PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING MILLIMETER WAVE THERAPY
MARVIN C. ZISKIN*
Center for Biomedical Physics Temple University School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA 19140
U.S.A.
Abstract. Millimeter Wave (MW) Therapy is the application of low-intensity millimeter-wavelength electromagnetic waves in the treatment of a large variety of diseases including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, wound healing, pain relief, and the reduction of toxic side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. MWs, a form of microwaves, are non-ionizing and are administered onto a localized area of the skin at a sufficiently low intensity that there is no perceptible heating. The three most common frequencies used are 42.2, 53.6, and 61.2 GHz. In addition to its demonstrated effectiveness, it is a non-invasive, painless, relatively inexpensive modality with exceedingly rare and minor side effects. Although MW therapy has been and continues to be used extensively throughout the former Soviet Union with very impressive successes, it is virtually unknown to Western physicians. Reasons for the lack of acceptance in Western Countries include: (1) the lack of well described reports in peer-reviewed scientific journals, (2) the lack of well controlled, double-blind clinical trials, and (3) the lack of any known and accepted mechanism explaining how a localized MW exposure on the skin can be therapeutic in a large number of remote or generalized pathologies. Consequently, the Center for Biomedical Physics at Temple University Medical School was established in 1992 to study all aspects of MW therapy: its validity, its effectiveness, and most of all the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness. The chain of events initiated by MW exposure of the skin is still not fully understood. However, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a cascade of physiological reactions that are capable of resulting in a therapeutic response. The penetration of MWs into the skin is less than one millimeter, and therefore the initial interaction must occur within the skin. Free nerve endings, which penetrate into the epidermis, are stimulated directly or indirectly by the MWs. Denervation of the exposed area of the skin completely blocks the effect. The indirect stimulation may result from excitation of immunocompetent dermal cells, such as langerhans cells and keratinocytes, which can be induced to release various cytokines capable of modifying neural membranes. The MW signal is transmitted to the spinal cord and subsequently to various regions of the brain where neurosecretions are released, the most important of which are the endogenous opioids. Naloxone, an opioid inhibitor, greatly diminishes the effect. Opioids are well known chemical mediators that can reduce pain and modify the immune system, and are most likely responsible for most of the therapeutic benefits of MW therapy.
Keywords: Millimeter waves, Therapy, Skin heating, Nerve stimulation, Keratinocytes, Delayed Type Hypersensitivity, Melanoma, Pain relief
BIOELECTROMAGNETICS
1. Introduction
Millimeter wave (MW) therapy is the application of low-intensity millimeter wavelength electromagnetic waves in the alternative treatment of a variety of diseases. MW, a form of microwaves, are non-ionizing and administered onto a localized area of the skin at a sufficiently low intensity that there is no perceptible heating. The three most common frequencies used are 42.2, 53.6, and 61.2 GHz. Strikingly high success rates have been reported in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, wound healing, pain relief, and the reduction of toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients. Although MW therapy has been and continues to be used extensively throughout the former Soviet Union, it is virtually unknown to Western physicians. In addition to its demonstrated effectiveness, it is a non-invasive, painless, relatively inexpensive modality with exceedingly rare and minor side effects.
The usual MW treatment regimen consists of daily applications of 15 to 30 minutes for 5 to 15 days. The MW device is typically a “book-sized” instrument which is brought in close contact with the skin surface. The site of application varies with the disease being treated. Surface wounds and skin diseases are usually treated at the site of the lesion. In treating arthritis the site of application is at the affected joint. In treating internal diseases, the recommended site of
MECHANISMS OF MILLIMETER WAVE THERAPY
application may be at any one of a number of anatomic or acupuncture points. A common site of application is the lower end of the sternum, as is pictured in figure 1.
2006-Ziskin-Physiological-mechanism-underlying-millimetarWaveTherapy