Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF) Benefits and How to Do It 

Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF) Benefits and How to Do It 

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) therapy is an increasingly popular alternative healing method that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate your body on a cellular level. It supports repair, recovery, and overall health. PEMF therapy may help to improve your energy, support circulation, aid detoxification, improve your sleep, reduce inflammation, lower pain, support your immune function, aid cognitive function, and boost your mood.

In this article, you will learn what PEMF therapy is. You will understand the difference between EMF and PEMF therapy. I will go over the benefits of PEMF therapy. You will learn how to use PEMF technology and understand possible side effects. I will share my favorite PEMF devices with you.

What is PEMF Therapy?

PEMF therapy is also known as High Energy Inductive Therapy (HEIT). It is a new wellness and alternative healing modality that uses Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) to stimulate your body on a cellular level. A PEMF therapy device directs tiny amounts of energy toward targeted areas of your body to reduce inflammation and symptoms.

The earth releases a pulsing electromagnetic field at 7.8 hertz, which helps our planet to support life. Similarly to the earth, our bodies are also electromagnetic. Electromagnetic signals help your brain to communicate with other systems in your body. The idea behind PEMF therapy is that if your cells have enough electrical charge, they will be able to repair, recover, and be healthy.

PEMF therapy is basically a way to recharge your body’s batteries. It helps to fuel your body with natural energy at the cellular level to reduce inflammation, support regeneration, enhance recovery processes, improve energy, aid relaxation, reduce muscle fatigue, improve cellular function, support circulation, and create balance within your body. 

Though PEMF therapy has shown some promise in pain management and overall wellness support, research is still ongoing to completely understand its potential benefits and long-term effects. PEMF therapy may be a great option to complement other treatment measures, dietary and lifestyle strategies, and nutrient supplementation, rather than serving as a standalone therapy option (1, 2, 3).

What is the Difference Between EMF and PEMF?

Electric and magnetic fields or EMFs are electromagnetic frequencies that are found everywhere around us. EMFs are also referred to as radiation. EMFs are related to the use of electrical power and various forms of light, including natural and man-made light sources. They are being emitted from the electronics that you love and use daily, including your cell phones, tablets, and laptops, WiFi, and so on. 

EMFs can be categorized into two main groups based on their frequencies. Non-ionizing radiation is low-level radiation that many consider to be harmless to people, however, in reality, it may also contribute to health issues.

Examples of non-ionizing EMFs include cell phones, tablets, computers, Bluetooth devices, wireless (WiFi) routers, power lines, smart meters, house energy meters, microwave ovens, and MRIs. Ionizing radiation, on the other hand, is high-level radiation that can be very harmful to your body. Examples of ionizing radiation include ultraviolet lights and X-rays. Both in non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, your EMF exposure and risk of negative consequences decreases as you distance yourself from the source of EMF (4, 5).

So how is this different from PEMF therapy? EMFs produced during PEMF therapy are different from these other forms of radiation in various ways. They differ in frequency, duration, and the focus of the fields. 

The EMFs PEMF therapy generates are very low frequency, mostly in the extremely low-frequency (ELF) range. They only operate somewhere between 50 and 60 Hz. This is a lot less than your average cell phone that generates EMFs between 1.9 and 2.2 GHz.

Moreover, the EMF pulsation created during PEMF therapy sends waves of electromagnetic energy that help to engage and then relax your cells. This helps to promote proper cell function and cellular regeneration. PEMF therapy operates at a safe level that supports your health.

What is the Schuman’s Resonance?  

The Schumann resonance (SR) refers to a set of spectrum peaks in the ELF part of the electromagnetic field spectrum of the earth. The frequency of the earth is 7.83 Hz. This is also the alpha/theta brainwave frequency of your brain that is connected to a relaxed, sleepy, and dreamy state. 

The use of electronics and harmful EMFs takes us out of balance with the electromagnetic frequency of the Earth. This can, not surprisingly, increase stress, inflammation, and health issues. Exposure to the Schumann resonance or 7.83 Hz frequency, on the other hand, helps us be more in tune with the Earth’s magnetic energy. It may help to reduce emotional and physical stress, pain, and health issues.

According to a 2022 study published in DovePress, treatment using Schumann resonance may help to decrease insomnia (6). According to a 2005 study published in Biomedical Pharmacotherapy, treatment using Schumann resonance may help to reduce blood pressure (7). According to a 2019 research published in Scientific Reports, treatment using Schumann resonance may have cardioprotective benefits (8).

Health Benefits of PEMF Therapy?

PEMF therapy has many potential health benefits, including cellular energy production, improved circulation and oxygenation, better detoxification, better sleep quality, reduced inflammation, lower pain levels, improved immune health, better mood and mental health, and improved cognition. Let’s discuss these potential health benefits of PEMF therapy.

Cellular Energy Production

Your cells work like batteries. If they are drained, you can end up feeling depleted, both mentally and physically.  The major organelle within the cells that is responsible for energy production is the mitochondria. When the mitochondria are damaged or worn out, or when they sense a high stress, toxic or pathogenic load they will reduce energy production and go into a survival state we call the cell danger response. 

This is where PEMF therapy comes in to help to recharge your batteries at the cellular level. It may help reset the cellular environment and move the mitochondria out of survival and protection and into a peace time physiology that allows them to produce ATP energy which can mediate the flow of energy within your cells, and support detoxification, repair, regeneration, and the reduction of inflammation, pain, and disease.

According to a 2019 study at Life University, PEMF therapy may help generate cellular energy and decrease anxiety and chronic pain (9). According to a 2019 review published in Bioelectricity, PEMF therapy may support tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation (10).

Improved Circulation & Oxygenation

PEMF therapy may also improve the oxygenation of your cells. According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, it may help with microcirculation, vascularity., and tissue oxygenation (11).

It may help the primary uptake and binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, which is a protein in your red blood cells that transport oxygen to your tissues and organs and move carbon dioxide back to your lungs. According to a 2020 study published in Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, PEMF therapy may support cutaneous blood flow (12).

Supports Detoxification

PEMF therapy may also support cellular detoxification on a cellular, whole body level. It may support detoxification from heavy metals, toxins, free radicals, and other harm.

According to a 2020 study published in Lymphatic Research and Biology, it may help to optimize lymphatic flow (13). Lymphatic flow helps to carry toxins into your blood streams and to your detox organs to be flushed out.

Improves Sleep Quality

PEMF therapy may help to improve your sleep quality and support repair and regeneration while you’re sleeping. According to a 2022 study published in DovePress, treatment using Schumann resonance may help to reduce insomnia (6).

According to a 2001 study published in Advanced Therapies, pulsed magnetic field therapy may help to improve insomnia (14). Pulsing magnetic fields may help to stimulate melatonin production, which is essential for quality sleep. It also helps the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which is also critical for sleep, rejuvenation, and longevity.

Reduces Pain & Inflammation

PEMF therapy may also help to reduce inflammation and pain. According to a 2019 review published in Bioelectricity, PEMF therapy may support tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation (10). A 2015 study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research has found that PEMF may help to reduce inflammation pathway markers (15).

According to a 2019 study at Life University, PEMF therapy may help generate cellular energy and decrease anxiety and chronic pain (9). A 2020 study published in the Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has found that PEMF therapy has helped to reduce chronic neck pain and improve the quality of life in participants (16). According to a 2007 paper published in Pain Research Management, PEMF may help with pain associated with fibromyalgia (17).

Supports Immune Health

PEMF therapy may also help to support your immune function. It may be a great way to strengthen your immune health, reduce your risk of infections, and support recovery.

A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Public Health has found that PEMF may help to regulate innate immune responses and support wound healing (18). According to a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, PEMF therapy helped to reduce septic shock in mice (19).

Improves Mood & Cognition

PEMF therapy may also help to improve cognitive function, mood, and mental health. According to a 2019 animal study published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, PEMF therapy may help to improve learning and memory (20).

A 2017 cell research published in the Journal of Healthcare Engineering has found that PEMF therapy may help to modulate miRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease and reduce brain degeneration (21).

A 2020 study published in European Psychiatry has found that PEMF may help with treatment-resistant depression (22). According to a 2019 study at Life University, PEMF therapy may help to decrease anxiety (9). 

How to Use PEMF Devices?

PEMF devices come in various sizes. Some are small and portable, while some are larger and made for clinical application. Some can be used on the whole body. Others are created for targeted use. You may use them for various conditions and health goals. PEMF mats are one of the most popular PEMF devices as they offer benefits for your whole body.

PEMF use may depend on your goals. For health maintenance or for chronic pain conditions, it’s recommended to use your PEMF device twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes. Start your day with a PEMF treatment to begin your day fresh. Then finish it with one to remove any stress and tension from your body you carry from the day before you go to sleep. 

However, different PEMF systems offer different intensities. Many allow you to change the intensity. Used at high intensity, 5 to 10 minutes may be enough, but the typical use is 30 minutes. At very low intensity, you may even use it for a longer period, even overnight, if you are an experienced user.

The more severe your symptoms are and/or the longer you have these issues, the longer the treatment times may need to be for ideal results. Remember to continue using your PEMF device even after you start feeling better to ensure complete recovery and promote continuous health. 

If you are new to PEMF, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most PEMF devices come with various pre-programmed options. These may help you to start with, however, depending on your health issues, it may take some trial and error to find what works the best for your body.

Start at a low intensity and gradually move up to medium and even higher intensity. This will allow you to understand your body, build tolerance, and see what works best for you. Your first session should be at a lower intensity. You may start your first session at 10 minutes once a day. Gradually work up to 30 minutes or longer twice a day.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to use it twice a day for 30 minutes, do the best you can. Remember, more sessions can help you to achieve your results faster. However, the most important thing is to stay consistent. If you can only use it once a day or only four times a week, do that. Just stay consistent with your schedule. 

Potential Side Effects of PEMF

Generally speaking, PEMF therapy is safe to use. Side effects are more common when you are first experiencing PEMF therapy. Using shorter sessions and lower frequencies may help to reduce your risk of side effects. Side effects are generally attributed to detoxification and simply getting used to the PEMF therapy device. 

Side effects of PEMF therapy may include mild fatigue, mild discomfort, headaches, weakness, and low energy. These side effects tend to be temporary and generally don’t last long. Over time, your body will get used to PEMF therapy and you can enjoy it without side effects. 

However, remember to drink plenty of water. This will support the detoxification process and hydration. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet, following a healthy lifestyle, and sleeping plenty may also help to reduce issues and help to aid your recovery. Remember, PEMF is not a stand-alone treatment method. It works together with healthy lifestyle choices and other strategies.

Magnetic field sensitivity may also increase side effects, including fatigue, brain fog, weakness, loss of energy, thirst, increased urination, prickly sensations of the skin, heaviness of the extremities, poor sleep, and palpitations.

If these reactions are ongoing, using PEMF therapy may not be right for you at this time. It’s important that you seek support from a functional medicine doctor to look into underlying issues behind your symptoms and magnetic field sensitivity. You may need to get started with other support strategies before you can benefit from PEMF therapy.

HigherDOSE PEMF Infrared Mat 

One of my favorite PEMF devices is this HigherDOSE PEMF Infrared Mat. This PEMF mat offers full-body benefits. It also combines PEMF technology with infrared therapy and it is made with a thick layer of 100% natural purple Amethyst crystals and tourmaline minerals to absorb electromagnetic energy and provide that real deep therapeutic dose.

It may help to reduce stress, support sleep, improve energy, improve circulation, and improve muscle recovery. It offers 4 different levels to adjust according to your needs.

You can combine your PEMF practice with some meditation or guided muscle relaxation. It is also a great option for heating up your body for a yoga or stretching session, warming up your muscles pre-workout, relaxing before bedtime, or simply recharging your body while reading, listening to music, or answering some emails.  Use the coupon code DRJOCKERS to save 15% off on HigherDOSE products including the PEMF mats. 

Office Chair Go Mat

My other favorite is this HigherDOSE Office Chair Go PEMF Infrared Mat. This device is great if you are a busy person and would rather use PEMF technology while sitting in your chair working. Of course, it’s still better if you use this time for journaling, meditation, or other relaxing activities to enhance healing.

This PEMF device may help to reduce stress, boost mood, increase energy, and lower chronic pain. It offers 4 different levels to adjust according to your needs. It may be a great option to take with you if you are traveling. It’s the same mat you love, but in a portable size. It fits in your chair and it’s perfectly travel-ready.  Use the coupon code DRJOCKERS to save 15% off on HigherDOSE products including the PEMF mats. 

Final Thoughts

PEMF is an increasingly popular alternative healing method that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate your body on a cellular level. It supports repair, recovery, and overall health. PEMF therapy may help to improve your energy, support circulation, aid detoxification, improve your sleep, reduce inflammation, lower pain, support your immune function, aid cognitive function, and boost your mood. I recommend that you try PEMF therapy to improve your overall health.

If you want to work with a functional health coach, I recommend this article with tips on how to find a great coach. On our website, we offer long-distance functional health coaching programs. For further support with your health goals, just reach out—our fantastic coaches are here to support your journey.

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