A Brief History of the Use of Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields for Health and Wellness
Beginning immediately after World War II, Japan began generating various electromagnetic wave shapes by changing electrical currents. This modality quickly moved to Europe, first in Romania and the former Soviet Union. From 1960 to 1985, nearly every European country designed and manufactured its own magnetic therapy systems. Todorov published the first book on modern electromagnetic field therapy in 1982 in Bulgaria. This work summarized clinical observations using magnetic fields to treat 2700 patients with 33 different pathologies.
The modern clinical application of electro-biology in North America began in 1971 when Friedenberg described their success in the healing of a nonunion fracture treated with 10 microamps of direct current delivered with stainless steel electrodes. Avoiding the invasive nature of Friedenberg’s direct currents, Dr. Andrew Bassett at Columbia University Medical Center introduced a new approach for the treatment of non-healing bone fractures and pseudarthroses that employed very specific, biphasic low frequency electromagnetic signals.Public awareness also increased in the mid-1970s amidst reports of successful enhancement of the speed and endurance of racehorses treated with electromagnetic fields. Based on the published work of Dr. Bassett, in 1979 the FDA allowed electromagnetic fields to be used in the USA for non-union and delayed union fractures. A decade later the FDA allowed the use of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for the treatment of pain and edema in superficial soft tissues. It is now commonly accepted that weak electromagnetic fields are capable of initiating various beneficial biological processes including healing for delayed fractures, pain relief, and modulation of muscle tone and spasm.
In describing the use of electromagnetic waves for health and wellness it is important to discuss the nature of the signal being applied. Human tissues have shown dose-dependent responses to magnetic fields depending on the nature of the signal. One can induce meaningful electrical and magnetic current densities within biological tissue. Any substance that conducts electricity (including living tissue) possesses an induced electrical current (Faraday’s law of induction). Magnetic and electromagnetic fields create electrical potentials within tissues with a unique advantage over electrical current: no surface or needle electrodes are required. Magnetic fields are therefore non-invasive in the purest sense, and far easier and more efficient to apply. Since electromagnetic waves pass through matter, one does not even need to disrobe to provide a therapeutic application of electromagnetic signal.
The goal of the next sections is to provide a basic review of these electromagnetic signals such that the visitor to ienergymedicine.com will realize that different signals have different biological effects. You will learn the electromagnetic characteristics of signals used by the iMRS.
The modern clinical application of electro-biology in North America began in 1971 when Friedenberg described their success in the healing of a nonunion fracture treated with 10 microamps of direct current delivered with stainless steel electrodes. Avoiding the invasive nature of Friedenberg’s direct currents, Dr. Andrew Bassett at Columbia University Medical Center introduced a new approach for the treatment of non-healing bone fractures and pseudarthroses that employed very specific, biphasic low frequency electromagnetic signals.Public awareness also increased in the mid-1970s amidst reports of successful enhancement of the speed and endurance of racehorses treated with electromagnetic fields. Based on the published work of Dr. Bassett, in 1979 the FDA allowed electromagnetic fields to be used in the USA for non-union and delayed union fractures. A decade later the FDA allowed the use of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for the treatment of pain and edema in superficial soft tissues. It is now commonly accepted that weak electromagnetic fields are capable of initiating various beneficial biological processes including healing for delayed fractures, pain relief, and modulation of muscle tone and spasm.
In describing the use of electromagnetic waves for health and wellness it is important to discuss the nature of the signal being applied. Human tissues have shown dose-dependent responses to magnetic fields depending on the nature of the signal. One can induce meaningful electrical and magnetic current densities within biological tissue. Any substance that conducts electricity (including living tissue) possesses an induced electrical current (Faraday’s law of induction). Magnetic and electromagnetic fields create electrical potentials within tissues with a unique advantage over electrical current: no surface or needle electrodes are required. Magnetic fields are therefore non-invasive in the purest sense, and far easier and more efficient to apply. Since electromagnetic waves pass through matter, one does not even need to disrobe to provide a therapeutic application of electromagnetic signal.
The goal of the next sections is to provide a basic review of these electromagnetic signals such that the visitor to ienergymedicine.com will realize that different signals have different biological effects. You will learn the electromagnetic characteristics of signals used by the iMRS.
The Four Parameters of Electromagnetic Signals
The four parameters used to define signals are waveform (or signal shape), field strength, frequency, and resonance.
In theory these 4 components must be balanced and must be introduced into the body within an appropriate energy spectrum – a “biological window” as it were – in order to produce the optimum health-promoting effect, and to avoid negative effects. It is the difference in these signal parameters that differentiates whether an electromagnetic signal is harmful (e.g., from cell phones, microwave ovens, dishwashers, alarm clocks, or power lines) or health-promoting (e.g., pulsed magnetic fields utilized in health care and for wellness.)
In theory these 4 components must be balanced and must be introduced into the body within an appropriate energy spectrum – a “biological window” as it were – in order to produce the optimum health-promoting effect, and to avoid negative effects. It is the difference in these signal parameters that differentiates whether an electromagnetic signal is harmful (e.g., from cell phones, microwave ovens, dishwashers, alarm clocks, or power lines) or health-promoting (e.g., pulsed magnetic fields utilized in health care and for wellness.)
Introduction to Waveform
A wave is a disturbance traveling through space, transferring energy from one point to the next. Those of us who studied physics or algebra are familiar with the graphic depiction of sine waves. Mathematically, sine waves can be drawn on a coordinate system consisting of “x” and “y” axis. The y-axis contains both positive and negative values. A sine wave varies cyclically both above and below the y-axis, and is symmetrical about the zero-axis (or x-axis).
The most positive value is at the “peak” of the sine wave. This is called the “peak amplitude.” This is the point of maximum displacement of the magnetic signal from zero. In bioelectromagnetic medicine, peak amplitude, or wave intensity, is usually measured in milliGausss, milliTesla or microTesla.
A magnetic wave that has alternating polarities (e.g., both positive and negative peaks (or cycles)) it is called a bipolar wave. Magnetic signal shapes and behaviors can be manipulated by altering the electrical currents that generate them. This is usually done by computerized controls. By combining cycles of electrically generated magnetic pulsations, “pulse trains” can be created which enhance biological effects of the magnetic stimulus.
The most critical component of the waveform is its rise time and fall time. According to Liboff the therapeutic value of a given pulsed signal is highly dependent on how rapidly the rise time and fall time happen. This signal characteristic cannot be underemphasized, and is perhaps the most important thing to note in our discussion about the 4 key parameters of an electromagnetic signal. The abrupt fall time represents a high peak voltage value that is responsible for ion displacement in the body. Greater ion displacement exerts a stronger biological effect. More effective than a simple sine wave, and more effective than a static magnetic, the iMRS produces powerful electromotive forces in the cell membrane, inside the cells, and in the tissues of the body.
To summarize so far, the waveform, or shape of the electromagnetic signal, is something to which very close attention needs to be paid. One of the most useful waveforms created is the “sawtooth” wave.
Both the sawtooth signal shape and the square waveform have rise and fall times that are far more abrupt than a simple sine waveform. Again, the more abrupt the rise and fall time, the greater the biological effect. Clinicians and health technicians using this form of energy medicine have a full appreciation of the relationship between signal shape and bioelectromagnetic interaction with the body.
The sawtooth waveform
The most well-known signal shape is the sawtooth waveform introduced by Bassett in 1974.Dr. Bassett observed that changes in the electromagnetic signal induce an electrical current within the treated tissue, with maximum current being induced when the signal changes most abruptly, namely when it falls from its peak value to its lowest value (fall time). The piezoelectric current induced within bone accelerated the bone healing. As a result of Bassett’s work, this waveform has been FDA approved in the United States since 1979 for the treatment of non-union fractures and to aid in spinal fusion operations.
All iMRS devices come with a whole body mat applicator. The signal shape delivered by the mat is a sawtooth waveform.
This waveform is a composite of a large number of harmonic sine waves in the low-frequency range. The sawtooth pulse of the iMRS whole body mat applicator supplies a carrier frequency range between 0.5 and 15 HZ, which is 100% within the so called biological window. Unlike simple sine waves or static, externally worn magnets, the sawtooth electromagnetic signal changes continuously, producing constant induction of electromagnetism into the body's tissues, maximizing ion displacement and preventing cellular membrane fatigue. This means that the cell membrane remains responsive to the signals, maximizing the beneficial effects of electromagnetic stimulation.
Research has shown that the sawtooth carrier waveform provides the best magnetic resonance stimulation of all the waveforms. The sharp rise time and fall time produce the maximum impulse or stimulation to the cells, recharging them in the most powerful way. Within the low-to-mid frequency ranges of wellness application used by the iMRS, the waveform (or signal shape) may be as important, if not more important, than the intensity or field strength of the electromagnetic pulse being used.
The most positive value is at the “peak” of the sine wave. This is called the “peak amplitude.” This is the point of maximum displacement of the magnetic signal from zero. In bioelectromagnetic medicine, peak amplitude, or wave intensity, is usually measured in milliGausss, milliTesla or microTesla.
A magnetic wave that has alternating polarities (e.g., both positive and negative peaks (or cycles)) it is called a bipolar wave. Magnetic signal shapes and behaviors can be manipulated by altering the electrical currents that generate them. This is usually done by computerized controls. By combining cycles of electrically generated magnetic pulsations, “pulse trains” can be created which enhance biological effects of the magnetic stimulus.
The most critical component of the waveform is its rise time and fall time. According to Liboff the therapeutic value of a given pulsed signal is highly dependent on how rapidly the rise time and fall time happen. This signal characteristic cannot be underemphasized, and is perhaps the most important thing to note in our discussion about the 4 key parameters of an electromagnetic signal. The abrupt fall time represents a high peak voltage value that is responsible for ion displacement in the body. Greater ion displacement exerts a stronger biological effect. More effective than a simple sine wave, and more effective than a static magnetic, the iMRS produces powerful electromotive forces in the cell membrane, inside the cells, and in the tissues of the body.
To summarize so far, the waveform, or shape of the electromagnetic signal, is something to which very close attention needs to be paid. One of the most useful waveforms created is the “sawtooth” wave.
Both the sawtooth signal shape and the square waveform have rise and fall times that are far more abrupt than a simple sine waveform. Again, the more abrupt the rise and fall time, the greater the biological effect. Clinicians and health technicians using this form of energy medicine have a full appreciation of the relationship between signal shape and bioelectromagnetic interaction with the body.
The sawtooth waveform
The most well-known signal shape is the sawtooth waveform introduced by Bassett in 1974.Dr. Bassett observed that changes in the electromagnetic signal induce an electrical current within the treated tissue, with maximum current being induced when the signal changes most abruptly, namely when it falls from its peak value to its lowest value (fall time). The piezoelectric current induced within bone accelerated the bone healing. As a result of Bassett’s work, this waveform has been FDA approved in the United States since 1979 for the treatment of non-union fractures and to aid in spinal fusion operations.
All iMRS devices come with a whole body mat applicator. The signal shape delivered by the mat is a sawtooth waveform.
This waveform is a composite of a large number of harmonic sine waves in the low-frequency range. The sawtooth pulse of the iMRS whole body mat applicator supplies a carrier frequency range between 0.5 and 15 HZ, which is 100% within the so called biological window. Unlike simple sine waves or static, externally worn magnets, the sawtooth electromagnetic signal changes continuously, producing constant induction of electromagnetism into the body's tissues, maximizing ion displacement and preventing cellular membrane fatigue. This means that the cell membrane remains responsive to the signals, maximizing the beneficial effects of electromagnetic stimulation.
Research has shown that the sawtooth carrier waveform provides the best magnetic resonance stimulation of all the waveforms. The sharp rise time and fall time produce the maximum impulse or stimulation to the cells, recharging them in the most powerful way. Within the low-to-mid frequency ranges of wellness application used by the iMRS, the waveform (or signal shape) may be as important, if not more important, than the intensity or field strength of the electromagnetic pulse being used.
Introduction to Electromagnetic Field Intensity
Field Intensity (also known as amplitude or flux density) is a quantitative description of an electromagnetic field that depends on current flow and direction. Electromagnetic intensity is described as flux (or flow) density and has been given the unit Tesla (T), after Nikola Tesla, a Serbian born American scientist who is best known for many revolutionary contributions in the field of electricity and magnetism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The determinants of field intensity (amplitude) are the magnetic coil length (meters), the number of turns (or "windings") of the coil, and the strength of the electrical current (Ampères) applied to the coil. Together with the induction constant and the specific resistance of the material, the field intensity (or flux density) of a magnetic field can be calculated.
Diagnostic systems such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use field strengths in the Tesla range (1.5 – 3 T). The range of units has been shown below:
1 T = 1 000 mT (milli-Tesla)
1 mT = 1 000 microT (micro-Tesla)
1 microT = 1 000 nT (nano-Tesla)
1 nT = 1 000 pT (pico-Tesla)
“Gauss” is a unit of flux density still used in some parts of the world. 1 Gauss = 100 mT.
The electromagnetic applications used by the iMRS are at field strengths 10,000 to 1,000,000 times weaker than fields applied in FDA-approved transcranial magnetic stimulation systems and diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.
The iMRS uses extremely low field strengths. Since the target of signaling is the cell membrane, extremely low field strengths are quite adequate in producing a beneficial biological response. This is the principle of the “biological windows," a concept developed by Dr. Ross Adey. Dr. Adey discovered that there are a range of electromagnetic frequencies to which the body responds more readily. This principle can likewise be applied to field intensity -- there is a "biological window" of electromagnetic intensities to which the human body responds best for wellness, stress reduction, enhanced oxygen delivery and overall health. The research of Goodman and Blank proved the principle of the biological window in relation to electromagnetic field intensity. They found that human cells most readily express a cell-preserving gene, heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), at 7-8 microTesla rather than a stronger field intensity above 70 microTesla.
The native language of the human cell, from an electromagnetic perspective, is a subtle whisper. All iMRS systems are designed with this native language in mind, and use extremely low field intensities that communicate most effectively with the cell membrane. The result is the best possible wellness effect for all 75 trillion cells of the body.
The determinants of field intensity (amplitude) are the magnetic coil length (meters), the number of turns (or "windings") of the coil, and the strength of the electrical current (Ampères) applied to the coil. Together with the induction constant and the specific resistance of the material, the field intensity (or flux density) of a magnetic field can be calculated.
Diagnostic systems such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use field strengths in the Tesla range (1.5 – 3 T). The range of units has been shown below:
1 T = 1 000 mT (milli-Tesla)
1 mT = 1 000 microT (micro-Tesla)
1 microT = 1 000 nT (nano-Tesla)
1 nT = 1 000 pT (pico-Tesla)
“Gauss” is a unit of flux density still used in some parts of the world. 1 Gauss = 100 mT.
The electromagnetic applications used by the iMRS are at field strengths 10,000 to 1,000,000 times weaker than fields applied in FDA-approved transcranial magnetic stimulation systems and diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.
The iMRS uses extremely low field strengths. Since the target of signaling is the cell membrane, extremely low field strengths are quite adequate in producing a beneficial biological response. This is the principle of the “biological windows," a concept developed by Dr. Ross Adey. Dr. Adey discovered that there are a range of electromagnetic frequencies to which the body responds more readily. This principle can likewise be applied to field intensity -- there is a "biological window" of electromagnetic intensities to which the human body responds best for wellness, stress reduction, enhanced oxygen delivery and overall health. The research of Goodman and Blank proved the principle of the biological window in relation to electromagnetic field intensity. They found that human cells most readily express a cell-preserving gene, heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), at 7-8 microTesla rather than a stronger field intensity above 70 microTesla.
The native language of the human cell, from an electromagnetic perspective, is a subtle whisper. All iMRS systems are designed with this native language in mind, and use extremely low field intensities that communicate most effectively with the cell membrane. The result is the best possible wellness effect for all 75 trillion cells of the body.
