I recently learned about a new, at-home tool to help you naturally “recharge” your cellar batteries to help your body function optimally. It’s a low-risk and convenient therapy called Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy and it has been gaining traction lately in the wellness field.
I’ve been using it for a few months now and have seen a measurable impact on my sleep quality, so I wanted to share more about what it is, the health benefits it can provide, and the brand I personally use and trust.
Mitochondria: Your Body’s Rechargeable Batteries
You’ve probably heard of the term mitochondria and may even remember the phrase “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” from your high school science days. These little battery packs are found in every cell in your body and create ATP to fuel your cells.
As we age, become stressed, and are exposed to toxins in our daily environment, our mitochondria decline and our cells have to work harder and harder to keep our bodies operating at full capacity.
I’ve written previously about strategies to support your mitochondria, and PEMF therapy is another (and perhaps the most effective) tool to add to your toolbox.
How PEMF Therapy Recharges your Cellular Batteries
PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. Electromagnetic fields are created by the motion and flow of an electrical current and occur abundantly in nature. In fact, they are produced by the earth, the sun, and even your own body.
Note that many man-made EMFs, including the kind produced by cell phones and wifi routers, are at a much higher frequency than those found in nature, and have been linked to health concerns.
PEMF therapy uses the controlled creation of low-frequency electromagnetic fields in a pulsating pattern and directs them into your body. This promotes the expansion and contraction of cells, helping to restore their natural negative and positive charges.
PEMF therapy provides your mitochondria with a “boost” of low-frequency electromagnetic fields to support cellular repair and healing. It’s a similar concept as grounding, where you walk barefoot outside or lay in the grass, but is much more concentrated.
What are the Health Benefits of PEMF Therapy?
Since PEMF therapy enhances function in every cell of your body, it has a wide array of benefits.
It has been shown to:
- Reduce inflammation and pain
- Accelerate healing
- Support recovery from chronic infections and mold toxicity
- Improve circulation and blood oxygenation
- Promote relaxation and improve sleep quality
- Decrease stress and muscle tension
- Improve energy and athletic performance
I personally use PEMF therapy to support sleep and relaxation. Since starting a regular PEMF practice (which I describe below) I have seen my average nightly deep sleep go up by an hour or more, according to my sleep tracker.
My Favorite PEMF Mat
A few months ago I learned about a company called HigherDOSE that offers mats combining PEMF therapy with infrared light therapy. As you know, I’m a big believer in infrared therapy to promote detoxification and reduce inflammation and we have an infrared sauna in our wellness center. I was intrigued by this combination and decided to try it out for myself. Here’s what I discovered.
The top layer of HigherDOSE mat delivers PEMF waves in small bursts at a low-frequency, mimicking the same kind of electromagnetic waves you’d find in nature. Below that is an infrared layer that emits far infrared heat to penetrate deep into tissue and promote detoxification at the cellular level.
You can either lay down on the mat or place it on a chair, choose your settings, and relax. I’ve been using mine before bed for a few months now and my average nightly deep sleep goes up by an hour or more on nights that I use it.
For comparison, here’s a snapshot of my average nightly sleep without the mat versus when I use my PEMF mat:
Without PEMF Mat
With PEMF Mat
I love how convenient it is and that it’s far less expensive than purchasing an in-home infrared sauna and a separate PEMF device. I use the original HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat, which is the size of a yoga mat, and they also offer a smaller, travel-friendly version that can fit on your desk chair called the Infrared PEMF Go Mat.
I’ve honestly been amazed by my experience with HigherDOSE and recommend it for those looking for another tool to support recovery, healing, and relaxation. Of course, as with all tools, it works best in conjunction with a whole-body approach that addresses nutrition, movement, detoxification, and mindset, like we use in our Adaptation Programs.
About the Author: Dr. Seth Osgood is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioner. Dr. Osgood received his post-graduate training in Functional Medicine through the IFM and from working with Dr. Amy Myers. He has helped people from around the world improve their health utilizing a Functional Medicine approach.
