The health of our body depends crucially on how well each individual cell is supplied with oxygen and nutrients. This supply occurs largely via the finest blood vessels, the so-called microcirculation. Disturbances in this area can cause many problems. BEMER therapy comes into play here and aims to support blood circulation with a special electromagnetic signal.
What is BEMER therapy?
“BEMER” stands for Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy Regulation. This is a special form of physical vascular therapy that works with electromagnetic pulses. Unlike classic magnetic field therapy, BEMER uses a patented, multi-dimensional signal that is intended to specifically stimulate the rhythmic activity of the smallest blood vessels. The aim is to improve blood circulation in the capillaries and thus support metabolic processes.
Microcirculation includes blood flow in the smallest vessels (arterioles, capillaries, venules). This is where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic products takes place. If this area is disrupted, cells can no longer work optimally. Improved microcirculation should therefore increase performance, promote healing processes and support the immune system.
How does the BEMER application work?
The core of the method is a special electromagnetic signal that affects vasomotion. Vasomotion or vasomotor function refers to the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the smallest vessels. Normally this happens automatically, but stress, aging or illness can limit this mechanism. BEMER therapy is intended to stimulate these rhythmic movements and thereby enable improved blood distribution and oxygen supply to the tissue.
Areas of application
Common areas of application are:
- Support for chronic illnesses with circulatory disorders
- Promoting healing processes after injuries or operations
- Pain relief in muscles and joints
- Increasing performance and regeneration in sport
Important: It does not replace conventional medical therapy, but is seen as a supplementary procedure.
Study situation and evidence
There are scientific studies that show positive effects on microcirculation and general blood flow. Improvements in wound healing, regeneration and performance were also documented. An overview:
- In patients with chronic back pain and knee osteoarthritis, BEMER therapy was able to reduce pain and fatigue in the short term, with longer-term benefits for osteoarthritis patients (Gyulai et al., 2015).
- In CRPS-I (complex regional pain syndrome), the combination of BEMER and rehabilitation led to short-term pain and functional improvement (Benedetti et al., 2018).
- In a study on non-specific neck pain, groups with BEMER therapy showed significant improvements in pain and quality of life, sometimes even greater than with osteopathic treatment (Palmer et al., 2023).
- For myofascial pain syndrome, BEMER in combination with standard therapy was more effective than medication alone (Kanaparthi et al., 2020).
- A controlled study in multiple sclerosis showed a significant reduction in fatigue after 12 weeks of BEMER compared to placebo, but the effects disappeared after discontinuation (Piatkowski et al., 2009).
- BEMER improved erectile function, increased sexual satisfaction, and reduced fatigue in a triple-blind study of MS patients (Alzharani et al., 2024).
Safety and side effects
BEMER therapy is considered safe and non-invasive. It works with very weak electromagnetic fields, well below legal limits. Side effects are rare and usually mild (e.g. short-term tiredness or feeling warm). Therapy with electronic implants (e.g. pacemakers) is not recommended; If you are pregnant or have chronic illnesses, you should consult your doctor.
Application in practice
A typical session goes like this: The person lies or sits on a mat equipped with coils. These generate the characteristic BEMER signal. An application usually takes 8 to 20 minutes and is often recommended 1 to 2 times a day. There are also applicators for targeted areas of the body, for example for joint problems.
Comparison with other forms of therapy
Classic magnetic field therapy usually works with simple, sinusoidal fields. BEMER differs with its special, multidimensional signal. Compared to medication, the therapy has no pharmacological side effects, but it also does not have as direct or acute an effect. In combination with exercise, physiotherapy and a healthy diet, it can have supportive effects, as already shown in the studies.
Economic and practical aspects
The devices are relatively expensive (several thousand euros) as they are primarily designed for home use. Some alternative practitioners or practices also offer sessions for rent. Coverage of costs by health insurance companies is currently the exception, as the method has not yet been included in the catalog of services. Patient reports range from very positive experiences to skeptical assessments.
Criticism and controversy
The scientific debate is lively: supporters point to studies, clinical experiences and use in competitive sports. Critics complain that the evidence base is not yet large enough to speak of a proven benefit for every user. BEMER itself refers to decades of development, patents and publications as well as current research data.
Future prospects
Research into microcirculation and general positive effects of magnetic therapy is increasing as this area plays a key role in many diseases. Future studies could establish BEMER therapy as a complementary standard component in prevention and rehabilitation. Possible applications in chronic diseases, in the anti-aging area and in sports medicine are particularly interesting.
Bibliography
Alzharani, AAY, Alshami, AM, Abualait, T., Azman, HA, Alshamrani, FJ, Alzahrani, YH, & Althobaiti, YA (2024). The effect of bio-electromagnetic energy regulation therapy on erectile dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(23), 7060. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237060
Benedetti, M., Cavazzuti, L., Mosca, M., Fusaro, I., & Zati, A. (2018). Bio-electro-magnetic-energy-regulation (BEMER) for the treatment of type I complex regional pain syndrome: A pilot study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 36(6), 498–506. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1491661
Gyulai, F., Rába, K., Baranyai, I., Berkes, E., & Bender, T. (2015). BEMER therapy combined with physiotherapy in patients with musculoskeletal diseases: A randomized, controlled double blind follow-up pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 245742. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/245742
Kanaparthi, A., Kesary, S., Pujita, C., & Gopalaiah, H. (2020). Bio electro magnetic energy regulation (BEMER) therapy in myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome: A preliminary study. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 10(2), 38–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobcr.2020.01.007
Palmer, G., Dominick, N., Kane, M., Bawek, S., Burch, B., Sanders, T., Phrathep, D., Myers, N., & Lorenzo, S. (2023). Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment and bio-electro-magnetic energy regulation (BEMER) therapy on generalized musculoskeletal neck pain in adults. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 124(3), 153-161. https://doi.org/10.1515/jom-2023-0128
Piatkowski, J., Kern, S., & Ziemssen, T. (2009). Effect of BEMER magnetic field therapy on the level of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(5), 507-511. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0501
October 23, 2025