Electromagnetism of the Human Body

The human body produces complex electrical activity through transmissions in excitable cells which includes several different types of cells like neurons, and muscle cells. This activity also creates a magnetic field thus giving rise to the electromagnetic field in our human bodies.

The bioelectromagnetic fields of the body, which have a very low magnitude, can be detected and measured using techniques like Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Magnetocardiography (MCG). These techniques measure the magnetic fields produced by the electrical activity in the body, specifically the brain and the heart.

Cells normally perform thousands of chemical reactions per second. Use of electromagnetic stimulus and modern measuring techniques have increased the understanding of electromagnetic bio-communication that makes the coordination of the living systems possible.

A huge part of the body’s electrical activity is seen in the plasma membrane of the cells. The cell membrane protects the contents of the cell as well as acts sort of as a gatekeeper, selectively allowing some contents into the cell, while restricting the inflow of other materials. The flow of ions in and out of the cell is governed by the opening and closing of the Ion Channels located on the cell membrane. It is very important that the plasma membrane maintains an appropriate electric potential across it. This potential is known as the Membrane Potential or Transmembrane Potential which refers to the difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of the cell. The channels in the membrane are opened or closed based on the membrane potential. When the channels are closed, the potential is called Resting Potential and when they are open the potential is called Action Potential.

A typical neuron has a resting potential of about -70 mV (the potentials for different ions are different and can be calculated from the Nernst Equation). This constant membrane potential is maintained by concentration of ions on both sides of the membrane. Any imbalance in the resting potential leads to malfunctioning of the ion channels, causing a series of malfunctions in the cellular activity.

Action potential for the opening of channels requires electrical activity in the form of a stimulus. During this process, the electrical potential of the membrane rapidly rises (from -70 mV to a positive value), allowing the channels to open up. As the channels open, ions flow into the cell, causing a further rise in the membrane potential, prompting even more channels to open up. This is called Depolarisation. Once all channels are open, the membrane potential is so high that the polarity of the membrane reverses, and then the channels begin to close. As the entry channels close, exit channels are activated, bringing the potential back to -70 mV (Repolarisation). This process produces an electric current and therefore magnetic field across the cell membrane, and the cycle continues.

Therapeutic application of magnetic fields can help the body restore certain functions and cure diseases like Osteoporosis, Arthritis, etc.