PRO NATURE

ELECTROSTATIC FIELD THERAPY

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SECTION

MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
003/2011
i
DISCLAIMER
Technology review is a brief report, prepared on an urgent basis, which draws on
restricted reviews from analysis of pertinent literature, on expert opinion and / or
regulatory status where appropriate. It has not been subjected to an external review
process. While effort has been made to do so, this document may not fully reflect all
scientific research available. Additionally, other relevant scientific findings may have
been reported since completion of this review.

Please contact: [email protected], if you would like further information.

Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS),

Medical Development Division
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Level 4, Block E1, Precinct 1
Government Office Complex
62590 Putrajaya

Tel: 603 88831246

Fax: 603 8883 1230

Available at the following website: http://www.moh.gov.my

ii
Prepared by:
Dr Junainah Sabirin
Principal Assistant Director
Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS)
Ministry of Health Malaysia

Reviewed by:
Datin Dr Rugayah Bakri
Deputy Director
Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS)
Ministry of Health Malaysia

DISCLOSURE

The authors of this report have no competing interest in this subject and the preparation
of this report is totally funded by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia

iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction
Electrostatic field therapy or electric field therapy is claimed to be a simple, non-invasive
technique using static electricity which produces fast demonstrable clinical results.
Electrostatic field therapy apparatus apply high Alternating Current voltage potential to
the body and create an electrical field around it. The electric field stimulates the sensory
receptors in the skin, which in turn stimulates the hypothalamus and the other areas of the
brain, to promote homeostatic functions. The electric field also generates minute amounts
of induced current, which permeates the body and stimulates the metabolism of the cells.
This technology review was conducted following a request from Senior Deputy Director,
Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia to witness and deliver the
certification of appreciation to the person in charge of free PRO NATURE Electrostatic
Field Therapy centre.

Objective/aim
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the safety, effectiveness and cost-
effectiveness of PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy to improve disease
conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, heart problems, obesity, osteoporosis,
arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, insomnia, gout, cyst, migraine, gastric and skin problems.

Results and conclusions

There was no retrievable evidence on the safety and cost-effectiveness of PRO NATURE
Electrostatic Field Therapy in improving disease conditions. There was only limited low
level of evidence (anecdotal claims) on the effectiveness of PRO NATURE Electrostatic
Field Therapy in improving arthritis, numbness of the feet and blood glucose level.

Methods
Electronic databases were searched, which included PubMed, OVID-Medline, EBM
Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EBM Reviews-Cochrane
database of systematic reviews, EBM Reviews - HTA Databases, Horizon Scanning
database (National Horizon Scanning, Australia and New Zealand Horizon) FDA
website, MHRA, TUV for published reports. Google was used to search for additional
information. There was no limit in the search. All published articles related to the use of
PRO NATURE electrostatic field therapy or PRO NATURE electric field therapy and
other electrostatic field therapy which was conducted in humans were included. Articles
related to electromagnetic field therapy were excluded.

iv
 PRO NATURE ELECTROSTATIC FIELD THERAPY

1. INTRODUCTION

The idea of easing pain with electricity was first discovered in 1752 by Benjamin
Franklin of America, who proved that lighting is caused by electricity generated between
the clouds and the ground. Owing to this discovery, it was later found that electricity is
effective in the treatment of various kinds of ailments. 1

Electrostatic field therapy or electric field therapy is claimed to be a simple, non-invasive

technique using static electricity which produces fast demonstrable clinical results. The
basic theory in this system of healing is that illness is caused by an imbalance in the flow
of energy in the body and that restoration of normal energy flow can help restore health.
It is believed that when an electric field with high voltage Alternating Current (AC) is
applied on a human body, cells metabolism is stimulated by supplementing ions and the
Acid-Base Balance of Electrolyte in the blood is adjusted.2

Electrostatic field therapy apparatus apply high AC voltage potential to the body and
create an electrical field around it. The electric field stimulates the sensory receptors in
the skin, which in turn stimulates the hypothalamus and the other areas of the brain, to
promote homeostatic functions. The electric field also generates minute amounts of
induced current, which permeates the body and stimulates the metabolism of the cells.2
There are many types of electrostatic field therapy apparatus in the market such as DR
HEALTH 9000-Electric Field Therapy, DR JISM-Electric Field Therapy, BIOS 9000 and
PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy.3

This technology review was conducted following a request from Senior Deputy Director,
Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia to witness and deliver the
certification of appreciation to the person in charge of free PRO NATURE Electrostatic
Field Therapy centre.

2. OBJECTIVE/AIM

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the safety, effectiveness and cost-
effectiveness of PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy to improve disease
conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, heart problems, obesity, osteoarthritis,
rheumatism, diabetes, insomnia, gout, cyst, migraine, gastric and skin problems.

3. TECHNICAL FEATURES

PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy is distributed by Cosmic Nature Healthcare

Sdn. Bhd. and is manufactured in China. It is claimed that it can help to improve diseases
such as high blood pressure, asthma, heart problems, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis,
rheumatism, diabetes, insomnia, gout, cyst, migraine, gastric and skin problems.4

3.1 PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy component/specification:-

1
 The device has three components:-2
The main unit
The leading prong
The cushion
The device is about 45 cm in length, 37 cm width and 11 cm height and weighs 5
kilogram. The power supply is 240 Volts (V) AC with 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The input current
is 0.5 Ampere while the power consumption is 120 Watts. It also has a timer safe stop
circuit and the treatment time can be selected from the duration of 30 minutes, 60 minutes
and 120 minutes. The output voltage differs with functions as shown below:-
For High Potential Therapy the output voltage is 6000V (low) and 9000V (high)
For Optical Therapy the output voltage is 950V (low) and 1200V (high)
For Heat therapy, the thermostatically control device is provided at the high gear
of heat and the temperature is kept at 65°C.

3.2. Mechanism of action (claimed)5

PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy has three main functions:-
Heat therapy
PRO NATURE heat therapy focuses on the feet. It does not just involve
transferring heat to the feet but engages the concept of foot acupoint reflexology
as well. It applies suitable temperature on the exterior skin via Far Infrared Ray,
which stimulates and massages the acupoints of the feet and eliminates pain. This
therapy is believed to improve various diseases such as cardiovascular disease and
neuropathic pain.

High potential therapy

PRO NATURE high potential therapy produces 6000V to 9000V electricity
around the body by using high voltage static electricity field. The high voltage
static electricity leads to the discharge of powerful negative ions which enters the
body and improves the nervous system, digestive system, blood circulation and
body metabolism. It is believed to have the following effects:-
- Enhance the vitality of cells and promotes metabolism
- Purify the blood and recover acidized to normal alkalinity
- Adjustment of vegetative nerves

2
 - Improve natural curativeness and resistance against disease

Optical therapy
PRO NATURE optical therapy’s alteration effect (massage) of positive and
negative ions to the rate of over 70,000 times per second will enhance the vitality
of the cells and activates the body. It is believed that this leads to a rise in basal
metabolic rate, improves blood flow, improves burning of fat, regulates the
overall physiologic function, purifies the blood, discharge wastes and removes
poison.5

4. Methodology

4.1. Searching
Electronic databases were searched, which included PubMed, Ovid Medline -1948 to
January week 2 2011, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials-4th
Quarter 2010, EBM Reviews-Cochrane database of systematic reviews -2005 to
December 2010, EBM Reviews - HTA Databases 1st Quarter 2011, Horizon Scanning
database (National Horizon Scanning Centre, Australia and New Zealand Horizon
Scanning), FDA website, MHRA, TUV for published reports. Google was used to search
for additional information. There was no limit in the search. Additional articles were
identified from reviewing the bibliographies of retrieved articles.

The search strategy used the terms which were either used singly or in various
combinations; Pro nature, “Pro nature”, “electrostatic field therapy”, “electric field
therapy”, “electrostatic therapy”, safe*, “chronic disease”, hypertension, cost* and
diabetes.

4.2. Selection
All published articles related to the use of PRO NATURE electrostatic field therapy or
PRO NATURE electric field therapy and other electrostatic field therapy which were
conducted in humans were included. We included all study design. The main outcomes
included were evidence on improvement of disease conditions such as high blood
pressure, asthma, heart problems, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes,
3
 insomnia, gout, cyst, migraine, gastric and skin problems, safety and cost implication. We
also included additional information submitted by a company and retrieved through
internet search engine (Google). Articles related to electromagnetic field therapy were
excluded. Animal studies were excluded. Relevant full text articles were critically
appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and evidence was graded
according to US/Canadian Preventive Services Task Force (Appendix 1)

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

There was no retrievable evidence on PRO NATURE electrostatic field therapy from the
scientific databases. All the information related to PRO NATURE electrostatic field
therapy were from the document submitted by a company or through internet search
engine (Google).

5.1. SAFETY
There was no retrievable evidence on the safety aspect of this device. There was an
article stating that it should not be used in a person using pacemaker and those below
three years old.2 The distributer claimed that the device has received TUV ISO 13485
and ISO 9001. There was no retrievable evidence on the approval by United States Food
and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) or CE mark.

5.2. EFFECTIVENESS

5.2.1. PRO NATURE Electrostatic Field Therapy

There was no retrievable evidence on the effectiveness of PRO NATURE Electrostatic
Field Therapy in improving disease conditions from the scientific databases. However,
there were anecdotal claims relating the use of PRO NATURE electrostatic field therapy
and improvement of arthritis, numbness of the feet and blood glucose level retrieved from
internet search engine (Google).6

5.2.2. Other Electrostatic Field Therapy

A technology review report by Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of
Health in 2007 on BIOS 9000 which also use high voltage electric field therapy found
that there was no retrievable scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of BIOS
9000.7 level 1 Similar findings was also found for DR JISM electrostatic therapy.8

There was only one abstract retrieved via PubMed on electrostatic therapy (EST). Xin YL
and Liu D conducted a study involving 15 patients with primary lung cancer or
pulmonary metastases which were treated with electrostatic therapy. Patients were treated
with either low voltage (220V to 1200V), high voltage (500V to 2500V), or high voltage
together with magnetic field. At six months after EST, tumour regression was observed in
two cases, relief of symptoms but no change in tumour size in five cases and no effect of
EST in nine patients. The authors concluded that there was no marked effect of EST for
treatment of cancer could be observed.9

4
5.3. COST/COST-EFFECTIVENESS
There was no retrievable evidence on the cost-effectiveness of PRO NATURE
Electrostatic Field Therapy. However, the price per unit is about RM 8,900.00 and the
cost for 30 minutes session is RM 25.00.

6. CONCLUSION
There was no retrievable evidence on the safety and cost-effectiveness of PRO NATURE
Electrostatic Field Therapy in improving disease conditions. There was only limited low
level of evidence (anecdotal claims) on the effectiveness of PRO NATURE Electrostatic
Field Therapy in improving arthritis, numbness of the feet and blood glucose level.

7. REFERENCES

1. JINHO MOVAS: Electrostatic Therapy (EST) Apparatus. Available at

http://jinhomovas.blogspot.com/2010/08/electrostatic-therapy-est-apparatus.html.
Accessed on 25.1.2011

2. COSMIC NATURE HEALTHCARE. Energize your life. Available at

http://www.cosmicnature.com/product/Pro%20Nature.pdf.Accessed on 24.1.2011

3. Electric Field Therapy-Electric Field Therapy Manufacturers, Suppliers and Exporters.

Available at http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/electric-field-therapy.html. Accessed on
24.1.2011

4. PRO NATURE electro Static Field therapy [Health Products, Medical Supplies,
Medical.... Available at http://my.88db.com/Health-Medical/buy-Sell/ad-187619/.
Accessed on 24.1.2011

5. PRO NATURE. Cosmic Nature Healthcare. Document submitted by a company.

6. Cosmic Nature Healthcare Sdn. Bhd. Available at http://www.cosmicnature.com/.

Accessed on 24.1.2011

7. Harishah T, Rugayah B. High Voltage Electric Field Therapy, BIOS-9000. Technology

Review Report. Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2007 Document Number 026/2007

8. Rugayah B, Junainah S. Electric Field Therapy and electrostatic therapy. Information

Brief. Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health. 2009

9. Xin YL, Liu D. Electrostatic therapy (EST) of lung cancer and pulmonary metastasis:
report of 15 cases. Eur J Surg Suppl.1994; 574:91-92

10. Evseeva MM, Serov VN, Tkachenko NM. Chronic salpingo-oophoritis: clinical and
physiological rationale for the therapeutic application of impulse low-frequency
electrostatic field. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2006;1:21-24

5
11. Razumov AN, Li AA, Kotenko KV et al. Application of the pulsed low-frequency
electrostatic field in the early rehabilitative treatment of patients following surgery for the
correction of valgus deformation of the first toe. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult.
2010;4:16-19

12. De Lorenzo A, Martinoli R, Carbonelli MG et al. Resting metabolic rate incremented by

pulsating electrostatic field (PESF) therapy. Diabetes, Nutrition & Metabolism-Clinical
& Experiment.2004;17(5):309-12

8. APPENDIX

8.1 Appendix 1

DESIGNATION OF LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

I Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

II-I Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.

II-2 Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies, preferably
from more than one centre or research group.

II-3 Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention. Dramatic
results in uncontrolled experiments (such as the results of the introduction of penicillin
treatment in the 1940s) could also be regarded as this type of evidence.

III Opinions or respected authorities, based on clinical experience; descriptive studies and
case reports; or reports of expert committees.

SOURCE: US/CANADIAN PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE (Harris S2001)