Magnetic Therapy

The use of magnets as therapeutic devices is not new. Magnetic Therapy is an age-old practice going back many civilizations and was mentioned in ancient writings from many cultures. Magnetic therapy as part of alternative health is now undergoing a popular revival, this is in part through the influence of modern magnetic materials and also due to the increasing use of magnetic therapy as a complementary health option for pain relief and sports injuries.

Magnetic Therapy has become an alternative treatment method for many medical conditions. Magnetic therapy, in its complementary use, is well advanced in Japan, China, India, Australia, and Germany. There is growing interest from other countries including Great Britain, Holland, Canada and the United States.

• MAGNET DEFICIENCY
• HOW DOES IT WORK? ONE POSSIBLE THEORY
• HOW MAGNETS HEAL OUR BODIES
• HOW CAN A MAGNETIC BRACELET HELP?
• MAGNETIC THERAPY IN PRACTICE
• ARE MAGNETS SAFE?

• Magnetism is a basic force in nature: The Earth itself has a natural magnetic field and all creatures are born and live out their lives under the influence of this natural force. It protects life on the planet by shielding us from harmful radiation, and it is said to have a nourishing and beneficial effect on us.
• Magnetic Deficiency: Many people believe that modern day mankind may be "magnetic deficient". This condition may be arising from modern life, the insulating effect of living and working in concrete and high-rise buildings. Added to this we are surrounded by a surfeit of electronic and electrical gadgetry. Both of these effects actually block our natural exposure to the Earths magnetic field. There is also a relatively recent decline in the Earth's magnetic field. If this 'magnetic deficiency' is true, it may be the cause of many recent unexplained illnesses, and why the use of magnets can have a positive effect in so many conditions. Magnetic Deficiency would make an interesting subject for scientific research.

There are many viewpoints and theories, new, old and alternative, as to how magnets work therapeutically. Most of these theories have not been verified scientifically, but represent informed speculation.

• Is it all in the Blood? Many commentators believe magnets have a significant effect on the blood mechanisms within the tissues. While it may be too simplistic to say that blood flow is improved under the influence of magnets, there may be an improvement in certain aspects of the blood quality and function.
• Improved Oxygenation? Magnetic therapy is based on the biological effects of magnetic fields on the living organism. When magnetic fields are properly applied (polarity, intensity, and frequency), it penetrates every single cell being exposed to the field. This, in turn, is believed to influence the ion exchange within the cell, which improves the oxygen utilization of the cell. It is thought that the magnetism increases the electrical conductivity of the blood, creating a weak current and increasing the number of ions. The newly ionized blood circulates throughout the body improving oxygenation to cell tissue, thereby significantly contributing to the efficiency of the blood flow. Blood is essential to life. This may be important for the healing and regeneration process as blood flows to all parts of the body.

Complementary practitioners have noted wide-ranging effects of magnetism on the body. Further scientific research is required, but specific physiological effects have been speculated on:

• Magnets possibly improve the quality of the blood circulation. This can, in turn, increase the nutrient carrying potential of the blood. Blood flow is a key aspect of health and disease; this may be one of the main healing benefits of using magnets. Improved blood quality may result in a reduction in inflammation, reduced calcium deposits, lactic acid and other toxins. Tissues have the potential to detoxify and the healing process can begin.
• It has also been reported that magnets may help to block pain when nerve fibers are subject to a magnetic field, even possibly producing endorphins, which are the body's own natural painkillers.
• Magnetism may help to heal nervous tissue and bones by speeding up the migration of calcium ions.
• Melatonin production may also be influenced by exposure to magnetic fields; this hormone helps promote restful sound sleep.

• Magnets and Blood - the Essence of Life: One way in which magnetic bracelets are believed to work is via the magnetic influence over the blood flow at the wrist arteries, there are two main arteries at the wrist. The quality and efficiency of its flow around the body have a major impact on our ability to heal; our health, fitness, and vitality.
• The Acupuncturist's View: The magnets stimulate key acupressure points on the wrist area to give relief from pain in the wrist or hand. Wrist acupressure points are used in traditional acupuncture to help with the elbow, shoulder, arm and neck problems, as well as with other health issues including insomnia, stress, digestive problems, and headaches.

• What health conditions can be helped? As an alternative complementary approach, many conditions are treated. Millions of people worldwide use magnets for backaches, joint pains, chronic pain, poor circulation, insomnia, muscle aches, headaches, repetitive strain, carpal syndrome, swelling, low energy, sports injuries and many more, the list is endless. Although the use of magnets for these conditions is not normally recognized by medical science, and actual research on static magnets is limited (although research using alternating magnetic fields is more substantial).
• What ways are there of using magnets? We suggest three methods: 
  
  Locally: Use magnets, a wrap or other therapy magnet, directly over the problem area. 
  General Approach: This is where magnetic bracelets are often used. The magnets line up over the main arteries at the wrist. The improved blood circulating through can then have a beneficial effect on other areas of the body. 
  Dual Approach: In fact, we suggest it is good to use both a local and general approach, as we believe this provides the best overall strategy to alleviate a problem. This approach is similar to the local and distal approach in Acupuncture.
• How long will it take to feel some benefit from using magnets? Everybody is different and health problems vary considerably from person to person. Some people can feel benefits within hours, others it may take a couple of weeks.
• How is Magnetic strength measured? The depth of penetration of a magnet depends on its actual physical size and gauss (or Tesla) measurement. Neodymium magnets are often high strength but are limited in size; Ferrite magnets have lower strength but can be made larger.
• Is Magnet Therapy a cure-all? No! But they do work on a reasonable percentage of people, some achieving remarkable benefits, others a noticeable improvement. Others with no change in symptoms. This is a personal opinion based on experience, not research.

• The World Health Organization (WHO): published a study in 1987 stating that the magnetic strengths typically used in magnetic therapy do not have any detrimental effect on the human body.
• General Precautions: It is advisable that pregnant women or people wearing electrical or electronic medical devices (e.g. a pacemaker, insulin pump etc) or metal implants should not use magnets. Small magnets should also be kept away from children in case they swallow them. Magnets should not be used near fresh cuts or wounds.

Disclaimer: We make no specific medical claims. It is always best to seek professional medical advice on an individual basis for your particular circumstances.