Magnet Therapy Facts

Considered an alternative medical treatment, magnetic therapy is supposed to cure or relieve symptoms of a patient's physical instabilities or illnesses by exposing parts of the body to magnets. Scientists are skeptical of the claims that magnets are capable of such cures, mostly because of the lack of evidence that people have been helped.

Function

• Those who practice magnet therapy claim that various physical ailments, such as low energy levels and even cuts that are slow to heal, can be improved or cured by placing magnets on parts of the body.

Effects

• Scientific studies show no conclusive evidence that magnet therapy is effective; in fact, the FDA does not allow products advertised for use in magnet therapy to be sold as medical products, such as bracelets, shoes and blankets.

Misconceptions

• Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting magnet therapy, millions of dollars are spent every year by individuals who believe that magnet therapy works.

Considerations

• Advertisements for products used in magnet therapy make up the bulk of the information on websites where the benefits of magnet therapy are touted.

Warning

• Magnetic therapy should not be undertaken as a substitute for established medical remedies. Waiting to see a physician for a serious health problem while undergoing magnetic therapy can prove risky.