Magnet Therapy
Magnet therapy, or Magnetic therapy, or Magnotherapy is an alternative medicine claiming that certain medical disorders can be effectively treated by exposure to magnetic fields. Some believe that magnetic fields emanating from permanent magnets placed close to the body can cause bones to heal faster, relieve pain, and perform other forms of healing to the body. It is most commonly recommended by practitioners as a cure for joint disorders and back problems.
Practitioners of this therapy use negative magnetic fields which have a beneficial effect on health. By placing magnets near or on an injury site, a force field is created that encourages muscle relaxation and increased blood flow, while reducing inflammation. Devices range from small, simple magnets to large machines capable of generating high magnitudes of field strength.
The claim that magnets help "circulate blood" is a common one among supporters of magnet therapy, but there is no scientific evidence that magnets do anything to the blood. Even though the evidence is lacking that magnets have anything other than a placebo effect, theories abound as to how they work. Some say magnets are like a shiatsu massage; some claim magnets affect the iron in red blood cells; still others claim that magnets create an alkaline reaction in the body (Collie).
Scientific tests of magnet therapy
Scientific tests of magnetic therapy for the treatment of wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic low back pain have concluded that there is no health benefit from magnetic fields in those cases.
It is a safe, drug free, cost effective and easy to use method of self-treatment, without any of the side effects associated with conventional methods of pain relief. Magnet therapy, which involves placing small magnets close to the skin in order to relieve muscle or joint pain, has interested many patients who want to avoid pain medications or who seek alternative treatments.
Magnet therapy, or Magnetic therapy, or Magnotherapy is an alternative medicine claiming that certain medical disorders can be effectively treated by exposure to magnetic fields. Some believe that magnetic fields emanating from permanent magnets placed close to the body can cause bones to heal faster, relieve pain, and perform other forms of healing to the body. It is most commonly recommended by practitioners as a cure for joint disorders and back problems.
Practitioners of this therapy use negative magnetic fields which have a beneficial effect on health. By placing magnets near or on an injury site, a force field is created that encourages muscle relaxation and increased blood flow, while reducing inflammation. Devices range from small, simple magnets to large machines capable of generating high magnitudes of field strength.
Scientific tests of magnet therapy
Scientific tests of magnetic therapy for the treatment of wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic low back pain have concluded that there is no health benefit from magnetic fields in those cases.
It is a safe, drug free, cost effective and easy to use method of self-treatment, without any of the side effects associated with conventional methods of pain relief. Magnet therapy, which involves placing small magnets close to the skin in order to relieve muscle or joint pain, has interested many patients who want to avoid pain medications or who seek alternative treatments.
Modern Magnetic Therapy
Today in Japan and other Asian countries, therapeutic magnets are licensed as medical devices. Magnetic therapy has found favor in Australia, Russia and many European countries, especially Germany where medical insurance covers some of the costs. Contemporary western medicine uses magnetic energy for diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and, as a method to accelerate the healing of bone fractures. Magnetic therapy is becoming increasingly popular among progressive health care practitioners, veterinarians and professional athletes as well as the general population. It is a fact our population is aging and the cost of traditional health care is spiraling upward. magnetic therapy, for reasons of simplicity, effectiveness and economy, will become an important form of alternative therapy in the future.
Another theory is that the magnetic field energizes and oxygenates the white corpuscles in the blood stream, and these white corpuscles are natures healing agents. The charged ions increase the blood flow, which provides increased oxygenation to the blood. This increased oxygenation is the prevalent factor to enhancing your body's natural healing powers, and the results are less pain, decreased inflammation, and the possibility of increased energy level.
Where should I place magnets for relief??
There are three schools of thought about magnet placement:
* At the site of pain,
* At the site of pain and possible referring site, and Acupressure points.
The first method, at the site of pain, is clear - just put them where it hurts. Magnets seem to work best in "balanced" application, for example, on both sides of a sore knee or stiff neck. For this reason, many magnetic products for the elbows, wrists, and knees feature several opposing sets of magnets.
The second method, at the site of pain and possible referring site, is more complex. Knee pain may be caused by an undiagnosed hip problem, or a strained back may show up as shoulder or neck pain. For this reason, do not rely on magnetic devices as medical treatment. If you experience pain, consult a physician.
The third method, Acupressure points, requires either knowledge of acupuncture/Acupressure, or a good diagram of these points and plenty of patience.
Experts recommend you continue trying any and all combination of these methods until relief is attained. Each human body is different, and will respond differently to any type of therapy.
Close to the Skin! The most important factor in placement is: Close to the Skin. There is an exponential decrease in the strength of a magnet field as the distance from the magnet increases. At a distance of 4 inches from the magnet, the field is less than 1/16th the rated strength of the magnet. This explains why hip joints seldom respond as well to magnetic therapy as do other, smaller joints!
* At the site of pain,
* At the site of pain and possible referring site, and Acupressure points.
The first method, at the site of pain, is clear - just put them where it hurts. Magnets seem to work best in "balanced" application, for example, on both sides of a sore knee or stiff neck. For this reason, many magnetic products for the elbows, wrists, and knees feature several opposing sets of magnets.
The second method, at the site of pain and possible referring site, is more complex. Knee pain may be caused by an undiagnosed hip problem, or a strained back may show up as shoulder or neck pain. For this reason, do not rely on magnetic devices as medical treatment. If you experience pain, consult a physician.
The third method, Acupressure points, requires either knowledge of acupuncture/Acupressure, or a good diagram of these points and plenty of patience.
Experts recommend you continue trying any and all combination of these methods until relief is attained. Each human body is different, and will respond differently to any type of therapy.
Close to the Skin! The most important factor in placement is: Close to the Skin. There is an exponential decrease in the strength of a magnet field as the distance from the magnet increases. At a distance of 4 inches from the magnet, the field is less than 1/16th the rated strength of the magnet. This explains why hip joints seldom respond as well to magnetic therapy as do other, smaller joints!
Can magnetic therapy hurt me??
According to published clinical studies, magnet use has no long term side-effects. Many believe this is due to the natural or alternative approach to healing. To be on the safe side, always consult your physician before beginning any type of therapy.