Electromagnetic Therapy
What is electromagnetic therapy?
Electricity and magnetic energy exist in the human body, controlling the heart beat, stimulating muscles, and more. Each molecule in the human body actually contains a small amount of magnetic energy.
Electromagnetic therapy is based on the belief that an imbalance of the electromagnetic frequencies or fields of energy can cause illness. By applying electrical energy to the body, the imbalance can be corrected. Many electrical devices are available on the market to treat a variety of symptoms. However, most are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Electromagnetic therapy is also called bioelectricity, magnetobiology, magnetic field therapy, and magnetic healing.
Standard/conventional medicine makes some use of electromagnetic energy. Examples include:
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"jump starting" the heart after a heart attack
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using electrical currents to increase bone growth
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transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) - used to treat some types of pain.
Online Source:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/magnetq-and-a.htm
Online Medical Reviewer:
Foster, Sara RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jenkins, Lee
Date Last Reviewed:
7/27/2009
Date Last Modified:
12/3/2008