. Magnetic fields blow away the accumulating grains before there are too many.

The body/soul has its own wisdom and can rebalance itself if left alone and not overwhelmed. Inappropriate and unthoughtful use of magnetic fields can create imbalance, by not allowing the body to modulate itself homeostatically. This can be done by not selecting fields appropriate to the circumstance or overusing fields the body does not need. This is one of the reasons magnetic fields are not recommended for use with implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators. Even the MRI, an extremely powerful magnetic field, has been found to do no harm if used appropriately.

In conclusion, individuals can become proactive in managing stress, doing long term health maintenance and slowing the aging process with simple daily use of magnetic fields. Static magnets are already widely used. Now with the introduction of European pulsed electromagnetic home systems, this technology are becoming available to the consumer. Europe that most of the worldwide research originates. Families have a new opportunity to manage their health from home.

To learn about one of the most researched and earliest consumer systems available, go to www.quantronmedicine.com.

The earth is a giant magnet, the soil and rocks are magnetized and there are strong magnetic fields in the atmosphere. Human biology, which developed over the eons and even now matures in this natural magnetic environment, is totally dependent on it. Magnetic fields have been found by accident over the centuries, to help people. Magnetized rocks were reputed to be used by Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine, to relieve headaches. The Chinese wrote about how to use magnetic stones on acupuncture points in 200 BC. D’Arsonval in the 1700’s in France discovered that pulsed electric magnetic fields stimulate the body. In the 1970’s and 80’s in the west, scientists began to study the magnetic fields produced by the body itself. The new field was called bioelectromagnetics. We now know definitely that the body itself is a large electromagnet. We also know the body produces electric fields.

Ask any engineer and you will be told that where there is electricity there is a magnetic field. You will also be told that when a magnet moves past an object capable of reacting electrically, you will generate electricity. The opposite is also true. When an object capable of reacting electrically is moved past a magnet, electricity will also be generated. What this means is that when the body, which is very magnetically active, interacts with specific medically designed magnetic fields, tiny therapeutically beneficial electric charges are generated.

What does mean to you? It means that you will see magnetic fields as a form of energy medicine, being used more and more in the future to heal problems that medicines can’t or haven’t been able to do. Most medicines are used to relieve symptoms but don’t remove or heal the cause of the problem. They usually don’t help the tissues heal themselves. Most medicines were developed to deal with problems far along in their course. They can be very effective at this stage but often carry significant risks. Doctors and consumers must continuously weigh the potential risks and benefits. The risks of these medicines are greater than the benefits for preventing problems or when the problems are very early in their development. If this is so, what alternatives do we have?

Let’s take an example. When you have a skin infection, and damage has already been done to the tissues, antibiotics will typically be prescribed to halt the spread of the bacteria. The antibiotics don’t heal the infection; they only stop the bacteria from multiplying further and doing more damage. The infection has progressed because the body wasn’t able to handle it completely by itself. When the bacteria stop growing the body then has a fighting chance to heal the tissues and kill the remaining bacteria. What does medicine do to help the body to heal? Most of the time, nothing. The doctor relies on the body doing the rest of the job by itself. What can you do to speed recovery and assure better repair? Traditionally, herbals, vitamins and minerals, rest, good nutrition, acupuncture and physical therapies will help. Also, now medical magnetic fields can be used.

Medical magnetic fields have been found in extensive research in Europe, in humans and all kinds of animal species, to have many positive actions in the body. The medical magnetic fields work by stimulating the acupuncture system, the immune system of the body, improving circulation and oxygen levels in tissues, relaxing muscles, stimulating tissue healing, healing fractures and strengthening bones faster, decreasing nerve irritability, removing swelling, decreasing clotting and improving cell metabolism. Some very strong medical magnetic fields can actually stimulate muscles and nerves – used for incontinence, rebuilding muscles, nerves and depression.

How can something do all these seemingly different actions? The primary reason is because medical magnetic fields affect many molecular actions in the body and the movement of various ions, including calcium, and also increase nitric oxide, recently awarded the title of the molecule of the decade. Calcium ions are not just in bones. They are involved in a large number of cellular chemical processes, too numerous to list here.

What kinds of medical magnetic fields can people use to get these benefits? Medical magnetic fields are produced by both permanent (static) magnets and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF’s). There have been many popular stories about permanent magnets and many are now available commercially – from various wraps, mattresses, shoe inserts, bracelets, pads and so on. Important distinctions among them are how much of the body they cover, the true strength of the magnet, the configuration of the field, flexibility and usefulness and length of time to be used. Some have more research available on them than others. These magnets have to be stronger than the earth’s field. Since the field of a magnet drops off in strength very rapidly, consideration has to be given to the strength of the magnet and the depth in the body of the tissue to be treated.

PEMFs are produced by special machines that generate specific electromagnetic signals found to have beneficial medical effects. Important distinctions among them are how much of the body they cover, the strength and configuration of the field(s), flexibility and usefulness, length of time to be used, frequencies and waveforms. PEMFs can produce actions in the body even with fields that are much weaker than the earth’s. Many of the actions from PEMFs can be usually be expected to happen faster than with static magnets. Also, PEMFs have actions that static or permanent magnets don’t have. These wave-like or resonance fields act like “throwing pebbles in a pond”. The action continues long after the field is removed. Low frequency, low strength PEMFs were the first magnetic devices to be approved by the FDA in the 1980’s. The first were for healing fractures that didn’t unite. New higher strength ones are used to stimulate muscles and nerves. Others are very high frequency and have been used to decrease pain, swelling and heal wounds.

Static magnets and PEMFs can be used together. Since PEMFs are used for short durations, 8 to 30 minutes typically, additional benefit may be obtained by using static magnets in between PEMF sessions, including over acupuncture points. Clearly, static magnets shouldn’t be used at the same time as a PEMF session.

Medical magnetic fields are very safe. Even the strongest magnetic fields, generated by MRI machines, have been found to be safe, except for very limited circumstances. Do not use medical magnetic fields, except under expert advice, when people have implanted electrical devices, like pacemakers and defibrillators. They are not advised to be used in pregnancy either, since safety has not been conclusively established. Low strength PEMFs are even safe with metallic implants, like hip and knee replacements.

To summarize, more and more medical care in the near future will include medical magnetic fields in all sorts of applications to heal the body. They will be used in conjunction with conventional medicine and other complementary health techniques. Many medical magnetic fields will be able to be applied by people themselves with or without direction or order by a physician or other practitioner. This is possible today because there is increasing information about this new technology and more equipment is becoming readily available at affordable prices.

An example of one of the leading pulsed magnetic field consumer products in the industry is the Quantron Resonance System. For information on this device please go to www.quantronmedicine.com. Note: all results and medical claims on this website originate from the research and experience of European doctors and patients. As yet, no medical claims are made or implied concerning use or application in the United States.

]]> 15872 https://healthy.net/2001/08/13/healing-magnetsan-ancient-tool-for-modern-times/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healing-magnetsan-ancient-tool-for-modern-times Mon, 13 Aug 2001 12:55:46 +0000 https://healthy.net/2001/08/13/healing-magnetsan-ancient-tool-for-modern-times/ Breaking with the conventions of his time, Swiss physician, chemist and mystic Paracelsus used magnetic stones in the sixteenth century to heal many of his patients’ ailments. Like the ancient Egyptians, Indians and Chinese, Paracelsus understood that the body had a life force – and that this life force could be influenced by magnets. “The magnet is the king of all secrets,” declared Paracelsus. And five centuries later, we are still unraveling its mysteries, secret by secret.

Although there is much yet to be learned, today we do know quite a bit more than Paracelsus did about the healing effects of magnets. In the last 30 to 40 years, there has been a tremendous amount of research on magnetic healing. Most of the studies have been conducted in Asia and Eastern Europe – in countries where there is far less dependence on pharmaceuticals.

More research, however, is beginning to appear in American medical journals. In the last couple of years, studies have been published on the use of magnets for conditions such as foot pain, post-polio syndrome, severe back pain, chronic pelvic pain, plastic surgery recovery, fibromyalgia and depression. The most recent 2001 study, out of the University of Wisconsin, reported that magnetic insoles improved postural stability in older adults.

Today, researchers have shown magnet therapy to be helpful for a wide range of conditions, including back, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, bone fractures, dental problems, menstrual pain, wound healing – and much more.

Based on available research and clinical experience, we currently know that magnets work in three distinct ways. They relieve pain, they speed healing and they appear to restore energetic balance.

Several explanations have been proposed as to how magnets relieve pain. One is that magnets alter the electrical potential in nerve cells. In doing so, the cells become incapable of transmitting nerve impulses to the brain. If the impulses don’t move, the brain does not perceive pain. Another theory holds that magnets stimulate the production of endorphins. Small protein molecules, endorphins are the body’s internally-produced painkillers. Researchers have actually measured an increase in endorphin levels after application of static magnets.

The accelerated healing seen with the application of magnets is due to the increased blood flow to the injured area, and researchers have actually measured this effect. Since blood carries oxygen, nutrients and scavenger cells, inflammation is reduced quicker and the healing process proceeds at a faster rate.

Anecdotal reports abound about magnetic products’ ability to restore energetic balance. One theory regarding this effect proposes that the body gets out of sync by continuous exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields. These are the 60 cycles per second fields emitted by our everyday office equipment and appliances. Proponents maintain that sleeping on a magnetic mattress or wearing magnetic insoles or jewelry promotes the return of the body’s energetic field to a healthy balance.

With few exceptions, magnetic products can be used without concern. However, the experts do recommend that magnets not be used by pregnant women or by people with implanted devices, such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. People with implanted metal plates or screws need to determine whether or not those implants are composed of magnetic material. Nonmagnetic metal is becoming more frequently used for surgical implants.

Since magnets increase blood flow, they should not be used on bleeding wounds, where there is internal bleeding or by people on blood thinners (such as Coumadin). The experts also advise that people with epilepsy, endocrine problems, myasthenia gravis, active tuberculosis, acute viral diseases, cancer or psychoses avoid self-treatment with magnets.

A wide variety of magnetic products are available in today’s marketplace – from jewelry to athletic wraps to mattresses. However, because magnets are not currently approved as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers and distributors are not able to provide much information about their products.

Two types of magnetic products are commonly available: bipolar magnets and unipolar magnets. All magnets, of course, have two poles: a north and a south. When a magnetic product is described as bipolar, it means that both the north pole and the south pole face the body. In contrast, a unipolar magnetic product has only one pole, either the north or the south facing the body. Distributors of both types of magnets contend that the type they are promoting is the most effective. The fact of the matter is that the jury is still out, as researchers have reported success with both types.

Other questions regarding usage include “How long should they be applied?” and “How strong should the magnetic field be to achieve a healing effect?” Currently, most experts say you need at least 400 gauss reaching the body part you are treating. Hopefully, we will have more answers in the next few years.

But you certainly don’t need to wait for all the answers to be in before you try magnetic therapy – people all over the world are reporting benefits. Magnets are noninvasive and safe healing tool. If you buy products with a 30-day money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose – and you just might find the solution to your health problem.

Sherry Kahn, MPH, is a health educator, author and medial journalist. Her latest book is “Healing Magnets: A Guide for Pain Relief, Speeding Recovery, and Restoring Balance” (Three Rivers Press, 2000).