PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is a science-backed, FDA-approved device that utilizes low hertz electromagnetic frequency to treat physical conditions and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Lyme Disease, and other mental health symptoms and chronic conditions. It is also used for stress relief and general wellness.
PEMF is a type of technology that promotes cellular communication, which in turn enhances self-healing and wellness. It can be an amazing tool for those who are struggling with chronic mental health or medical conditions.
For about a decade, I have used PEMF as both an in-clinic treatment and also use a mobile port. Both devices are effective ways to calm the nervous system and relieve symptoms associated with ADHD, anxiety, autism, mood and behavior, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.
At our center, we use a unit that requires both sensors and multiple pads that are placed on the body. In contrast, our CALM PEMF™ Mobile Port is a portable unit that one can take just about anywhere. Both work to regulate the ANS and support the nervous system in achieving a relaxed, parasympathetic state.
PEMF therapy has been used since the 1950s to treat a variety of conditions. A 2010 research indicates that PEMF works better than placebo treatments for patients with depression for which most medications fail to work (Martiny et al., 2010). Furthermore, an 8-week study performed in 2020 showed that T-PEMF therapy can improve the effects of an ongoing anti-depression medication (Larsen et al., 2020).
PEMF is safe for kids and adults but shouldn’t be used by anyone who has a magnetic device such as a pacemaker. Therapeutic PEMF is not to be confused with EMF, which mostly comes from electrical equipment and technologies. PEMFs come in a much lower frequency, usually around 50-60 Hz, which is beneficial in promoting cellular communication, health, and function.
We have countless stories of adults and kids who have witnessed the natural healing benefits of PEMF to calm their brains and start the process of healing and learning. PEMF is effective because it works at a cellular level and fosters communications between the body’s cells. It has changed lives and significantly improved the overall health and wellness of the families who have them at home.
Watch PEMF in action! Here’s a video where Dr. Roseann explains “What is PEMF?”
Here are the 25 ways PEMF can improve mental health and your home and family life.
25 Things You Need to Know About PEMF
Toxins and stressors impact people negatively every day. PEMF can help with that. It improves the body’s cellular functions through low-frequency pulses that pass through the body, penetrating the cells, tissues, organs, and even the bones without being altered or absorbed. As these pulses pass through, they stimulate certain chemical, and electrical processes at the cellular level.
There can be PEMF detox symptoms when used too much or without proper adjunctive detoxification support, such as magnesium, extra water, an anti-inflammatory diet, and so on.
When used regularly, PEMF improves the cell’s health and function. It gives the body many benefits, most of which you’ll be surprised to know about. You and your kid can greatly benefit from PEMF as it improves the quality of your life. So, what does PEMF therapy do for you? Here’s a list of possible PEMF benefits:
#1 Promotes the Body’s Natural Healing Process
PEMF therapy recharges the body’s cellular batteries, which results in improved cell health and functions. It allows the body to efficiently process the chemical and electrical exchanges while addressing imbalances, leading to natural healing.
#2 Comforts Your Child’s Fear
Fear is physical. It releases stress hormones, bringing your child’s body into a sympathetic dominant state. When your child is anxious or afraid, their body senses potential danger and instinctively prepares to react more quickly and efficiently.
When stressed, the brain is hyperalert. The pupils and bronchi dilate and one’s breathing accelerates. The heart rate and blood pressure also increase.
Staying in this state of stress can trigger mental health symptoms and affect your child’s happiness and well-being. PEMF brings the body into a parasympathetic state and fosters happiness and creativity.
#3 Brings Your Child into the State of Learning
A calm brain is a happy, learning brain. PEMF relaxes your child, increases their abilities, and develops higher brain function. It also stimulates the electrical activities of the brain and improves cognitive function.
#4 Focused on Your Mental Health
Many PEMF therapy devices have been developed over the past 50 years. All use electromagnetic energy to encourage cellular communications for the betterment of the mind and body and the treatment of medical conditions.
PEMF helps treat different mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It may also improve one’s quality of life. Here at Dr. Roseann, we use Bioregulation Therapy (BRT), which differs from 98% of the available PEMF machines in the market because of its focus on mental health.
#5 Helps with Age-Associated Memory Impairment
Around 40% of people aged 65 and above experience age-associated memory impairment. The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory, shrinks with age causing older people to forget stuff, miss details, and be lost for words.
Extensive PEMF research at Northwestern University gathered that PEMF could stimulate the parietal lobe surrounding the hippocampus making it an effective treatment for improving memory and engagement in older people, enhancing their productivity and quality of life (Nilakantan et al., 2019).
#6 Treats Complex TBI
PEMF studies have shown that patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) showed improvement after using PEMF for two hours daily (Pawluk, 2020). A concussion is a type of TBI that impairs mental processing and thinking. PEMF and Neurofeedback training can help correct the repetitive brain pattern, allowing the brain to restore its functions.
#7 Reduces Depression Symptoms
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities one usually enjoys. The condition usually occurs in the late teens and can affect your child’s school behavior and eating and sleeping patterns.
PEMF affects serotonin which causes positive emotions and combats depression.
There’s a list here about how PEMF can help (kid/teen) athletes https://pemfcomplete.com/pemf-for-athletes/
#8 Improves Athletic Performance
PEMF treatment can help improve athletic performance and training quality, which can be helpful for active kids and teens, too.
Athletes need to recover to maintain their training and performance properly. If they do not allow their bodies enough time to recover, they will reduce the effectiveness of their training sessions and hinder their progress.
PEMF promotes the natural regeneration and healing of cells in a non-invasive way. This therapy has been shown to improve athletic performance, improve pain management, and reduce recovery times.
Some well-known athletes who discovered the effects of PEMF include Shaquille O’Neal, Brian Baldinger, and Lance Armstrong. Moreover, clinical trials have found that a PEMF session enhances the healing rate in bone fractures and post-surgery.
#9 Pain Relief
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectively reduces neuropathic pain and may also help slow the progression of nerve damage. Apart from relieving pain sensations in your kids, PEMF can also alleviate chronic lower back pain.
#10 Reduces Muscle Tension
PEMF therapy is the most effective way to reduce pain and inflammation in muscles. It also works wonders in bone healing and joint pain. In a study conducted on patients with myofascial pain dysfunction, it was found that PEMF is very effective in alleviating pain while also improving mouth range of motion (Fouda, 2014).
#11 Fosters Better Sleep
Growing children need a lot of sleep. PEMFs influence brain activity and can regulate its rate and frequency. This can then lead to changes in patterns of behavior, including deep sleep.
PEMF can help relax the central nervous system by assisting it in going into a parasympathetic state. As the central nervous system calms down, the body starts to heal. This leads to reduced stress and improved sleep.
#12 Supports Efficient Cell Function and Regeneration
Cells, regenerated from the food we eat, are the body’s building blocks. Adequate sleep, healthy food, and positive emotions produce health that functions well in the body. The use of PEMF helps foster cellular health and regeneration, especially after stressful triggers that wear the cells and the body down.
#13 Enhances Blood Circulation
PEMF therapy is said to improve blood flow and cellular function by stimulating the release of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a key molecule in many biological processes, including inflammation and wound healing.
#14 Reduce Inflammation
Reducing inflammation positively impacts brain health, mood, and attention. When inflammation is addressed, the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression are greatly reduced.
#15 Boosts Digestion and Nutrient Ingestion
The digestive system plays a vital role in the human body, providing nourishment and cleansing to the entire body. However, when your child overeats junk food or gets stressed over schoolwork, their digestive system can be overwhelmed.
PEMF can stimulate the digestive process at a cellular level by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response.
#16 Supports Detoxification: PEMF Detox Symptoms
Re-stabilizing the cellular membrane potential enhances cellular communication, energy production, nutrient uptake, and detoxification. Without detoxification, toxins build up in the systems, which leads to inflammation. Brain inflammation has been known to cause different mental health conditions.
#17 Builds Your Immune System
Ninety percent of illnesses are caused by stress. Your child faces stressors every day: unhealthy food, school bullies, lack of sleep, long studying hours, and unfriendly sensory stimuli such as too much heat, bright light, and loud music.
All of these can stress the body to a breaking point until symptoms and diseases emerge. Regulate stress and build immunity through PEMF.
#18 Keeps Allergies at Bay
Stress lowers immunity, which triggers allergies and hypersensitivities that cause rashes, sneezing, and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. Allergies come and go, but they can be scary, especially if your child has trouble breathing in the middle of the night. Rashes can also be itchy and uncomfortable in school. PEMF fosters immunity and keeps allergies away.
#19 Fights Anxiety and Calms the Mind
Both kids with special needs and neurotypicals experience anxiety that triggers their fight or flight response and blocks learning and creativity. In the case of special needs kids, anxiety triggers other symptoms such as ticks, palpitations, and repetitive speech and movements.
Calming the brain is key to good mental health and PEMF is a great way to achieve that.
#20 Helps with Decrease Therapy Resistance
PEMF relaxes the body, so the brain can calm down and focus on learning and break the therapy resistance that so many face.
Neurofeedback and some cognitive behavioral therapies work by redirecting the brain to digest information differently to foster more productive and socially accepted behaviors and reduce resistance to important details.
#21 Synergizes with Other Integrative Wellness Treatments
To maximize healing potential, efforts should come from all corners, including relaxation, brain training and re-learning, nutrition, positive parenting, exercise, spending time outdoors, a healthy mindset, and limiting cell phones, screen time, and sugary food.
At Dr. Roseann, we take a multi-pronged approach to healing. PEMF technology magnificently fosters relaxation and synergizes with other integrative wellness treatment methods.
#22 It is Natural
In their natural state, the healthy cells in the body are fully engaged in body functions. However, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, stress, and negative emotional triggers can wear them down. PEMF fosters healthy and natural cell function.
Dr. Roseann’s CALM PEMF™ device is focused on your child and family’s mental health and comes with carefully curated protocols to address mental health challenges.
#23 Safe to Use Every Day
PEMF is safe for everyday use. Studies show that PEMF may be involved in several biological processes that can greatly help in therapeutic interventions. PEMF offers a safe, effective, and noninvasive electro pulse therapy. Furthermore, there are no known PEMF therapy side effects (Hu et al., 2020).
#24 Supports Family Wellness
Anyone can use PEMF to revitalize and energize. Having a device at home uplifts everyone and fosters a positive home environment. Based on the benefits listed here, PEMF can be used by all members of the family, from the elderly for their chronic pain to kids for their mental health issues.
#25 Your Kids Can Use PEMF Independently
The goal of every parent with every child is to foster independence so that they can be functional adults.
What are PEMF Detox Symptoms?
Many people report positive effects from PEMF therapy but others may experience what are sometimes referred to as “detox symptoms.” It's important to note that the concept of detox symptoms concerning PEMF therapy may be different, as individual responses to PEMF may vary.
A few individuals may claim to experience detox symptoms when using PEMF therapy. These symptoms can include:
- Fatigue: Some people report feeling more tired initially when starting PEMF therapy.
- Headache: Headaches may occur in some individuals as a reaction to the therapy.
- Nausea: Nausea or mild digestive discomfort has been reported by some users.
- Increased urination: Some individuals may notice an increase in the frequency of urination.
- Muscle soreness: Some users report temporary muscle soreness or discomfort.
What are PEMF Contraindications?
Electromagnetic pulse therapy is generally considered safe for many people, but there are certain contraindications and precautions that individuals should be aware of. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting PEMF therapy, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Here are some common contraindications:
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are typically advised to avoid PEMF therapy, especially during the first trimester, due to the lack of sufficient safety data.
- Implanted Devices: Individuals with certain implanted devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or other electronic implants, should avoid PEMF therapy, as the electromagnetic fields may interfere with the functioning of these devices.
- Epilepsy: There is a concern that PEMF therapy might trigger seizures in individuals with a history of epilepsy. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using even FDA approved PEMF devices if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
- Organ Transplants: People who have recently undergone organ transplantation should consult their healthcare provider before using PEMF therapy, as the effects of electromagnetic fields on transplanted organs are not well understood.
- Active Bleeding: Individuals with active bleeding or hemorrhagic conditions should avoid PEMF therapy, as it may potentially increase bleeding.
- Acute Infections and Fever: PEMF therapy may have effects on the immune system, so it is generally advisable to avoid its use during acute infections or when a person has a fever.
Cancer: The effects of PEMF therapy on cancer are not well-established. People with active cancer or a history of cancer should consult their oncologist before using PEMF devices.
Our CALM PEMF ™ device is so easy to use, even a child can use it. This tool can lower their anxiety and stress levels, which increases focus and communication skills.
When things feel out of control, giving children safe ways to gain independence is important.
PEMF is a safe and effective way to calm the brain and improve cellular communication. Adding it to your mental health toolkit is an excellent way to improve anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental health conditions. We have developed an incredible PEMF device called CALM PEMF™, so make sure to get on our email list so you can learn more about it.
What is PEMF treatment?
PEMF treatment involves the use of electromagnetic fields to improve health and well-being. This therapy has been studied and applied to various medical conditions, and it is believed to work by influencing cellular function and promoting overall wellness.
What does PEMF do for the body?
PEMF therapy is believed to enhance cellular energy production by influencing metabolism and increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It may stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, supporting cell proliferation and differentiation.
What is PEMF therapy used for?
PEMF therapy is used for various purposes, and its applications span different medical fields. Its common applications include pain management, musculoskeletal conditions, wound healing, inflammation reduction, bone healing and fracture repair, and various neurological conditions.
Are there PEMF side effects?
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed. However, like any medical intervention, there may be potential pulsed electromagnetic field therapy side effects, such as discomfort or sensations, fatigue, headache, and skin irritation, among others.
Is PEMF for humans only?
While PEMF therapy is most commonly discussed in the context of human health, it is not exclusive to humans. The principles of PEMF therapy are based on the interaction of electromagnetic fields with cells and tissues, and similar concepts can be applied to other living organisms.
How does a brain look like before and after PEMF therapy?
While PEMF therapy is known to influence cellular processes and neural activity, any potential changes in the brain are typically assessed through functional measures rather than structural alterations visible on imaging.
Can you use PEMF too much?
The appropriate frequency and duration of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy can vary depending on individual health conditions, the specific PEMF device used, and the goals of the treatment. While PEMF therapy is generally considered safe, using it excessively or inappropriately may lead to potential issues.
Citations:
Andrade, Renato, et al. “Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Effectiveness in Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Porto Biomedical Journal, vol. 1, no. 5, Dec. 2016, p. 156. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbj.2016.09.001.
Fouda, A. (2014). Comparison between four treatment modalities for active myofascial triggers points. Plastic and Aesthetic Research, 1(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.4103/2347-9264.135545
Hu, H., Yang, W., Zeng, Q., Chen, W., Zhu, Y., Liu, W., Wang, S., Wang, B., Shao, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Promising application of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) in musculoskeletal disorders. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 131, 110767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110767
Larsen, E. R., Licht, R. W., Nielsen, R. E., Lolk, A., Borck, B., Sørensen, C., Christensen, E. M., Bizik, G., Ravn, J., Martiny, K., Vinberg, M., Jankuviené, O., Jørgensen, P. B., Videbech, P., & Bech, P. (2020). Transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields for treatment-resistant depression: A multicenter 8-week single-arm cohort study. European Psychiatry, 63(1). https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.3
Martiny, K., Lunde, M., & Bech, P. (2010). Transcranial Low Voltage Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression. Biological Psychiatry, 68(2), 163–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.02.017
Nilakantan, A. S., Mesulam, M.-M., Weintraub, S., Karp, E. L., VanHaerents, S., & Voss, J. L. (2019). Network-targeted stimulation engages neurobehavioral hallmarks of age-related memory decline. Neurology, 92(20), e2349–e2354. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000007502
Mariangela. “PEMF Therapy: What It Is and What It Is Used For.” I-Tech Medical Division, 30 Mar. 2022, https://itechmedicaldivision.com/en/pemf-therapy-what-it-is-for/.
Pemf, Pulse. “Digestion Support at the Cellular Level with PEMF Technology.” Pulse PEMF, 15 Nov. 2019, https://www.pulsepemf.com/blog/digestion-support/.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: A Non-Drug Option for Pain – UCI. https://ssihi.uci.edu/tip/pulsed-electromagnetic-field-therapy-a-non-drug-option-for-pain/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2022.
Pawluk, W. (2020). Use of a PEMF to treat complex TBI with Brain Gauge and Rivermead outcome measures. The Journal of Science and Medicine, 1(2), 0–10. https://doi.org/10.37714/josam.v1i2.32
Thomas, Alex W., et al. “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Using a Low-Frequency Magnetic Field in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Chronic Pain.” Pain Research & Management : The Journal of the Canadian Pain Society, vol. 12, no. 4, Winter 2007, p. 249. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/626072.
Walters, Stephanie. “How PEMF Therapy Benefits Everyone.” PEMF Complete, 17 Oct. 2018, https://pemfcomplete.com/how-pemf-therapy-benefits-everyone/.
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert on natural mental health solutions who frequently is in the media:
- Today How to keep your kids physically and mentally afloat
- The Hero Show Natural Solutions for Children's Mental Wellness
- Exhausted to Extraordinary Parent (Video) How to Build a Resiliency Mindset In Your Child – In Just 7 Minutes
- Healthline A 30-Minute Workout May Help Relieve Some Symptoms of Depression
- HealthCentral Summer Soothes Our Senses – and Our Souls
- MindBodyGreen The Joy Of Learning About Yourself: 5 Ways To Become More Self-Aware
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She coined the terms, “Re-entry panic syndrome” and “eco-anxiety” and is a frequent contributor to media on mental health.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has three decades of experience in working with children, teens and their families with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, concussion, dyslexia and learning disability, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression and mood disorder, Lyme Disease, and PANS/PANDAS using science-backed natural mental health solutions such as supplements, magnesium, nutrition, QEEG Brain maps, neurofeedback, PEMF, psychotherapy and other non-medication approaches.
She is the author of three bestselling books, It’s Gonna Be OK!: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Health, The Teletherapy Toolkit, and Brain Under Attack. Dr. Roseann is known for offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain.
Her trademarked BrainBehaviorResetⓇ Program and It’s Gonna be OK!Ⓡ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands of parents facing mental health, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
