Since Michael Faraday discovered magnetic induction in 1831, we have continued to further our understanding and exploit the benefits of the interdependence of electricity and magnetism. Passing current through a coil of wire generates a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flow in the coil (right hand rule). If the coil is placed near a conducting medium, such as human tissues, and a time varying current is introduced into the coil, current will be induced in the conducting medium as a result of the changing magnetic field produced by the coil. One can think of the magnetic field produced by the coil as a non-invasive conduit between the electric current in the coil and the induced current in the tissues.

Over the last 50 years, engineers and scientists have provided many new solutions to medical problems by allowing physicians to non-invasively enter the body. This has been done with a number of forms of energy to help diagnosis disease and trauma (x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.), and in a few cases, actually provide a therapy as with lasers, kidney stone lithotripters and gamma particle devices (Gamma Knife®). Pulsed magnetic neuromodulation provides the first non-invasive and focal technique to excite neurons to positively impact cell function and are neurologic and neuromuscular disorders.

Clinical trials are underway to explore further applications of Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation (ExMI) technology. Preliminary reports indicate a significant role of ExMI in cardiovascular disease, wound care, peripheral neuropathy (in diabetic and chemotherapy patients), orthopedics, stem cell research, rehabilitation for stroke patients, cancer treatment, and other applications including cosmetics.