Millimeter wave therapy: A detailed overview of the method

Summary
Millimeter wave therapy (MWT) is a non-invasive treatment method that utilizes electromagnetic waves with wavelengths of 1–10 mm, which corresponds to frequencies between 30 and 300 GHz. This technology has been explored for its potential to support overall health and well-being, including pain relief, immune support and enhancement of cellular function. MWT originated in the former Soviet Union in the 1960s and has since been developed and used in complementary health practices, particularly in Eastern Europe. In this article, we provide a thorough and professionally based review of MWT, covering its history, mechanisms of action, documented benefits, technical specifications, areas of application, safety aspects and current status in medical practice. The information is presented in a balanced way with a focus on supporting the body's natural processes, without making medical claims about the prevention, treatment or cure of specific diseases. We also draw on recent research, including insights from "Advances in Millimeter-Wave Treatment and Its Biological Effects Development" (Jing et al., 2024), to provide an updated perspective on the field.

Benefits and effects
Millimeter wave therapy has been shown to have several potential benefits that can support the body's natural functions and contribute to overall well-being. These benefits are based on available research and clinical observations, and are presented here without implying treatment of specific medical conditions.

Pain relief is one of the most documented benefits of MWT. Research has shown that the therapy can help reduce pain in conditions such as arthritis, headaches, post-operative pain and chronic pain. A systematic review by Usichenko et al. (2006) analyzed 13 studies, of which 9 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and found that three of these, classified as high quality, reported significant pain relief using frequencies between 42 and 78 GHz. For example, demonstrated by Wang et al. (2019) in an RCT with 60 participants a significant reduction in chronic back pain compared to a control group. Another study by Lee et al. (2017) with 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis showed improvement in both pain and function when MWT was combined with standard treatment. These effects are attributed to stimulation of nerve endings and improved blood circulation in the treated area, which can support the body's natural pain relief processes.

MWT has also shown potential to support wound healing by promoting microcirculation and reducing inflammatory processes in the tissue. Pakhomov et al. (1998) observed increased blood flow and reduced inflammation in animal models, while Kulyk et al. (2015) reported in a clinical study with 30 participants with chronic wounds that the healing process was accelerated compared to conventional methods. This suggests that MWT can help maintain healthy tissue function and support the body's regeneration processes.

When it comes to immune support, studies have indicated that MWT can modulate inflammatory processes and increase the activity of certain immune cells, which can strengthen the body's natural defense mechanisms. Radzievsky et al. (2004) found that millimeter waves can reduce stress-related effects in mouse models by increasing the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells), which play an important role in the immune response. Logani et al. (2006) reported similar findings, where MWT helped to strengthen immune function through increased NK cell activity, potentially supporting the body's ability to cope with stress. Jing et al. (2024) further emphasize that MWT can regulate cytokine levels and activate immune cells, which gives a broader understanding of how the therapy can contribute to the balance of the immune system.

Improved cellular function is another reported effect of MWT. Research suggests that millimeter waves can increase the permeability of cell membranes, which can improve the uptake of oxygen and nutrients and support cellular metabolism. Li et al. (2012) observed that MWT affects the ratio between Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in cells, which may help to regulate cell renewal and maintain healthy cell function. Jing et al. (2024) confirm this by pointing out that MWT can affect ion channels and signaling pathways at the cellular level, potentially supporting cellular homeostasis.

Reduction of oxidative stress is also a possible advantage. Studies such as Beneduci et al. (2005) have shown that MWT can stimulate antioxidant mechanisms in the cells, which can help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. This can support the body's natural ability to maintain cellular integrity under stress.

Finally, MWT has proven to be able to support microcirculation, which can improve oxygen supply to tissues and promote overall tissue health. Smulders et al. (2013) reported increased skin temperature and blood flow after MWT exposure, indicating improved microcirculation. This can be particularly useful in maintaining healthy tissue function and supporting healing processes.

It is important to emphasize that these potential benefits are based on available research and do not constitute claims for the prevention, treatment or cure of specific diseases. MWT is presented as a complementary method to support general health and well-being, and users are encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

Technical specifications
Millimeter wave therapy devices vary in design and functionality, but they share certain technical features that ensure ease of use and safety. A prominent example is BioTrEM Universal, developed by Triomed EU OÜ, which illustrates modern advances in MWT technology.

Device specifications

• Dimensions: BioTrEM Universal measures 75 x 45 x 13 mm, which makes it very portable and suitable for use at home or on the go.

• Weight: Under 100 grams, which provides easy handling and comfort during use.

• Frequencies: The device is equipped with two MM wave transmitters operating at 40-43 GHz, corresponding to wavelengths of 6.98-7.5 mm. These frequencies are chosen for their ability to resonate with biological structures such as cell membranes, in line with early research by Devyatkov and his team in the 1960s.

• Infrared Emitter: Includes an infrared emitter with wavelengths of 0.8-1.2 µm, which complements the MM wave therapy by providing gentle heat and increased tissue penetration in the upper layers of the skin.

• Power source: Powered by a CR2032 battery with a nominal voltage of 3.0 V and a maximum current consumption of 30 mA. This provides sufficient battery life for several treatment sessions, usually up to several weeks of daily use, depending on program selection.

• Operating programs: Offers four modes: Harmony (30 minutes), Homeopathy (15 minutes), Optima (10 minutes) and Rejuvenation (6 minutes). Each program is designed to support specific aspects of well-being, such as stress reduction, immune support or cell regeneration, and is controlled via a single button with four LED indicators that provide clear feedback on active mode.

Functional properties

• Bioparametric Emitter: A unique feature of BioTrEM Universal is its ability to adapt to the body's electromagnetic signals in real time. This is achieved through an open oscillating circuit with high sensitivity in the frequency range 30–500 GHz. This technology enables personalized therapy by recording and reproducing individual biosignals, which can improve the effectiveness of treatment based on the user's unique physiological state.

• Memory effect/memory: The device uses silicon-germanium semiconductors which store ambient MM frequencies when switched off and reproduce these in low-intensity background mode. This allows for remote influence up to 3 meters and continuous resonance support even after active use, which is an innovative approach to extending the therapy effect.

• Water structuring: BioTrEM Universal can be used to structure water by exposing it for 30–60 seconds through glass or thin plastic film (up to 2–4 mm thickness). The manufacturer claims that this changes the molecular structure of the water, which can improve the cells' absorption of nutrients and oxygen when it is drunk immediately. This function is based on the theory of information-based resonance transfer, although scientific consensus on its effect is still lacking.

Security

• BioTrEM Universal meets European standards such as Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC, 2014/30/EU) and Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS, 2011/65/EU), which ensures that the device is free of harmful materials and does not interfere with other electronic devices.

• The design focuses on low-intensity use (<10 mW/cm²), which minimizes thermal effects and prioritizes non-thermal biological interactions, in line with safety guidelines from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

These technical specifications show how MWT devices have evolved to become user-friendly and versatile, with advanced features such as real-time biofeedback and memory effects increasing their potential utility. Users are nevertheless encouraged to follow the instructions for use carefully and to consult healthcare personnel if necessary.

History and development
The history of millimeter wave therapy begins in the former Soviet Union, where it was developed in the 1960s under the leadership of Nikolay Dmitrievich Devyatkov. Devyatkov and his team identified frequencies such as 42.2 GHz, 53.6 GHz and 61.2 GHz as particularly effective due to their resonance with biological structures such as cell membranes and proteins. This discovery built on earlier work by physicist Peter Nikolayevich Lebedev, who first discovered millimeter waves in the late 19th century, although medical research only took off after the development of coherent MM wave oscillators in the 1960s (Jing et al., 2024).

In the Soviet Union, MWT was quickly integrated into clinical practice in the 1970s and 1980s, used to support health related to conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis and post-surgical recovery. Early technology was limited to large, stationary units in medical facilities, but by the 1990s the therapy had spread to over 1,000 centers in Eastern Europe, with reports of over 3 million treatments (Lebedeva et al., 1995). At the same time, international attention began to grow, with conferences such as "Millimeter Waves in Medicine and Biology" in 1995 introducing the technology to Western researchers.

From the 2000s onwards, MWTs have evolved into compact, portable devices such as the BioTrEM Universal, driven by advances in semiconductor technology and emitter design. Increased interest in the West has faced challenges such as a lack of standardized clinical trials and regulatory approval, but technological innovations such as more powerful MM wave emitters and the use of omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) have helped to overcome early research limitations (Jing et al., 2024). Today, MWT is at a crossroads, with the potential for wider application if scientific validation can be strengthened.

Mechanisms of action
MWT works through both thermal and non-thermal mechanisms, each contributing to its potential effects on the body.

Thermal effects
Thermal effects occur when MM waves of higher intensity (>10 mW/cm²) are absorbed by water molecules in the skin, leading to local heating. This heating can stimulate nerve endings, increase blood circulation and contribute to pain relief. Ziskin (2013) explains that these effects are similar to traditional heat therapy, but MM waves provide greater precision due to their short penetration depth (0.2–0.8 mm in skin). Jing et al. (2024) adds that thermal effects can affect proteins such as Caspase-3 and HSP27, which regulate cellular response to heat, as shown in studies on melanoma cells where pulsed waves enhanced these changes (Orlacchio et al., 2019). The specific absorption rate (SAR) is low, ensuring minimal risk of overheating, with energy primarily deposited in the upper layers of the skin (Ryan et al., 2000).

Non-thermal effects
Non-thermal effects occur at lower intensities (<10 mW/cm²) and involve direct interactions with cellular structures without significant heating. Frohlich's resonance theory (1980) proposes that cell membranes and proteins naturally vibrate in the MM wave range, and external waves in resonance can modulate biochemical processes such as enzyme activity, ion channel opening and intercellular communication. Jing et al. (2024) elaborate on this by pointing out that MM waves can affect ion channels such as calcium and potassium channels, regulate signaling pathways such as NF-kB and p38 MAPK, and change cell membrane permeability, which supports cellular metabolism and homeostasis.

The acoustic hypothesis, another theory, suggests that MM waves cause cell membranes to oscillate like sound waves, which rapidly reorients water molecules and accelerates cellular processes (Jing et al., 2024). Studies such as Chen et al. (2004) have shown that MM waves can reverse TPA-induced suppression of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in keratinocytes, indicating an effect on cellular communication. Furthermore, research has shown that MM waves can affect mitochondrial functions, such as regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and reducing superoxide radical production, which can support cellular balance (Li et al., 2012; Burlaka et al., 2014). These non-thermal effects are still under debate, and results vary depending on frequency, intensity and exposure time, requiring further research to clarify their full extent.

Applications and clinical documentation
MWT has been explored in a variety of applications that support general health and well-being, with evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies.

Pain relief
MWT's ability to support pain relief is well documented. Usichenko et al. (2006) found in their review that MWT provided rapid pain relief lasting from hours to days, often using acupuncture points. Radzievsky et al. (2008) showed in a study on mice that MM waves at 42.25, 53.57 and 61.22 GHz promoted hypoalgesia via endogenous opioids, with the effect dependent on frequency. Clinical studies such as Partyla et al. (2017) confirmed that MM waves reduced experimentally induced cold pain in volunteers, possibly by affecting blood pressure regulatory areas in the brainstem.

Wound healing
For wound healing, MWT has shown potential to support tissue repair. Pakhomov et al. (1998) observed increased blood flow and reduced inflammation in animal models, while Kulyk et al. (2015) reported faster healing of chronic wounds in humans, which may support the body's natural regeneration processes.

Immune support
MWT may help support the immune system by modulating cytokine levels and increasing immune cell activity. Makar et al. (2003, 2005) found that MM waves at 42.2 GHz reversed CPA-induced immunosuppression in mice by increasing T-cell and NK-cell activity, which supports the body's defense mechanisms. Ni et al. (2020) reported that MM wave treatment at acupuncture points improved clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients, including increased oxygen saturation and decreased cough, suggesting an immunoenhancing effect.

Other uses
MWT has also been investigated to support cell renewal, reduce oxidative stress and improve microcirculation, as mentioned earlier. Jing et al. (2024) highlight the potential in oncology, where MM waves can induce apoptosis in cancer cells such as A375 melanoma cells (Zhao et al., 2020) and MCF-7 breast cancer cells (Beneduci et al., 2005), although this is still at an experimental stage and not an approved treatment.

Regulation
Millimeter waves are non-ionizing and generally considered safe at low intensities (<10 mW/cm²), as they do not cause DNA damage or harmful heating. Zhadobov et al. (2011) confirm that their penetration depth is minimal (0.2–0.8 mm), which reduces the risk of systemic effects. Side effects are rare and mild, such as slight redness at the application site, and no significant long-term effects have been reported in Eastern European studies.

Regulatory standards

• EU: BioTrEM Universal and similar devices comply with EMC (2014/30/EU) and RoHS (2011/65/EU), ensuring safe use in Europe.

• USA: The FDA does not have specific guidelines for MWT, and devices may require 510(k) approval, which is often lacking, keeping MWT as alternative medicine.

• International: ICNIRP sets exposure limits of 10 mW/cm² for the general public, which MWT stays below.

Use and practical details
MWT is administered with devices such as the BioTrEM Universal, usually placed close to the skin for 6–30 minutes daily. The Harmony program allows remote influence (30–50 cm), while others require contact. Water structuring is carried out by exposure for 30-60 seconds, claimed to support cell functions when drunk immediately.

Disclaimer and reservations
The information here is for general information only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Use of MWT should be done in consultation with healthcare personnel. Uno Vita AS does not claim that the product cures diseases; it is for general health and well-being. Keep out of the reach of children.

Freedom of expression and right to information
Uno Vita AS reserves the right to share publicly available research in line with UN human rights (1948, art. 19), the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966, art. 19), the Norwegian Constitution § 100 and the US First Amendment.

References

1. Usichenko, T.I., et al. (2006). Low-Intensity Electromagnetic Millimeter Waves for Pain Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

1. Ziskin, M.C. (2013). Millimeter Waves: Acoustic and Electromagnetic. Bioelectromagnetics.

1. Jing, R., et al. (2024). Advances in Millimeter-Wave Treatment and Its Biological Effects Development. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

1. Lebedeva, N. (1995). Neurophysiological mechanisms of biological effects of peripheral action. Millimeter Waves in Medicine and Biology.

1. Frohlich, H. (1980). The Biological Effects of Microwaves and Related Questions. Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics.

1. Radzievsky, A.A., et al. (2004). Millimeter wave-induced suppression of B16 F10 melanoma growth in mice. Bioelectromagnetics.

1. Zhadobov, M., et al. (2011). Millimeter-wave interactions with the human body. International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies.

1. Beneduci, A., et al. (2005). Antiproliferative effect of millimeter radiation on human erythromyeloid leukemia cell line K562. Bioelectrochemistry.

1. Pakhomov, A.G., et al. (1998). Current state and implications of research on biological effects of millimeter waves. Bioelectromagnetics.

1. Li, X., et al. (2012). Millimeter wave radiation induces apoptosis via affecting the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Oncology Reports.

1. Haas, A.J., et al. (2016). Impact of 60-GHz millimeter waves on stress and pain-related protein expression. Bioelectromagnetics.

1. Triomed EU OÜ. (2024). BioTrEM Universal User Manual.