Learning about PEMF therapy can be an exciting venture; the many ways that PEMF therapy can improve quality of life and support health and healing can excite even the greatest skeptic, and inspire an immediate purchase. Following research about PEMF, however, the question can grow muddled: which machine is best? Although it may seem to be a simple enough question to answer, the truth is that most PEMF machines possess the same basic design and qualities, and many of them are interchangeable, in terms of value and ability. Before we determine which is better, between OMI and Bemer, a quick recap is in order.
What Is PEMF Therapy?
PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field, and describes a type of energy therapy that delivers pulses of electromagnetic energy to the body’s cells. This energy can be used to improve cellular communication, repair damaged communication pathways intracellularly and inter cellularly, and improve the body’s ability to sustain existing healing efforts. PEMF therapy is a unique type of intervention, in that it does not introduce foreign substances into the body, or attempt to manipulate the body using external movements or synthetic nutrients. Instead, PEMF therapy seeks to deliver enough energy to simply support the body’s natural, effective healing efforts.
Selecting a Mat: PEMF Components
When searching for a PEMF mat, there are a few important components to keep in mind. These components are vital to each and every PEMF mat, as they form the basis of PEMF therapy. Components include waveform, frequency, intensity, and the delivery method of the machine. A more in-depth evaluation of each of these components is provided below.
Waveform
“Waveform” is the term used to describe the shape of the pulses that enter into and leave the body. The three most commonly used waveforms include square, saw tooth, and sine waveforms. Sine waveforms are likely to be most recognizable as the shape seen on the wave spectrum and enter the body on a gentle rise and gentle fall. Saw tooth waveforms enter the body quickly and leave quickly, in order to create a jagged shape, like the teeth of a saw. Square waveforms enter the body quickly, remain, then leave the body suddenly, creating a three-sided square shape.
Frequency
The frequency of a machine describes the number of times a pulse of energy is delivered to the body in a period of time (usually one second). There are two standard measurements for PEMF frequency: high and low. Low frequency machines are usually those that provide Hz levels of 100 and less, while high frequency machines are those that provide Hz levels over 100 (though not usually exceeding 10,000 Hz).
Intensity
Intensity is essentially the strength of a machine. Like frequency, intensity is typically identified in two distinct subsets: low intensity and high intensity. High intensity machines are machines that exceed 1,000 to 50,000 Gauss, while low intensity machines are those that deliver less than 1,000 Gauss. High intensity machines are more often found in therapy clinics than home machines, and are not as widely available for use (or affordable).
Delivery Method
All PEMF therapy machines have some type of delivery method, the most common being a mat or a wand. Machines can also use rings, bands, or wraps, however, to suit different goals and needs.
Bemer Therapy: A Brief Review
Bemer therapy is among the most well-known companies in PEMF, due in large part to the marketing efforts set forth by the company. Bemer operates on a high-marketing MLM model, and focuses a great deal of energy on promoting its products as the only viable PEMF machines for helping circulation. Boasting low-intensity and low-frequency components, Bemer machines offer PEMF therapy with either a small, circular applicator or a small mat, with a sinusoidal waveform and a standard 3-year warranty. Bemer also offers a 30-day money back guarantee, contingent upon meeting several requirements and paying a restocking fee.
OMI PEMF: A Brief Review
OMI PEMF therapy is similar to Bemer therapy, in that it offers a low-intensity, low-frequency option for people seeking home PEMF therapy. OMI mats are designed to offer a simple entry into PEMF therapy, and use a basic square wave in their machines. Machines are among the least expensive mats on the market, and provide 3 different settings: a setting for day use, a setting for evening use, and a “custom” setting, in which you select your own frequency settings. OMI offers mats, pads, and rings, which can be used to target different wants and needs.
Which Is Better?
OMI and Bemer PEMF therapy machines are quite similar, in that they both offer PEMF therapy that is low-intensity, low-frequency, and minimally customized, but there is one key difference between the two that can render the OMI mat the better option: wavelength. Bemer machines use a particular type of sine wave that they consider their own unique form of a sinusoidal wave. They claim that this particular wave is able to target microcirculation in a way that is not feasible or viable with others mats, but this claim has not been proven in scientific studies, and may not be an ideal reason to select the Bemer mat. Instead, it may be wiser to select a machine that offers a tried-and-true waveform, such as a square or saw tooth waveform. The OMI machine is that offering.
OMI’s machine offers a square waveform, which is one of the most well-studied and highly recommended waveforms currently offered in PEMF technology. Although the Gauss and Hz levels delivered by each machine is extremely similar, the waveforms differ significantly, as do the delivery modes offered by the different companies. Bemer machines come with a small mat using square coils, and a small, targeted applicator. OMI’s machines come equipped with a mat, which can target larger areas.
Determining which of these machines is best for you can mean looking at the different components of the machines, but can also come down to budget: OMI machines are significantly less than Bemer machines, and possess components that are similar enough to render differences negligible. Although OMI machines will not have the same name value as Bemer, their design is similarly useful, without the substantial price tag.
Richard Hoover is a PEMF expert and content contributor to PEMF Advisor. With a bachelor’s degree in physics and multiple certifications in natural health programs, he is one of the best PEMF experts around.