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, corresponding to frequencies between 30 and 300 GHz. This technology has been explored for its potential to support general health and well-being, including pain relief, immune support, and improvement of cellular function. MWT originated in the former Soviet Union in the 1960s and has since been developed and used in complementary health practice, especially in Eastern Europe. In this article, we provide a thorough and professionally grounded 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 manner 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 include more 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 may support the body’s natural functions and contribute to general well-being. These benefits are based on available research and clinical observations, and are presented here without suggesting treatment of specific medical conditions.

Pain relief is one of the most well-documented benefits of MWT. Research has shown that the therapy may help reduce pain in conditions such as arthritis, headaches, postoperative 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, Wang et al. (2019) demonstrated in an RCT with 60 participants a substantial reduction in chronic back pain compared with a control group. Another study by Lee et al. (2017) involving 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 may 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 with conventional methods. This suggests that MWT may help maintain healthy tissue function and support the body’s regenerative 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 may 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 strengthen immune function through increased NK cell activity, which could potentially support the body’s ability to handle stressors. Jing et al. (2024) further emphasize that MWT can regulate cytokine levels and activate immune cells, providing a broader understanding of how the therapy may contribute to immune system balance.

Improved cellular function is another reported effect of MWT. Research suggests that millimeter waves can increase the permeability of cell membranes, which may 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 regulate cell renewal and maintain healthy cellular function. Jing et al. (2024) confirm this by noting that MWT can influence ion channels and signaling pathways at the cellular level, which may potentially support cellular homeostasis.

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

Finally, MWT has been shown to be able to support microcirculation, which may improve oxygen delivery 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 may be especially useful for 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 regarding 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 qualified healthcare professionals before use.

Technical specifications
Millimeter wave therapy devices vary in design and functionality, but they share certain technical characteristics 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, making it highly portable and suitable for use at home or on the go.

• Weight: Under 100 grams, allowing for easy handling and comfort during use.

• Frequencies: The device is equipped with two MM-wave emitters operating at 40–43 GHz, corresponding to wavelengths of 6.98–7.5 mm. These frequencies were selected 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 MM-wave therapy by providing gentle warmth and increased tissue penetration in the upper skin layers.

• 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, typically up to several weeks with daily use, depending on the program selected.

• 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 cellular renewal, and is controlled via a single button with four LED indicators that provide clear feedback on the active mode.

Functional features

• 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 of 30–500 GHz. This technology enables personalized therapy by detecting and reproducing individual biosignals, which may enhance the effect of the treatment based on the user’s unique physiological condition.

• Memory effect/memory: The device uses silicon-germanium semiconductors that store ambient MM frequencies when it is 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 effect of the therapy.

• 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 thick). The manufacturer claims that this alters the molecular structure of the water, which may improve the cells’ uptake of nutrients and oxygen when consumed immediately. This function is based on the theory of information-based resonance transfer, although scientific consensus on the effect is still lacking.

Safety

• BioTrEM Universal complies with European standards such as Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC, 2014/30/EU) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS, 2011/65/EU), ensuring that the device is free from 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 accordance 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 that increase their potential usefulness. Users are nevertheless encouraged to follow the instructions for use carefully and consult healthcare professionals when needed.

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 did not gain momentum until 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 in connection with conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery. Early technology was limited to large, stationary devices in medical facilities, but by the 1990s the therapy had spread to more than 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 onward, MWT has 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 studies and regulatory approval, but technological innovations such as more powerful MM-wave emitters and the use of omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) have helped overcome early research limitations (Jing et al., 2024). Today, MWT stands at a crossroads, with the potential for broader application if scientific validation can be strengthened.

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

Thermal effects
Thermal effects occur when higher-intensity MM-waves (>10 mW/cm²) are absorbed by water molecules in the skin, leading to localized heating. This heating can stimulate nerve endings, increase blood circulation, and contribute to pain relief. Ziskin (2013) explains that these effects resemble 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) add that thermal effects can influence proteins such as Caspase-3 and HSP27, which regulate the 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. Fröhlich’s resonance theory (1980) proposes that cell membranes and proteins naturally vibrate in the MM-wave range, and external waves in resonance may modulate biochemical processes such as enzyme activity, ion channel opening, and intercellular communication. Jing et al. (2024) elaborate on this by noting that MM-waves may affect ion channels such as calcium and potassium channels, regulate signaling pathways such as NF-kB and p38 MAPK, and alter cell membrane permeability, thereby supporting cellular metabolism and homeostasis.

The acoustic hypothesis, another theory, suggests that MM-waves cause cell membranes to oscillate like sound waves, rapidly reorienting water molecules and accelerating cellular processes (Jing et al., 2024). Studies such as Chen et al. (2004) have shown that MM-waves may 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 may affect mitochondrial functions, such as regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and reducing superoxide radical production, which may support cellular balance (Li et al., 2012; Burlaka et al., 2014). These non-thermal effects are still under debate, and the results vary depending on frequency, intensity, and exposure time, requiring further research to clarify their full scope.

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

Pain relief
MWT’s ability to support pain relief is well documented. In their review, Usichenko et al. (2006) found that MWT provided rapid pain relief lasting from hours to days, often using acupuncture points. Radzievsky et al. (2008) showed in a mouse study that MM-waves at 42.25, 53.57 and 61.22 GHz promoted hypoalgesia via endogenous opioids, with the effect depending 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-regulating 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 regenerative 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, thereby supporting 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 reduced cough, suggesting an immune-enhancing effect.

Other applications
MWT has also been investigated for supporting cell renewal, reducing oxidative stress, and improving microcirculation, as mentioned earlier. Jing et al. (2024) highlight the potential in oncology, where MM waves may 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 is not an approved treatment.

Regulation
Millimeter waves are non-ionizing and are 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) clearance, which is often lacking, keeping MWT within alternative medicine.

• Internationally: ICNIRP sets exposure limits at 10 mW/cm² for the general public, which MWT remains below.

Use and practical details
MWT is administered using devices such as BioTrEM Universal, typically placed near the skin for 6–30 minutes daily. The Harmony program allows remote application (30–50 cm), while others require contact. Water structuring is performed through exposure for 30–60 seconds, claimed to support cellular functions when consumed immediately.

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

Freedom of expression and right to information
Uno Vita AS reserves the right to share publicly available research in accordance with the UN Human Rights (1948, Art. 19), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966, Art. 19), Section 100 of the Norwegian Constitution, and the First Amendment of the United States.

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.