Effects of Electromagnetic Forces of Earth on Humans

8/10/2019 Effects of Electromagnetic Forces of Earth on Humans

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Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med. Vol. 40 No.3 4,2009

EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCES OF EARTH ONHUMAN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Abha Shrivastava1, K.K. Mahajan2, V. Kalra3, K.S.Negi4

ABSTRACT

Indian culture stresses the importance of direction during performance of daily activities. Some yogiprescribe yogic relaxation and polarity practices to be done with head lying towards North in order to align oneself

with the earths magnetic field. Electromagnetic forces of the Earth, Sun and Moon have been found to greatly

influence with biological characteristics. Extensive research of past thirty years has established numerous links

between regularly occurring human behaviour and external natural cycles ranging from weather and solar radiations

to phases of the moon and the planetary cycles. Hence, the present study was undertaken to observe whether head

direction has any effect on heart rate, blood pressure and serum cortisol during supine rest. 40 female medical

students of 18-25 years age group in the department of Physiology at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences were

recruited for the study and they were asked to sleep for 8 hours in different directions viz, North, East, South and

West directions for 12 weeks. After then their Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Heart

Rate (HR) were recorded and the Serum Cortisol (SC) estimated. On comparing the parameters in differentdirections it was observed that those who were instructed to sleep with head in South direction for 12 weeks had

lowest SBP, DBP, HR and SC which was found to be statistically significant. Though the study demonstrates that

lying in different directions has a definite effect on heart rate, blood pressure and serum cortisol, further studies are

needed in different age groups to understand the mechanisms and implications of this phenomenon.

Key words: Head direction, Electromagnetic forces, Heart rate, Blood pressure, Serum cortisol

INTRODUCTION

Man seems to have been fascinated by the mysterious power of magnetic field over life since ancient times. Every

matter is made up of atoms having both positive and negative charges. The outer sphere of each atom has electrons and it is

the motion of electrons that create magnetic field. 1

Scientists have proved every cell, thus every organ in turn in the human

body is a small magnetic unit. In magnetic parlance, our bodies are considered to have magnetic side. Considering a human

body vertically, the head and the upper half of the body are taken to represent North Pole and lower half of the body is taken to

represent South Pole. Earth is also considered as a Huge magnet with its magnetic poles, being in close line but opposite to

its geographical pole that is its magnetic north pole is situated at its geographical south pole and the magnetic South Pole is

situated at its geographical north pole. This is the reason why the tiny compass needle always points towards the geographical

North Pole2.

______________________

1. Assistant Professor, 2. Professor & Head, Dept of Physiology, 3.Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, 4. Professor, Dept. ofCommunity MedicineAddress for Correspondence:Dr. Abha Shrivastava, Assistant Professor, Department Of Physiology,HIMS, Dehradun.E Mail: [email protected]


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Abha Srivastava et al. Ef fect of electromagnetic forces of ear th on human biological system

Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med Vol. 40 No.3 4 July December, 2009163

The earth has magnetic energy of its own, with a magnetic field extending upto a distance of 1, 05,600 km around it.

Such a strong magnetism has been acquired by earth due to- (i) Constant rotation of Earth on its own axis and revolution

around the Sun. (ii) Electricity generated by the charged ions present in the atmosphere especially ionosphere (3).

Excitable tissues i.e., nerves and muscles due to conduction of various ions, Na+, K

+, Cl

-etc in the processes like

signal transmission and contraction are known to produce magnetic fields. This magnetic field is greatly influenced by

magnetic field of earth, moon and sun. Like earth the magnetic field of the body organ is fluctuating in nature. The peak value

of fluctuating magnetic field produced by heart is greater than 106gauss. It has been found that strongest magnetic field from

neural tissue is from brain, which produces its largest field during sleep. It has amplitude of 3 x 10

8

gauss and in certaindiseases like epilepsy even greater magnetic field can be produced

4.

In human body an endocrine gland, pineal body has magnetic crystals which are highly sensitive to magnetic energy

and produce the sleep hormone melatonin entirely during night5. The various biological rhythms are closely associated with

universal magnetism without which life would be impossible. Not only human but birds and animals are also very much in tune

with universe. They are highly sensitive to electromagnetic field. Perhaps they have magnetic sensors. Migratory birds can

detect and tune in suitable climatic region. Geographic zone with higher radiation intensity are also coupled with increased

atmospheric electric activity could explain mysterious suicides of birds at Jatinga5.

Indian culture also stresses the importance of directions during performance of daily activities. Yogic practices like

meditation and Suryanamaskar are performed while facing towards east. Sleeping with head facing towards north is

prohibited, whereas a dying person is kept with head towards north which is believed to bring peace and tranquility6. Hardly

any study is available to demonstrate effect of magnetic forces of Earth/ Sun/ Moon on human body. Further based on the

experiences or observations of the people, magneto therapy is being used for treatment of number of diseases. Finally, Vastu

shastra is being advocated from different aspects in these days but no scientific proofs are available for the same. All these

factors provocated us to undertake such a study.

Aims and objectives

To study the effects of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic forces of Earth in a specific direction by recording

parameters like blood pressure, heart rate and serum cortisol in order to assess comparative stress of directions if any.

To suggest the position of head during sleep i.e., a person should sleep in a direction so that there is minimum or no

stress.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 40 female medical students of 18-25 years age group in the department of Physiology

at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Nagar, Dehradun. The study plan was approved by the ethical

committee of the institute. Pre designed and pre tested questionnaire was filled for the subjects after obtaining their consent

regarding their age, medical history, family history, personal history with special reference to sleep and menstrual history.

Criteria for peaceful or sound sleep was subjective (continuous 8 hours sleep, feeling refresh and alert, increase in attention

span, physically relaxed and mentally alert). The average of physiological parameters viz, blood pressure and heart rates

were recorded in supine position with three consecutive readings using a portable (non Invasive) BP monitor (Omron Inc.Japan) preferably at similar timings of the day, and serum cortisol was measured. Special precautions were taken to exclude

other factors like stress, any illness or any other stressful state which could affect the physiological parameters. The direction


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was determined using magnetic compass (MCOWB -01). Study was undertaken in 2 phases to assess prolonged effects of

exposure to earths magnetic forces on physiological parameters.

Phase - I : After recording basal parameters i.e., blood pressure, heart rate and serum cortisol in all the 40 subjects (Table

I), the subjects were divided into 2 groups of 20 subjects in each group. They were asked to sleep with head towards South

direction continuously for 12 weeks (Group A). After 12 weeks their Blood pressure, heart rate were recorded and serum

cortisol measured between 8 9 A.M by using direct immunoenzymatic (ELISA) kit available from Dimetra, Italy. Similarly

another 20 subjects were instructed to sleep in East direction continuously for 12 weeks (Group B). After this period once

again their physiological parameters were recorded and serum cortisol was measured.

Phase II: Those 20 subjects who were instructed to sleep in South direction (Group A) were now asked to sleep

in North direction (Group C) continuously for another 12 weeks and the remaining 20 subjects were asked to

sleep in West direction (Group D). After the period of 12 weeks their blood pressure and heart rate were recorded

and serum cortisol was measured.

Estimation of serum cortisol

The blood samples were collected by trained lab technician and the samples were centrifuged.

Serum cortisol was estimated by competitive immuno-enzymatic colorimetric method.

Analysis of Data : Mean and standard deviation ( SD) of all observations were calculated and comparison were done

between different groups by applying students t test. Analysis was done with help of Microsoft excel.

RESULT

In Phase I of the study, it was observed that

Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood

pressure (DBP) , Heart Rate (HR) and Serum cortisol

were lower in subjects who were instructed to sleep

in South direction (Group A) continuously for 12 week

in comparison to subjects who were instructed to

Table-I: Basal parameters of study subjects (N = 40) Mean SD

Parameters

SBP(mm Hg)

DBP(mm Hg)

HR(per min)

Serum cortisol(ng/ml)

102.75 9.82 63.63 9.6 70.07 6.45 104.66 40.02

sleep with head in East direction (Group B) (Table II) . There was however no statistical significant difference observed in any

of the parameters (p > 0.05 )

Table- II : Phase- I (N = 20) Statistical analysis of parameters of Group A vs. Group B

Parameters Geographical Directions

South (Group A) East (Group B) South Vs East

SBP (mm Hg) 103.4 7.89 113.5 11.5 0.4

DBP (mm Hg) 64.85 6.38 73.0 10.33 0.37

HR (per min) 67.2 6.45 81.1 11.61 5.89

Serum Cortisol (ng/ml) 103.66 39.02 173.71 54.53 4.96

In Phase II of study, it was observed that Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) , Heart Rate

(HR) and Serum cortisol were lower in subjects who were instructed to sleep in North direction (group C) continuously for 12


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weeks in comparison to subjects who were instructed to sleep with head in West direction (Group D), (Table III). The result

was observed to be statistically significant for all the parameters, (p < 0.05)

Table- III: Phase II (N = 20) Statistical analysis of parameters of Group C Vs Group D

Parameters

Geographical Directions

North ( Group C) West (Group D) North Vs West

( P value)

SBP (mm Hg) 107.95 9.56 118.55 18.32 0.007

DBP (mm Hg) 66.0 7.63 77.15 12.48 0.02

HR (per min) 74.05 9.63 81.3 11.89 0.004


In Phase I of study i.e., those subjects who were sleeping previously in South direction (Group A) were now

instructed to sleep in North direction (group C) in Phase II of study. It was observed that Systolic blood pressure (SBP),

Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) , Heart Rate (HR), and serum cortisol were lower in subjects when instructed to sleep in South

direction continuously for 12 weeks in comparison to the subjects who were instructed to sleep with head in North direction,

(Table IV). The result was also observed to be statistically significant, (p < 0.05).

Table- IV : Statistical analysis of parameters of Group A Vs Group C (N = 20)

Parameters


South(Group A)

North( Group C)

South Vs North

( P value)

SBP (mm Hg) 103.4 7.89 107.95 9.56 0.002

DBP (mm Hg) 64.85 6.38 66.0 7.63 0.003

HR (per min) 67.2 6.45 74.05 9.63 0.02


Table -V : Statistical analysis of parameters of group B Vs group D (N = 20)

Parameters


East (Group B) West (Group D) East Vs West(P value)

SBP (mm Hg) 113.5 11.5 118.55 18.32 0.17

DBP (mm Hg) 73.0 10.33 77.15 12.48 0.24

HR (per min) 81.1 11.61 81.3 11.89 0.47



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In Phase I of study i.e., those subjects who were sleeping previously in East direction were now instructed to sleep in

West direction in Phase II of study. It was then observed that Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ,

Heart Rate (HR), and serum cortisol were lower in subjects when instructed to sleep in East direction (Group B) continuously

for 12 weeks in comparison to the subjects who were instructed to sleep with head in West direction (Group D). (Table V). The

result obtained was however not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The present study was undertaken to assess prolonged effects of exposure to earths magnetic forces on

physiological parameters. The study revealed that the changes occurred in blood pressure, heart rate and serum cortisol

values were depending upon the direction of head during sleep in relation to Earths magnetic field. Subramanyam et al

reported that human EEG not only responds to Earths micro pulsation but also responded differently to different directions of

body with head pointing to specific Earths magnetic field (7). This indicates that electromagnetic force of Earth affects th e

human body. These observations are strengthened by ancient concepts of performing the yogic practices like Meditation and

Suryanamaskar while facing head in East direction. Further sleeping with head towards South direction results in sound sleep

while with head towards North direction leads to agitation (8).

On comparing the parameters in different directions, it was observed that those who were instructed to sleep with

head in South direction for 12 weeks had lowest SBP, DBP, HR and SC. The suitable explanation for the above may be that

according to natural law of forces, any action if it is in the direction of force it suffers least resistance. When a person lies with

head in South direction; then his body is in accordance with magnetic direction of Earths magnetic current i.e., the flow of

body fluid is along the direction of magnetic axis so the body fluid suffers less resistance and, therefore, when a person sleeps

with head in direction of magnetic field it results into more free flow of body fluids. However, Madan Mohan et al (9) on the

contrary, reported raised BP and Heart Rate in south direction and better sleep in North direction.

The most sensitive parts of our body to electromagnetic radiations our eyes and pineal gland. The pineal glands are

controls the important hormone melatonin. Melatonin related to day or night sleep cycle, is a free radical scavenger and has

the potential to alleviate stress (10). The circadian rhythm of melatonin production (high levels at night and low level during

day) in the mammalian pineal gland is modified by visible portion of electromagnetic spectrum i.e., light and reportedly by

extremely low frequency electromagnetic field as well as by static magnetic field exposure. Both light and electromagnetic

exposure at night depress the conversion of serotonin to melatonin within pineal gland. More recent studies have shown

sinusoidal magnetic field exposure to also interfere with nocturnal melatonin forming ability of pineal gland.11

When the pineal gland is stressed, melatonin level goes down and the first thing that occurs is sleep problem. Lack of

melatonin can be inducted by various symptoms labelled chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome takes the form

of many symptoms including insomnia, depression and anxiety12

.

A study has shown the effect of 50 mega hertz magnetic field on Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol in

male rats. There was statistically significant increase in ACTH, cortisol after exposure to Electromagnetic forces (EMF) in male

rats13

. In a similar study the influence of pulsed high frequency EMF on neuroendocrine system in healthy human was

investigated. An alteration in hypothalamo pitituary adrenal axis was found with a slight elevation in the serum cortisol level.

Also the evaluation of sleep EEG data revealed no significant alteration under field exposure, although there was a trend to an

rapid eye movement suppressive effect.14


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When the head (i.e., the north pole) of the body is towards earths magnetic south pole (geographical North pole)

then due to presence of magnetic material in the blood more blood flow will be towards upper side of the body implying that

heart and brain will receive more blood. It will lead to increase in stoke volume and cardiac output and finally leading to

increase in blood pressure. This results in disturbed sleep in North direction. Serum cortisol estimation is an efficient

parameter to assess degree of stress in human being. It is well documented that when a person is exposed to noxious stimuli

there is increased secretion of ACTH and consequently a rise in glucocorticoid level. Most of the stressful stimuli that increase

also activate sympathetic nervous system. In this study the level of serum cortisol ranged from 103.66 to 182.1 ng/ ml in

different directions. A statistically significant difference was also observed in South direction in comparison to other direction

which indicated that the stress of electromagnetic forces is least in south direction.

Though more such studies are required to confirm the findings, it can be inferred from the present study that

physiological parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cortisol are altered to an extent by the electromagnetic

force of the Earth. It can be concluded that sleeping with head in south/east direction leads to comfortable and sound

(peaceful) sleep as the person aligns oneself better with Earths magnetic axis.

REFERENCES

1. Jain P. The earth as a magnet. In: All you wanted to know about magneto therapy. 1sted. New Delhi: Sterling publisher;

2000: p 27-28.

2. Bansal Hl, Bansal RS. Magnetism in the Universe. In: Magnetotherapy self help book. 4

th

ed. New Delhi: Jain publisher;2001: p18.

3. Jain P. The earth as a magnet. In: All you wanted to know about magneto therapy. 1sted. New Delhi: Sterling publisher;

2000: p 11.

4. Bansal Hl, Bansal RS. Magnetism in the Universe. In: Magnetotherapy self help book. 4thed. New Delhi: Jain publisher;

2001: p51-52.

5. Phipott WM. Brain allergies and victory over Diabetes Mellitus; News of the world press article: 2001 www.buys.mag.com/ info.htm.

6. Bansal AK. Vastu shastra and fengsui for your home. Noida: Saurabh printopack 2000 : p 46-50.

7. Subramanyam S, Narayan PV and Srinivasam TM. Effect of electromagnetic micropulsations on the biological system bioenvironmental study. Int. J. Biometeorol 1985; 29 : p 293 305.

8. Bengali NS. Biomagnmetism. In: Magnet therapy. 10thed. New Delhi: Jain publisher 1997: p 27.

9. Madan Mohan, Bhagvani, Balyogi A, Udupa, Kaviraja. Effect of direction of head on heart rate and blood pressure. YogaMimasa 2002; XXXIV: p 116122.

10. Joe Hall. The negative effects of electromagnetic field. Consumer health articles, vol 20 Sept 1997. http/www. consumerhealth.org/ articles/ display. cfm?ID

11. Reuter RJ.Static and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure: effects on circadian production ofmelatonin. J. cell Biochem.1993 Apr.51(4),394403.

12. Woolcott Ina. Pineal gland, melatonin, Breast cancer and electromagnetic waves. Field under dare to be aware , Jan 21,2008.

13. Zares, Hayatgesbi H, Alvandi S. Effects of 50 Hz magnetic field on some factor of immune system in male Guinea Pigs.The internet journal of medical Technology.

14. Klausmann, Peter Wagner. Effects of pulsed high frequency high frequency electromagnetic fields on the neuroendocrine

system. J. Neuroendocrinology 1998:67: 139 -144.

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Effects of Electromagnetic Forces of Earth on Humans