Electromagnetic therapy (alternative medicine)
Electromagnetic therapy is a form of alternative medicine which claims to treat disease by applying electromagnetic energy to the body. Proponents of electromagnetic therapy believe that when the body's electromagnetic energies are unbalanced, the electromagnetic fields "disrupt the body's chemical makeup resulting in disease and illness". [1] For application of static magnetic fields, see magnet therapy. There are studies supporting a significantly improved healing and regeneration process at the application of pulsed fields. Claims going beyond such generic enhancement of healing processes, in particular claims of electromagnetic therapy providing cures to serious conditions such as cancer should be regarded as pseudoscience.
Electromagnetic therapy for cancer
Electromagnetic therapy, also known as electromagnetism, bioelectricity, magnetobiology, magnetic field therapy and magnetic healing, applies electromagnetic energy to the body to treat disease. Instead of using drug-based treatments, "energy medicine" proponents apply electrical, magnetic, microwave and infrared devices to treat illness.[citation needed]
The American Cancer society however says that relying on these devices alone and "avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences." Also, some devices are untested and unproven and may pose some risk.[2]
Electromagnetic therapy for multiple sclerosis
Laurance Johnston, Ph.D., suggests that "pulsed electromagnetic fields - although not a cure - can alleviate some MS symptoms."[3]
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg?lang=en){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs)
| This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
List of devices
| This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
See Also
Skeptical Criticism
The American Cancer society however says that relying on these devices alone and "avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences." Also, some devices are untested and unproven and may pose some risk.[4]
References
- Trock et al., The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and cervical spine. Report of randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials, J Rheumatol. 1994 Oct;21(10):1903-11.[1]
- Trock et al., A double-blind trial of the clinical effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields in osteoarthritis, J Rheumatol. 1993 Dec;20(12):2166-7.[2]
- Mooney V., A randomized double-blind prospective study of the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic fields for interbody lumbar fusions, Spine. 1990 Jul;15(7):708-12. [3]