Advantages of Electromagnetic Therapy in Egypt - Essay Example

Electromagnetic Therapy in Egypt Introduction For so many years, the benchmark of a good therapy is to be able to cure various diseases and as such,its efficiency must be able to reach a higher level of acceptance from scientific community and the public. In addition, a treatment under certain therapy must be able to provide painless or at least less pain in ensuring more comfort and public acceptance. There have been so many health therapies promoted over the span of decade and the number continuous to go in an upward spiral. One of these health therapies is known as magnetic or electromagnetic. Various issues and related concerns were focused to this therapy and now studies regarding it continue to increase in number. In fact, the said therapy has been so promising based on results of various related studies conducted. Thus, considering the wide range of diseases that electromagnetic therapy can treat, with much lesser pain than other treatments, this type of therapy should be used in Egypt. This paper tries to define electromagnetic therapy and understands it further by its level of efficiency compared to other existing therapies. Furthermore, its level of acceptance in Egypt is discussed. With all of these arguments, the proponent got a stand regarding electromagnetic therapy as far as its introduction in Egypt is concerned. Definition Magnetic field therapy is another name given to electromagnetic therapy which simply uses magnets or electromagnetic devices to combat pain, heal infections and fractured bones, relieve stress, stimulate metabolism and increase oxygen level in the cells (Gordon, Nienstedt and Gesler, 257). Electromagnetic therapy belongs to the category of energy therapies which in theory according to Timby and Smith (217): affects cell membrane through changing the ion exchange of electrolytes. stimulates the release of endorphin, naturally produced morphine-like chemicals or other neurotransmitters. rebalances the electromagnetic field in the body. However, Brewer (64) pointed out that electromagnetic therapy has limitations too. It should not be used when there is an infection. Not applicable to someone who has just got a chicken pox. Not applicable on open wounds. Not applicable on someone who has just undergone surgery. Not applicable on someone with hemophilia. Not applicable on people with a heart pace-maker. Not applicable on people under dialysis. Not applicable on people currently using insulin pump or drug patch. Not applicable on people with metal screws from surgery. Not applicable on pregnancy. Not applicable on babies if there is irritation. Is Electromagnetic Therapy better than other therapies? Each cell has electromagnetic frequency that changes when disease occurs. This disease changes that electromagnetic frequency of the cells. It is believed that the electromagnetic therapy can restore the natural electromagnetic frequency of the cells, improve blood flow, boost immunity, regulate enzyme reactions, regulate the flow of calcium ions, boost healing, produce analgesia and stimulate production of melatonin. Brewer (62-64). A number of studies about electromagnetic fields are growing due to the fact that various literatures continue to grow in number about the subject matter. Some of these studies suggest the usefulness of electromagnetic therapies in the treatment of chronic illnesses such as symptoms of multiple sclerosis (Lappin et al., 34-48). According to Brewer (63), accepted as standard medical procedure in Asia, Europe, United States and UK, electromagnetic therapy from research findings revealed to have significant therapeutic result to musculoskeletal pain, depression, diabetic foot pan, menstrual pain, post-polio pain and chemically induced pain. Brain responds to electrical and chemical stimulation, the reason why depression is treated as mere function of the human brain. This was highlighted after finding out that electromagnetic fields during MRI scans have positive significant effect to manic depressions. (Ahuja, par. 10). However, it is not yet clear how persistent the benefits are and there are other probable reasons to have significant impact of results (par. 11). HIV/AIDS is so far an illness that continuous looking forward to have an effective treatment. Electromagnetic therapies on the other hand are currently being worked out for the treatment of HIV/AIDS (Standish, 205-206). Frank (par. 1-14) finally gave a try to laser acupuncture which uses electronic device that is said to transmit electromagnetic impulses from the skin to the brain. The result presented a significant reduction of his struggling pain on knee. The news that it can be a better treatment for pain management control was a sudden reality for him. The cost was £350 for the first appointment and £150 for subsequent ones. Definitely more savings than cartilage implant (Franks, par. 1-14). Electromagnetic technology to monitor tumor improves efficiency of the therapy (Quigley, Mate and Sylvester, 475). The cost is $50,000 per QALY which falls under the customer’s customary willingness to pay (WTP) threshold (Quigley, Mate and Sylvester, 473-482). The Atlanta Institute of Electro-Magnetic Therapy offered $55 per session for electromagnetic therapy (The Atlanta Institute of Electromagnetic Therapy, par. 13). Stein (par. 6) reported that the cost for electromagnetic therapy can reach up to $10,000 and cannot be covered by insurance because it is new and limited in its availability. However, the report shows that patients who are not positively responding to usual medicine go for electromagnetic therapy and positive results were remarkable though. However, it is not yet certain when the effect would last (Stein, par. 1-28). Researches from Henry Ford Health System found that electromagnetic therapy relieved pain from osteoarthritis of the knee by around 40% in just one treatment (Blanchard, par. 1). Blanchard finds no side effects and there is a relatively low cost in the long run for electromagnetic therapy (par. 4). It is clear that there is a theory emphasizing electromagnetic frequency of the cells that eventually has the ability to affect blood circulation, metabolism and body functioning. It is therefore clear from the theory that disturbances in blood circulation and in metabolism play a key role in the development of diseases. The growing number of studies regarding this technology is a clear indication that it has potential benefits and to become a cut above the other modern therapies. However, more researches are needed to find for more beneficial results of electromagnetic therapy (Timby and Smith, 217). The good thing about this technology is that it is noninvasive, drug free form of treatment and cost depends on what electrical device is used and it is done at home or in a practitioner’s office. The Status of Electromagnetic Therapy in Egypt There are many reasons why as of the moment electromagnetic therapy in Egypt is not yet introduced. Studying its environmental analysis, much information can be obtained from political, economical, social, technological, legal and even environmental aspects. For the purpose of gaining concise description of the said issue, this section tries to discuss information about scientific rejection, ignorance about the treatment and information on how electromagnetic therapy can be used in Egypt. Even if it gained recognition to have potential medical benefits, electromagnetic therapy is still on the level that more studies are needed to be conducted so as to be exact with its potential benefits and other detailed information. This is justified by the fact that in the US, UK and other places, electromagnetic therapy is currently recognized as an alternative medicine and at some point; many are still hesitant to believe in the potential benefits it might contribute. The answer is proper education about this technology. Understanding the action of electromagnetic therapy increases its development and therapeutic use. Studies showing the potential value of this technology will definitely influence the rate of dissemination of its therapeutic potential. Once there is incorporation of electromagnetic therapy in school textbooks, prescription will change for many will be educated about it (O’Connor, Bentall and Monahon, par. 10). Some Egyptians rely on their physicians since modern Egypt relies on biomedicine replacing the dominant medical traditional practice (Londen and Trifiolis, par. 8). This means that these physicians are potential people to specify the use of electromagnetic therapy. However, in Egypt, the treatment used either medical or non-medical is influenced by the level of education received by the family, in particular the wife and cost of treatment which is influenced by the government policy and family income (Carney, 131). More so, many people still believe on the potential of traditional therapies or medicines. All of these are factors closing their mind on the wonderful possibilities of other alternative medicines such as electromagnetic therapy. The answer to this problem is to tap the government and encourage to include in its policy the acceptance of electromagnetic therapy. In this way, more studies will be created regarding the said technology most especially on how to improve it further for the benefit of everyone. Conclusion Knowing the potential benefits of electromagnetic therapy is a good start to understanding this technology. In particular, there are many reports and studies declaring wide range of diseases that it can treat, with much lesser pain than other treatments. This can stand as significant information that electromagnetic therapy is worth of a try in Egypt too. The other step needed then is to understand it even more by proper dissemination of information to all concerned. The key is proper education. Works Cited Ahuja, Anjana. “The happy face.” Times Online 18 March 2004. 22 May 2010 . Brewer, Sarah. Healing with Magnetic Therapy. Burmingham: D Jay Ltd., 2002. Blanchard, Kathleen. “Electromagnetic therapy relieves osteoarthritis pain.” Emax Health 6 March 2010. 22 May 2010 . Carney, Kim. “Health in Egypt.” Journal of Public Health Policy 5 (1984): 131-142. Franks, Alan. “The alternative therapy that saved my knee.” Times Online 10 May 2008. 22 May 2010 . Gordon, Rena J., Barbara Cable Nienstedt, and Wilbert M. Gesler. Alternative Therapies: Expanding Options in Health Care. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 1998. Lappin, M. S., F. W. Lawrie, T. L. Richards, and E. D. Kramer. “Effects of a pulsed electromagnetic therapy on multiple sclerosis, fatigue and quality of life: a double-blind, placebo controlled trial.” Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 9 (2003): 34-48. Londen, Liz, and Danielle Trifiolis. “Health Care System of Egypt.” 7 May 2007. 22 May 2010 . O’Connor, M. E., R. H. C. Bentall, and J. C. Monahon, eds. Emerging Electromagnetic Medicine. New York: Springer-Verlay, 1990. Quigley, Martin M., Timothy P. Mate, and John E. Sylvester. “Prostate tumor alignment and continous, real-time adaptive radiation therapy using electromagnetic fiducials: Clinical and cost-utility analyses.” Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations 27 (2009): 473-482. Standish, Leanna J. “Introduction to Electromagnetic Therapies in HIV/AIDS.” AIDS and Complementary & Alternative Medicine (2002): 205-206. Stein, Letitia. “Electromagnetic therapy offers new option for treating depression.” St. Petersburg Times 2 March 2010. 22 May 2010 . The Atlanta Institute of Electromagnetic Therapy. “Frequently Asked Questions.” 2009. 22 May 2010 . Timby, Barbara K., and Nancy E. Smith. Essentials of Nursing: Care of Adults and Children. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. Read More