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Magnetic therapy is a safe, non-invasive method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. Essentially, magnetic therapy is a form of alternative medicine based on the concept that certain medical disorders, such as arthritis and back pain, can be effectively treated by exposure to magnetic fields. It is 100% safe, drug free and has no side effects. It is believed that this natural method can be used to relieve pain, restore energy and enhance sleep. Magnetic therapy devices range from small, simple magnets to large machines capable of generating high magnitudes of field strength.
History of Magnetic Therapy
The use of magnetic therapy for pain relief and healing is nothing new. Magnetic therapy was first used by the Chinese 4,000 years ago. Many other cultures including the Greeks, Egyptians and Europeans adopted the theory of magnetic therapy and its relation to relieve pain and other symptoms. As compared to the developments of magnets today, the size and weight of the magnets existing during the times of these cultures made them much more difficult to use.
It has been known that Ancient Egyptians used ‘loadstones,’ a permanent magnet consisting of magnetite that possesses polarity, to prolong life and improve health. In addition, back around 350 B.C., Aristotle spoke of the therapeutic uses of magnets for healing. Paracelsus, whom is considered to be the father of modern medicine, in the 1500’s believed that the life force of the body was most influenced by the force found in magnets. Currently in Europe, Russia, China, Japan and many other countries, convinced of their benefits, millions of people continue to use certain forms of magnetic therapy.
How It Works
There is still much research and debate about how magnetic therapy works. All physical and mental functions are controlled by the electromagnetic fields produced by the movement of electro-chemicals (ions) within the body. When an injury occurs and the tissue is damaged, the positively charged ions move to this affected area, triggering the pain and inflammation that you feel. Once those electromagnetic fields at the affected area are restored to their normal balance, the pain is reduced and healing process improves.
The theory is once the charged particles from the magnets are inside the body; electrical currents dilate the blood vessels allowing more blood to flow to the affected area of the body. With the circulation increasing, the body’s natural healing mechanism works more efficiently. Simply put, the idea behind magnets is they stimulate magnetic fields in the body, improving circulation, promoting faster healing and general good health.
About Magnetic Field Strength and Effectiveness
The magnetic product (mattress pad, pillow, eye mask, etc) must create a magnetic field strong enough to penetrate completely through the injured area to be effective. The strength of the magnetic field dissipates rapidly once the distance between the injured area and magnet increases. This is why the product must be properly designed so the magnetic field does not drop below therapeutic levels before it even reaches the injury site, making the product completely ineffective.
Four factors determine the strength and effectiveness of a product’s magnetic field:
- The size of the magnets
- The number of magnets used
The polarity (negative or positive) facing the body
- Manufacturer’s gauss rating.
The manufacturer’s gauss rating is the amount of magnetic energy at the magnet’s core. Because magnets are made from different types of material, each magnet has a different gauss rating. In addition there are three types of magnets used in biomagnetics:
- Flexible rubber magnets: Commonly referred to as “refrigerator magnets”, when used in magnetic therapy are much stronger and thicker with the gauss ratings range from 2300 to 2650. Refrigerator magnets have a gauss rating of about 1500.
- Ceramic Magnets: A compound made of strontium carbonate and ferric oxide power. Ceramic magnets are available commercially in 2,300 gauss (grade 1), 3,800 gauss (grade 5) and 3,950 gauss (grade 8).
- Neodymium Magnets: This is the strongest type of magnet. It is a blend of rare earth element, Neodymium, with Iron and Boron. Commercial Neodymium magnets are typically 10,800 gauss (grade 27) or 11,000 gauss (grade 30).
When looking at the four factors which determine the effectiveness of the product, it is important to consider that a larger gauss number does not necessarily mean that it is the most effective. Size is equally as important. For example, a larger magnet with a lower manufacturer’s gauss rating can actually be stronger than a smaller magnet with a higher gauss rating. Therefore, look for both the manufacturer’s gauss rating and the size of the magnet to get an accurate reading on its effectiveness.
Benefits of Magnetic Therapy
The design and theory behind magnetic therapy may help one ease arthritis pain, reduce inflammation, improve joint flexibility, increase blood circulation and achieve a restful night’s sleep. Individual response time to the magnets will vary, and can range from a few minutes, to a few weeks. The effectiveness of magnetic therapy is dependent upon using the correct magnetic products, the length of time they are applied, and the type of severity of the problem. The following are some specific benefits of magnetic therapy:
How does magnetic therapy improve sleep?
Lack of sleep negatively affects your physical health, productivity and general mood. A properly designed magnetic sleep system may provide many benefits from those suffering from nighttime pain and sleeplessness, and those waking up each day with stiff or sore muscles. While you sleep the magnetic fields improves circulation thus promoting faster healing and reduction in pain. It is important to keep in mind when selecting a product, to choose one that provides the proper strength magnetic field and comfort level for your specific needs.
How does magnetic therapy provide pain relief?
There are two types of pain: acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is the result of any immediate trauma while chronic pain is a pain that has lasted for 6 months or longer, such as lower back pain. When you stress joints, like if you were to slip or fall, chemical reactions occur in your body. These chemical reactions may lower oxygen to the cells and hinder the repair of damaged cells, thus causing pain. Circulation plays a key role to transport oxygen for tissue regeneration to the cells. Magnetic fields appear to increase this blood flow to the cells and therefore metabolic healing functions occur much more rapidly.
How does magnetic therapy assist healing of injuries?
The magnetic fields relax capillary (tiny blood vessels) walls, surrounding muscles and connective tissues, increasing blood flow to the injury site. For an injury site to improve at a quicker and more effective rate, oxygen and nutrients are needed and the inflammatory toxins need to be removed more efficiently. The improved blood supply regenerates the cells, increasing the calcium needed to repair and grow the cartilage while at the same time decreasing pain.
Medical Disclaimer
The World Health Organization and the FDA consider magnetic products to be a non-hazardous risk and are generally recognized as safe. However there are certain conditions where magnet therapy should not be used. Consider the following conditions:
- Consult your doctor first before choosing magnetic therapy as your first form of treatment and try more conventional methods first.
- Never use magnetic therapy if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump or any other implanted electro-medical device.
- Magnets should not be placed near transdermal drug patches (unless specifically indicated by your health practitioner.)
- Do not use magnetic therapy if you are pregnant.
- Do not use magnetic therapy if you have received a localized cortisone injection. It may increase your discomfort. Wait at least 2-3 weeks after treatment before applying magnetic therapy.
- Magnets should not be placed over the abdomen, stomach, or back within 90 minutes after eating. They may interfere with digestion.
- Keep magnetic products away from magnetically-sensitive objects (TVs, computers, credit cards, watches, etc.)
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