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From Townsend Letter By Dr. William Pawluk, MD with Nancy Faass, MSW, MPH and Jerry Stine, CNC
PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) devices reflect an emerging approach to cost-effective therapy for difficult-to-manage neurological and pain disorders. The primary focus of this review is the use of devices of low electromagnetic intensity and frequency, designed for self-care by consumers, with assessment, guidance, and follow-up by their clinicians.
Indications. PEMF has been shown to support progress in neuro-chemical conditions that include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, depression, PTSD, and sleep issues. Research also indicates benefit for neuro-pathologies such as concussion, memory loss, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and tremor. A variation of PEMF, high-powered rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) devices used in hospitals, are FDA-approved to treat conditions ranging from bone healing to resistant major depressive disorders (MDD).
Mechanisms of action. As a magnetic field passes through the body, that field can stimulate a range of potential processes and activities, depending on the frequency and power:
PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) devices reflect an emerging approach to cost-effective therapy for difficult-to-manage neurological and pain disorders. The primary focus of this review is the use of devices of low electromagnetic intensity and frequency, designed for self-care by consumers, with assessment, guidance, and follow-up by their clinicians.
Indications. PEMF has been shown to support progress in neuro-chemical conditions that include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, depression, PTSD, and sleep issues. Research also indicates benefit for neuro-pathologies such as concussion, memory loss, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and tremor. A variation of PEMF, high-powered rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) devices used in hospitals, are FDA-approved to treat conditions ranging from bone healing to resistant major depressive disorders (MDD).
Mechanisms of action. As a magnetic field passes through the body, that field can stimulate a range of potential processes and activities, depending on the frequency and power:
- Reducing inflammation and edema (Jerabek & Pawluk, 1996)
- Increasing ATP production (Ascherl, Blumel, Lechner, et al., 1985; Blank & Soo, 1992; Chen, Cui, Yue, et al, 2009)
- Rebalancing circadian rhythm (Manzella, Bracci, Ciarapica, et al., 2015)
- Improving circulation and blood supply (Bartko, Turcáni, Danisová, et al., 1988)
- Increased oxygen to the body’s tissues (Warnke, 1992; Grant, Cadossi, & Steinberg, 1994)
- Healthy levels of growth factors and nitric oxide (Goodwin, 2003)
- Increasing cell metabolism (Jerabek et al, 1996)
- Production of endogenous antioxidants (Singh, Khanduja, & Mittal, 1998)
- Enhanced detoxification (Singh & Khanduja, 1998)
- Wound healing and tissue regeneration (Blackman, 1988; Blank & Soo, 1992)
- Stimulating and rebalancing the immune system (McEver & Zhu, 2010)
- Improved nerve conductivity and regeneration (Polk, 1992)
- Promotion of growth gene factors (Goodwin, 2003; Lagrove, Bersani, Billaudel, et al., 2003)
- Support of neural stem cell production (Li, Zhao, Xing, et al., 2002; Goodwin, 2003)
- Reduced pain (Nelson & Esty, 2009, 2015)
- Autophagy (Marchesi, Osera, Fassina, et al., 2014)
- Enhanced neurotransmitter levels (Zecca, Margonato, & Esposti, 1989)
- Effect on monoamine function (Sieron, Labus, & Nowak, 2004)
- Reduced reaction time (Blackman, 1988)
- Charge displacement from neuronal membranes of cortical neurons (Persinger & Saroka, 2013)
