What is Magnetic Therapy?

Magnetic Therapy is the placement of magnets on or close to the body to alleviate pain and/or illness. It can be applied in many cases of acute, and chronic pain as well as a number of illnesses without side effects. (See precautions below)

Background/History

Magnetic therapy dates back to ancient times and is one of the oldest natural therapeutic treatments known to man. A medical text from around 2000 B.C. in China refers to the use of magnets to correct various health problems.

Today, many people are turning to natural therapy as an alternative to traditional western remedies such as drugs and surgery. It is is an established practise in a number of countries, including Japan, China, India, Austria, Germany and used widely in the US, Britain, Australia and many other countries in Europe.

 Magnetic Mittens

About Magnetic Therapy

The effectiveness of Magnetic Therapy depends on the following:

• Strength of the magnet.
• Type of magnet.
• Thickness of the magnet.
• Thickness or spacing of the pad between the skin and the magnet.

Magnets work best when close to the body. Keep this in mind when comparing underlays - especially those with a thick cover such as wool underlays where the space between the magnets and your body increase according to the thickness of the wool cover - wool can add 3-5 cms between the magnet and your body !!!

Accordingly, a thick, luxurious, woollen underlay would be a great aid in providing relaxation and helping to get a restful night's sleep and giving some relief for diabetic neuropathy, night cramps and poor periperheral blood flow but would be of limited value in treating acute or chronic pain in and of itself.

Woollen  & Cotton Underlays

Look for underlays with a large number of magnets and a gauss rating of at least 1000g - the larger the number of magnets, the greater the benefit.

If the number of magnets is not listed, then ask the seller !!!

Magnetic Underlays on eBay

Based on the simple Inverse Square Law of Physics principle:

• When magnets are 1cm from the skin they are working at one quarter of their power
• When magnets are 2cm from the skin they are working at one sixteenth of their power

 Magnetic Bed Boots

Common uses

• To relieve the pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, headache, muscle sprains, carpal tunnel, RSI, etc.
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• To reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
• Antimicrobial effects (by increasing immune function).
• To reduce stress.
• In the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. hallucinations, delusions, seizures, panic.
• To increase energy and general wellbeing and promote healing.
• To increase athletic endurance and performance.

How Do Magnets Work ?

Two widely accepted theories exist as to the effect that magnets may have on your body.

The first theory looks at the effect magnetic fields have on blood supply. Blood contains many charged ions which naturally are either attracted or repelled by magnetic fields. Magnets are thought to cause blood vessels to widen in the area where the magnet is placed and in turn "attracts" oxygenated blood to the painful area.

The second theory concerns itself with the effect magnetic fields have on nerves and pain-sensation. When suffering a period of pain and discomfort, these pain-sensitive nerves are much more active, sending a constant stream of "messages" to the brain which are percieved as pain. The theory is that these pain-sensitive nerves, when exposed to magnetic fields are inhibited and therefore send fewer messages of pain/discomfort to the brain - the brain perceives a reduction in pain. When less pain is percieved, the body is more likely to be more relaxed and suffer less from secondary muscle cramps and tension.

 Woollen Magnetic Pet Bed

There is anecdotal evidence that shows an improved recovery rate in humans and animals from broken bones when magnets have been applied to the injured area and while animals can not tell you they feel more comfortable when magnets have been applied, humans can and have done so in various case studies.

 Dacron Magnetic Pet Bed 

Magnetics for Pets

Types of Magnets

• Unidirectional magnets - have a positive pole and a negative pole. Unipole magnets are recommended for therapeutic usage. These magnets are a flat surface type with the Positive pole on one flat side, and the Negative pole on the opposite flat surface. The Positive side is usually marked with a red color. The Negative is usually indicated by a GREEN colored-coded sticker. The green NEGATIVE side is the side placed toward the body.
• BiPolar magnets - have positive and negative poles on the same surface.
• Ceramic Magnets - deep penetration, head, back, spine, etc.
• Flexible Magnets - medium penetration, larger muscle groups, back, neck, shoulder, etc.
• Neodymium Magnets (also referred to as rare-earth magnets) - Short range penetration, finger, toe, TMJ
• Dot Magnets - very small magnets that can be taped on your finger, toe, ear, face, neck. They can rust if not gold plated. 1200 gauss
• Water Magnets - used to treat water in pipes to prevent scale build up on the inside surface of boilers, and other containers in which water is repeatedly heated and to treat water in pools.

 Magnetic Sports Elbow Wrap

Gauss

Gauss is not the overall power of a magnet. Several factors determine the total power of the magnet, gauss is only one of them. Gauss is the centimeter-gram-second unit of magnetic induction, equal to one Maxwell per square centimeter or the flux density of the magnetic field.

Gauss is the most misunderstood term in magnetic therapy, greatly misused by some manufacturers who use manufacturer’s gauss rating to indicate the strength of their products, when in truth the strength of a magnet depends on:

1. Strength of material (manufacturer’s gauss rating)
2. Size and weight of the magnet

For example: The earth’s magnetic field is 0.5 Gauss and a refrigerator magnet is 10 Gauss.

Considering only these numbers it would appear that a refrigerator magnet is more powerful than the earth. This is incorrect, the earth, due to its immense size is immeasurably more powerful.

Magnetic Back Brace

Generally speaking, magnets used in magnetic therapy products range from 300 to 3000 Gauss.

Magnetic Body Care

Life of Magnets

High quality magnets last a lifetime, provide superior depth of penetration, and give comfort for your painful condition. As with many other products you will only get as much quality as what you pay for. When you purchase your magnets buy only the best.

 Magnetic Patella Brace

Effectiveness of Magnetic Therapy

The level of success will vary between individuals and will also depend on how long you have had the condition and the depth of the condition.

Precautions

• In chronic conditions (where there has been limited blood flow to the area to be treated) symptoms may be exacerbated initially.
• Magnetic Therapy is not recommended during pregnancy, especially on the abdominal area.
• Individuals with pacemakers (or similar devices) should not use Magnetic Therapy near the area of the implant and should conduct their family doctor prior to use.
• Magnetic Therapy should not be used on a bleeding wound - wait until the bleeding has stopped.
• Individuals with an infection or cancer should not use bipolar magnets. There are concerns that the 'south pole' of these magnets may accelerate growth of cancer, bacteria, viruses and fungi.
• Individuals taking blood-thinning medication should avoid Magnetic Therapy.
• Anyone using electric blankets/heating pads should not use magnetic products.

 Magnetic Fingerless Mitten

More Magnetics on eBay

As a general rule, if you are pregnant, use a medical device such as a pacemaker or electronic implant or take medication you should always consult with your family doctor before using magnetic products.