Alternative Therapy - Electromagnetic Therapy

Galvanic (electric current) machines are sometimes used to apply current to certain spots on the body. Supporters claim this can treat burns, stimulate muscles, or increase oxygen supply to the blood. They promise benefits in treating ulcers, nerve and spinal cord injuries, heart disease, and many other health problems.

Some supporters also believe that their electrical devices channel "information" to the body's cells. They say this happens through a bioelectric energy "memory" that promotes better health. This is like the idea of "trace memories" left behind by homeopathic remedies.

The concept of an unproven "life force" energy in all people is a central aspect of ancient Asian and Indian medical beliefs. Some people believe that electromagnetic energy may be this "life force."

WILL IT HELP?

The human body cannot exist without its own internal electrical energy system. But, there is no evidence that outside electrical sources from the so called "black boxes" can help sick or injured people.

Doctors of conventional medicine use electrical devices to "jump start" the heart after heart attacks, and apply electric current to promote bone growth. Studies show that electroacupuncture, or acupuncture combined with low-level electric current, works for some problems. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS units) are used in conventional medicine to treat some types of pain.

There is no relationship between these worthwhile uses of electrical energy and the "magic cure" devices. One such device, called the I-ON-A-CO, was invented in the 1920s by Gaylord Wilshire, for whom Hollywood's Wilshire Boulevard was named. It looked like an old fashioned horse collar worn around the neck and over the shoulders. It was promoted as a cure for many ills, but it had no effect except to make its inventor rich.

Other devices such as the Electron-O-Ray, Depoloray, and Auto Electronic Radioclast appeared and disappeared in tune with new discoveries in electronics. None of them worked.

Ads for magnets and special electric cures can sound very convincing, but they do not cure any illness.

Electromagnetic therapies should not be expected to cure cancer or to slow or reverse growth or spread of cancer.

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