BEMER therapy and its effects
BEMER and magnetic field therapy (PEMF) are related but different. When the BEMER device is mentioned, you often hear that it uses "pulsed magnetic field therapy" – and that is essentially true. Still, anyone who digs a little deeper will quickly realise: BEMER is a specialized variant of the widely used pulsed magnetic field technology. Let’s see how they are similar and what makes BEMER different.
The common basis: pulsed electromagnetic field
Both conventional PEMF devices and BEMER use a pulsed electromagnetic field to stimulate the body.
The basic principle is the same: electromagnetic pulses pass through tissues, can influence cellular function, and support natural regeneration processes. Both technologies are non-invasive, painless, and available in versions suitable for home use.
The difference: the signal shape and the target
Most PEMF devices use sinusoidal or square pulses and primarily focus on stimulating bones, muscles and joints. For that reason they are used for relieving musculoskeletal pain, supporting bone fracture healing, treating joint inflammations, and supporting implant integration.
BEMER, by contrast, has developed a patented, complex signal shape that was specifically optimized to influence microcirculation – that is, the blood flow in the smallest vessels.
This special signal can act selectively on arterioles and venules, favourably affecting capillary blood flow. BEMER is therefore not a general PEMF, but a specialist for a narrower, more deeply researched application area.
Intensity and frequency
Conventional PEMF devices operate across a wide range of intensities and frequencies – some generate very strong fields. BEMER deliberately works at low intensity, because research indicates that influencing microcirculation is a matter of the correct signal shape rather than raw strength.
Which should you choose?
If your goal is specifically to support microcirculation, improve general vitality, or optimise cellular oxygen supply, BEMER is designed for exactly that purpose.
If you are looking mainly for local pain relief or treatment of bone, joint or muscle problems – for example osteoporosis or knee pain – conventional PEMF devices can be an excellent choice.
What do studies show?
The effect of PEMF therapy on microcirculation has been investigated in several scientific studies:
A 2014 study showed that PEMF treatment significantly dilated cerebral arterioles and increased microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation in rats. The effect was mediated by nitric oxide (NO).1
A 2003 study found that PEMF stimulation caused significant arteriolar vasodilation (a 9% diameter increase after 2 minutes of treatment), which may support healing processes.2
A 2012 study in diabetic rats showed that PEMF therapy improved limb perfusion and angiogenesis in ischaemic conditions.3
A 2020 human study reported improvements in blood pressure and vascular function in hypertensive individuals after 12 weeks of PEMF therapy.4
The role of microcirculation
The task of the circulation is to "turn over" and circulate blood throughout the body. Blood delivers vital oxygen, energy sources, minerals and nutrients to every corner of the body. Near the heart the vessels are still relatively large, but as you move away from the heart the vessels get progressively smaller until they reach microscopic size to reach the cells.
Where microcirculation does not function properly, cellular metabolism can be impaired. Essential substances do not reach the cell. Imagine your car: if petrol can’t reach the engine, it will stop working and won’t move.
If the cell does not receive "fuel"—oxygen—mitochondrial function can decrease. These organelles are responsible for tasks such as energy production, replacing dead cells, repairing damaged cells, and tissue renewal.
The worse the microcirculation, the slower regeneration may be, and the body’s self-healing capacity can decline.
What is BEMER recommended for?
Through supporting microcirculation, BEMER therapy may provide complementary help in the following areas:
| Area | Possible benefits |
|---|---|
| Energy and vitality | Better cellular supply may contribute to improved overall physical and mental performance |
| Regeneration | Proper microcirculation can support regenerative and healing processes |
| Wound healing | Complementary support in chronic wound healing disorders |
| Pain | Can be used as an adjunctive therapy for acute and chronic pain |
| Sports performance | Supports post-workout regeneration in athletes |
Important: The effects of BEMER treatment are most noticeable in those who already have limited circulation. If you are healthy and have no circulatory problems, BEMER will not make good circulation even better. It won’t turn you into Superman! However, it can help with other goals, such as supporting sports performance, improving physical and mental performance, and disease prevention.
About the treatment
The BEMER pulse itself does not cure! It can only trigger processes in the body that may become beneficial over time as they strengthen day by day.
Therefore, you should not expect miracles from a single treatment. Use BEMER persistently and in a course-based manner. Effects are worth evaluating only after at least 30–60 days of daily treatment.
Treatment recommendations:
- A BEMER treatment typically lasts 8, up to a maximum of 20 minutes
- Treatment longer than 20 minutes does not necessarily yield better results
- Its effect can last for 8–10 hours
- Ideally, 2–3 treatments per day are recommended
Gradual increase is important! The worse the general condition, the more careful you must be with treatment intensity. Start at the lowest intensity and increase it every few days. Healthy people and athletes have a different baseline and treatment goal, so higher intensity can be used from the first sessions.
A common mistake when using BEMER is significantly exceeding the recommended treatment time and immediately setting the intensity to maximum.
Before you start treatment
For safe use it is important to know the contraindications. If any of the conditions below apply to you, consult your treating physician!
Absolute contraindications (DO NOT use!)
- Active medical implants intended for drug delivery (e.g. implanted drug or insulin pumps) – BEMER MUST NOT be used with these
- Immunosuppressive therapy – for example after organ transplantation, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation
Relative contraindications (medical consultation required)
- Pacemaker, defibrillator
- Brain stimulators, muscle stimulators
- For these, the mattress is not recommended, but local applicators that provide targeted treatment (at a distance of 20–30 cm from the implant) may be usable with medical approval
Metal implants
BEMER therapy generally does not pose a problem with modern metal implants. Modern metal implants are usually made from alloys that are non- or only minimally magnetisable. However, with very old (over 10 years) ferromagnetic metal prostheses, it is worth consulting your doctor.
Possible side effects
BEMER therapy is generally well tolerated. Rarely the following may occur:
- Discomfort (especially with too high intensity)
- Headache
- Tremor
These symptoms are usually the result of too rapid intensity increases or overly long treatment times. If you experience such symptoms, reduce the intensity and the treatment time!
Home use
BEMER is one of today’s recognised complementary therapeutic methods. An increasing number of hospitals and clinics also have the device. Because of the long total treatment time, BEMER is primarily suitable for home use. It is unrealistic to travel to a distant clinic or hospital every day for several months for a few minutes of treatment. The best place for that is the comfort of your home.
If you are interested in PEMF therapy but are looking for solutions specifically for musculoskeletal complaints, check out the Magnum PEMF device family.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A comparative guide to BEMER therapy and conventional PEMF magnetic field therapy.
Who is it for? Anyone interested in pulsed magnetic field therapy and who wants to understand the differences between various PEMF technologies.
Main message: BEMER is a specialised PEMF technology that primarily focuses on supporting microcirculation. Conventional PEMF devices are more optimised for musculoskeletal complaints.
Main differences:
| Characteristic | BEMER | Conventional PEMF |
|---|---|---|
| Main target area | Microcirculation | Bones, muscles, joints |
| Intensity | Low | Variable (low–high) |
| Signal shape | Special, patented | Sinusoidal/square |
| Recommended use | General vitality, regeneration | Pain relief, fracture healing |
Frequently asked questions:
Does BEMER replace medical treatment?
No. BEMER therapy is a complementary method and does not replace specialist medical care.
How long until effects are expected?
For lasting effects at least 30–60 days of regular treatment are required.
Can I use it with a pacemaker?
The mattress is not recommended, but local applicators (at a distance of 20–30 cm from the implant) may be usable with medical approval.
Sources
- Pena-Philippides JC, et al. (2014). Increases in microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation via pulsed electromagnetic fields in the healthy rat brain. Journal of Neurosurgery. PubMed: 25343187
- Smith TL, et al. (2004). Microcirculatory effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. PubMed: 14656663
- Pan Y, et al. (2012). Effects of PEMF on microcirculation and angiogenesis in a model of acute hindlimb ischemia in diabetic rats. Bioelectromagnetics. PubMed: 22952041
- Kim T, et al. (2020). Impact of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Journal of Clinical Hypertension. PubMed: 32401418
- Klopp R, et al. (2013). The effects of the physical BEMER vascular therapy on sleep, pain and quality of life. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. PubMed: 23940071
Related articles
- Magnetic field therapy (PEMF) – guide to home use
- Bone fracture healing and magnetic field therapy – complementary home treatment
- Osteoporosis and magnetic field therapy – complementary home treatment
- Reducing knee pain at home with a magnetic field therapy device
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. BEMER and other PEMF devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. The risks of BEMER therapy should be assessed and approved by the treating physician. Consult your doctor if you have complaints.
