Electromagnetic Field Uses In Therapy

The electromagnetic field is a force that can be seen in many different ways. Static magnetic fields, for instance, are used in medical devices like magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) or in X-rays to run tests on the body. Electromagnetic radiation pours down to the earth from the sun in the form of ultra-violet rays. Deep beneath the earth's surface, radioactive elements hold electromagnetic charge. Mobile phones, microwaves, refrigerators and other electronic devices also emit electromagnetic waves of their own. However, what's most intriguing is the use of electromagnetic fields to treat and heal the body.

One modern use of electromagnetic fields is for depression, which has recently been FDA-approved. Depression affects 37 million Americans, with about 1/4 women and 1/10 men suffering. In trans-magnetic stimulation, a powerful electromagnet stimulates the left frontal lobe in the brain, causing brain cells to "fire, to become active, to do things, to kick our brain chemicals which are called neurotransmitters," explains Dr. Charles Epstein of Emory University. While there is still much left to study, notably the long-term effectiveness of treatment, the attractiveness of the electromagnetic pulse is that it's quick, it's free from side effects and it's often effective on patients who haven't responded to anything else.

Another electromagnetic field medical treatment is the use of microwaves to induce hypothermia to treat bone tumors. One study implanted 8-12 antennas into the tumor and directly heated the tumor tissue with microwave irradiation and thermal conduction. Even though six patients died and five patients had tumor recurrences, the majority of patients showed positive results. Forty-one patients with malignant tumors and 15 with benign tumors had improved health following the electromagnetic pulse treatment. A year later, half of those patients were still doing well, 11 were listed in "fair" condition and only two required immobilization.

In addition to clinical electromagnetic field therapy using powerful magnets, there are also a number of magnetic therapy products that can be purchased to help with headaches, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, sciatica and other ailments. Magnetic insoles, bracelets, necklaces and even mattresses are sold by numerous vendors online, although not all of them can be backed by scientific claims. These products are generally inexpensive and attractive-looking nevertheless, so even if they don't work as advertised, many people take a "why not?" approach to magnetic jewelry. In fact, US sales totaled $300 million in 2008.

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magnetic jewellery

Be aware that all magnetic jewelry is not created equal. Makers of magnetic therapy bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings often say "You get what you pay for.