Can PEMF Help With Anxiety?

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy is a type of alternative medicine that involves the use of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to treat various health conditions. There is some evidence to suggest that PEMF therapy may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of anxiety.

Research has shown that PEMF therapy can modulate the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which are responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress. By modulating these systems, PEMF therapy may help to reduce the physiological response to stress, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

In addition, PEMF therapy may also help to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

However, it’s important to note that while there is some evidence to support the use of PEMF therapy for anxiety, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential side effects. If you’re considering using PEMF therapy for anxiety, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional first.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and common human emotion that is often experienced in response to stress or a perceived threat. It’s a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe, and can be triggered by a variety of situations or events.

While anxiety is a normal response to stress, excessive or prolonged anxiety can become problematic and interfere with daily life. This is known as an anxiety disorder, which is a type of mental health condition that can cause intense and persistent feelings of anxiety and fear that are difficult to control.

Some common symptoms of anxiety can include:

  • Excessive worry or fear
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Muscle tension or aches
  • Fatigue or feeling tired
  • Rapid heartbeat or breathing
  • Sweating or shaking

Anxiety disorders can be treated with various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as medication and lifestyle changes. It’s important to seek help if anxiety is interfering with your daily life or causing significant distress.

How does PEMF work to treat Anxiety?

The exact mechanism by which PEMF therapy works to treat anxiety is not fully understood. However, there are several theories that suggest how PEMF therapy may help to reduce anxiety symptoms.

One theory is that PEMF therapy may modulate the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which are responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress. By modulating these systems, PEMF therapy may help to reduce the physiological response to stress, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety.

Another theory is that PEMF therapy may increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Endorphins can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

PEMF therapy may also help to regulate the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and behavior. By regulating neurotransmitter production, PEMF therapy may help to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

It’s important to note that while there is some evidence to support the use of PEMF therapy for anxiety, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential side effects. If you’re considering using PEMF therapy for anxiety, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional first.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34988140/
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of the Assisi Anti-anxiety Device (Calmer Canine) for the Treatment of Canine Separation Anxiety

Study authors: Chandra Kant Singh Tekam, Shreyasi Majumdar, Pooja Kumari, Santosh Kumar Prajapati, Ajay Kumar Sahi, Saksha Shinde, Richa Singh, Puneet Kumar Samaiya, Ranjana Patnaik, Sairam Krishnamurthy, Sanjeev Kumar Mahto

Conclusions: We aimed to investigate the impact of exposure to ELF-PEMF at 1-3 mT and 50 Hz, with a duration of 20 minutes twice, with a 4-hour interval, on the proliferation and morphology of C6 (Glial) cells in vitro, and on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity of Wistar rats in vivo. Our results demonstrated that ELF-PEMF exposure did not result in significant cellular fragmentation or changes in glial cell morphology. Furthermore, there were no noticeable effects on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity in the PEMF-exposed groups compared to the control group. The highest dose (B=3 mT) did not induce any undesirable side effects. Additionally, we performed histological analysis of the hippocampus and cortex following ELF-PEMF exposure, and no significant changes were observed in cortical cell counts, tissue structure, or morphology.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11121885/
Human subjects exposed to a specific pulsed (200 microT) magnetic field: effects on normal standing balance

Study authors: A W Thomas, D J Drost, F S Prato

Conclusions: Upon analysis of the data, it was observed that exposure to a specific pulsed 200 microT(pk) magnetic field (PEMF) resulted in a significant improvement of normal standing balance or center of pressure, with both eyes open and closed. In contrast, no significant effects were observed in the control condition, which involved sham-sham exposure of subjects or sham/PEMF exposure of a 60 kg saline phantom. Additionally, no significant differences were observed based on gender or age.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31231493/
Pulsed electromagnetic field attenuated PTSD-induced failure of conditioned fear extinction

Study authors: Mohammad Ali Mohammad Alizadeh, Kataneh Abrari, Taghi Lashkar Blouki, Mohammad Taghi Ghorbanian, Majid Jadidi

Conclusions: The utilization of a 14-day PEM has been shown to diminish the failure of conditioned fear extinction and exaggerated sensitized fear induced by PTSD. These effects may be associated with the neuroprotective properties of magnetic fields on the hippocampus.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31385489/
Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic fields on pain, disability, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with cervical disc herniation: a randomized controlled study

Study authors: Erkam Hattapoğlu, İbrahim Batmaz, Banu Dilek, Mehmet Karakoç, Serda Em, Remzi Çevik

Conclusions: Incorporating PEMF therapy into conventional physical therapy modalities can be a safe and viable option for routine treatment of cervical disc herniation.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36572170/
Effects of ELF-PEMF exposure on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor co-ordination and locomotor activity of adult wistar rats and viability of C6 (Glial) cells in culture

Study authors: Chandra Kant Singh Tekam, Shreyasi Majumdar, Pooja Kumar, Santosh Kumar Prajapati, Ajay Kumar Sahi, Saksha Shinde 4, Richa Singh 1, Puneet Kumar Samaiya, Ranjana Patnaik, Sairam Krishnamurthy, Sanjeev Kumar Mahto

Conclusions: The study found that exposure to ELF-PEMF did not result in significant cellular fragmentation or changes in the morphology of glial cells. Additionally, no noticeable effects on spontaneous alternation, anxiety, motor coordination, or locomotor activity were observed in the PEMF-exposed groups compared to the control group. The highest dose tested (B=3 mT) did not produce any undesirable side effects. Histological analysis of selected brain sections, including the hippocampus and cortex, revealed no significant changes in cortical cell counts, tissue structure, or morphology following ELF-PEMF exposure.





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