A new mechanism of therapeutic action of electromagnetic fields, based
upon systemic effect, applies selected EMF signals to cause efficacious
therapeutic effects at sites distant from the point of application. The
method of generating specific EMF waveshape and application of this
exogeneous signal for therapeutic purposes allows the benefit to be
achieved via the systemic effect. The EMF signals take the form of a
repetitive sequence of semi sinewaves, resulting in a pulsating waveform
occurring at a frequency in the range of from about 50 to about 300
pulses per second. Bridge rectification is applied to a sinusoidal
signal, and a resultant therapy signal takes the form of a repetitive
sequence of semi sinewaves of up to about 300 pps with a periodically
recurring DC component. The shape of alternating pulses in the resultant
therapy signal is modified under computer control to achieve therapeutic
effects. Flux densities in the range of several hundred Gauss up to
several thousand Gauss are generated. The treatment with the resultant
therapy signal may be applied to an arm or leg of a therapy recipient for
a sufficient length of time to cause the recipient's entire blood volume
to be exposed to the therapeutic field such that this can initiate
effects in cells, tissues, and organs distant from the point of
application