Magnets to Improve Your Health

An alternative medicine, magnets are used to treat pain and chronic illness.

Magnetic therapy uses two kinds of magnets. Electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, are a more powerful kind of magnet and are emitted by devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging machines, or MRIs, used by physicians. Static magnets are the same kind of magnets as refrigerator magnets and are used for self-help and preventative treatment.

How it Works

• Magnet affects the body's electromagnetic fields, allowing easier passage of nutrients and oxygen into cells as well as the quick removal of waste. Magnets increase blood flow, which reduces inflammation and pain. Self-help devices include patches, bracelets, shoe insoles and mattress pads. Magnets have proven useful in combating ulcers, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain and fibromyalgia.

Biomagnetic Therapy

• The professional arm of magnetic therapy, biomagnetic therapy was developed by Dr. Osamu Itoh, an acupuncturist. The practice can be performed in combination with other therapies, such as acupuncture. It is designed for patients who dislike needles, such as children. Biomagnetic therapy is a cumulative therapy, which means that it requires several sessions to work.

Alzheimer's Disease

• A test conducted by Maria Costelli, an Italian scientist, concluded that Alzheimer's patients exhibited higher comprehension after a course of TMS, a rapid succession of magnetic pulses. The pulses were delivered daily, five times a week for 25 minutes to the prefrontal lobes. Improvements were still in effect eight weeks after treatment.

Studies

• Studies for the medicinal uses of magnets were mainly conducted in Russia and eastern Europe. In recent years, studies have been conducted on the effectiveness in treating cancer in the United States and China. However, most reports of the effectiveness of magnets comes from personal anecdotes from individuals who benefited from treatment.