In China, France, Japan and especially in India, magnetic therapy has long been used to speed the healing of broken bones and soft-tissue injuries.
In the US, magnetic therapy is sometimes considered a form of quackery. But following the publication of several “pro-magnet” studies in the Journal of Electro- and Magneto biology and elsewhere, a few pioneering doctors in this country are beginning to use magnets in their performs.
Previously, magnetic therapy has confirmed effectual in curing slow-healing fractures as well as arthritic necks and knees. Research also recommend that consistent use of magnets might reverse osteoporosis, slow tumor growth, prevent heart disease and boost mental function in certain Alzheimer’s patients.
I know from personal experience that people sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed after a night on a magnetic mattress. I sleep on one myself!
Is magnetic therapy safe? Absolutely. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines routinely expose patients to magnetic fields as high as 15,000 gauss with no negative effects. It stands to reason that a medical magnet rated at 200 to 800 gauss poses little threat.
How magnets work
Studies have demonstrated quite clearly that when placed directly on the skin, a simple, handheld magnet works by…
• Increasing blood flow
It does so by stimulating cellular activity through the so called “Hall effect.” This is general heating of the magnetized area. Some scientists think magnets improve the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which could also stimulate blood flow to the affected area.
• Diminishing pain
This occurs via a combination of the Hall Effect and possibly some stabilizing influence on the autonomic nervous system.
• Speeding up the healing process
It does so by boosting the body’s synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the “fuel” that fires all cellular processes and by enhancing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen
Magnets versus arthritis
Magnetic therapy helps relieve arthritis pain and slows the deterioration of cartilage inside arthritic joints.
For my patients with arthritis, I recommend sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad or wrapping a flexible, magnetic bandage around the affected joint. If you do sleep on a magnetic pad, remove it for a day or two, every two to four weeks. This seems to prolong the beneficial effects.
Headaches and back pain
Magnetic pillow liners appear to be an effective treatment for chronic headaches and jaw pain.
People with long-lasting back pain have got major relief from sleeping on magnetic mattresses, and/or utilizing magnetic seat cushions.
Soft tissue inflammation
Tennis elbow, caipal tunnel syndrome as well as other tendon or ligament difficulties heal quicker when enclosed in magnetic strappings. In most cases, the magnet is wrapped into place over the affected area and left in place until the pain disappears.
Broken bones
In certain hospitals, potent electromagnets are used to speed curing of persistent bone fractures. Magnetic therapy also seems to encourage regeneration of spinal disk tissue.
Asthma
Consistent use of magnets prevent the violent allergic reaction in the lungs that is characteristic of bronchial asthma.
Helpful: Sleeping on a magnetic mattress or wearing a magnetic bandage on your chest.
Putting magnets to work
The benefits of magnetic therapy frequently seem within the first hour of cure. In others, three or four days of stable cures are necessary.
For extreme benefit: Put magnets as close to your body as probable. The strength of the magnetic field drops off suddenly with distance.
A variety of magnetic devices is now available including mattress pads, seat cushions, pillow liners, magnet-studded bandages and simple handheld magnets.
