A new therapy for the new millennium

Magnetic Wave Therapy is one of the latest methods to arise from contemporary research into treatments seeking relief for chronic discomfort, taking inspiration from the way in which complementary health techniques are able to influence the human body's natural healing process. Recent progress in this area indicates magnetic therapy has an exciting future for as a non-invasive effective treatment, able to help promote effective discomfort relief, and general well being, across a number of conditions.

Over the past year, publicity and awareness of magnets to help eliminate discomfort and speed healing has increased dramatically. Medical and scientific studies document positive effects with more studies on going. News articles and books have been published which educate consumers on the uses, benefits and availability of magnets. Consumer testimonials are abundant.

Studies have shown that magnets may be an effective therapy for the relief of discomfort. It is believed that applying magnetic fields to an injured area improves blood flow and oxygen to enhance the body's natural healing process. Magnets create a magnetic field believed to attract and repel charged particles in the blood creating movement and heat. This causes the blood vessels to widen which is believed to accelerate the healing process by allowing more blood to pass through the capillary thus improving blood flow, which takes away the toxins in the system and brings in nutrient rich blood to the affected area. The improved blood flow and fluid exchange to the injured tissue helps reduce discomfort and inflammation. The magnetic field is also thought to stimulate the nervous system, triggering blockage of discomfort sensations.

Another perspective comes from John Zimmerman, Ph.D., one of the leading authorities in America on the subject of magnets. He is president of the Bio-Electro-Magnetics Institute, an independent, nonprofit, educational, research organization dedicated to furthering our understanding of bio-electromagnetism. Dr. Zimmerman has published extensively and is currently conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effectiveness of fixed magnets for low back pain. Another Researcher is Dr.Philpott who is a member of the North American Academy of Magnetic Therapy.
 
Here is what Philpott feels the North Pole will do:
North (Negative) Pole of the magnet

• Relieves pain
• Reduces swelling
• Promotes tissue alkalinization
• Promotes sound, restful sleep
• Increases tissue oxygenation
• Calms the nervous system
• Assists in relief of addictive tendencies

Arthritis:

A noteworthy American double blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of static magnets on the treatment of arthritis was recently published in the ®MDBR¯Journal of Rheumatology®MDNM¯ (November 1997, p. 1200). The study confirms the effectiveness of magnets in relieving the pain of arthritis.

Magnets for health - history and background

The association between magnets, health and well-being is currently enjoying a revival, but the approach is not a new one - magnetic therapy possesses an ancient and colorful heritage. Magnets have occupied a central role within Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years: magnetic wave therapy has its roots in the oriental understanding of health according to Chi, an energy flow regarded as the body's principal life force and the key to well being. In this respect, magnetic wave therapy has a close kinship to acupuncture and acupressure.

Magnetic therapy today

Today in Japan and other Asian countries, therapeutic magnets are licensed as medical devices. Contemporary western medicine uses certain forms of magnetic energy for diagnosis, for example in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and as an aid to accelerate the healing process, following breaks and fractures in bone structure. Magnetic therapy is now gaining widespread acceptance from the US medical community (recent testimonials) and it is becoming increasingly popular among osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors as a means of treating a wide range of health problems, including chronic back discomfort, arthritis and sporting injuries.

General Uses

Relief from Pain and Discomfort: The most common use of magnetic fields is in the treatment of pain, with reports of successful treatment in a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches, muscle sprains and strains, joint pain, tendonitis, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and torn ligaments. A noteworthy American double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of static magnets on the treatment of arthritis was recently published in the ®MDBR¯Journal of Rheumatology®MDNM¯ (November 1997, p. 1200). The study confirms the effectiveness of magnets in relieving the pain of arthritis.

Another scientific study of similar rigor is being carried out by Dr. Zimmerman, and is looking at the effects of fixed magnets on low back pain.

Reduction of Inflammation and Improved Circulation: The magnet improves circulation, allowing blood vessels to dilate and bring a greater volume of blood flow to the injured area. This helps to bring in natural healers and to remove the toxic byproducts of inflammation Pain relief can also be compared to the above situation where you have a sore shoulder and let hot shower water run on it.  To dissipate the build up of heat, the body increases peripheral blood flow to take away the build up and this decrease the pain at the same time.  Magnets operate the same way - the colliding magnetic waves cause friction (heat) and the body reacts in the same way to reduce pain.

Antimicrobial: Magnetic therapy can help the body ward off such microbial invaders as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Stress Reduction: A magnetic field applied to the head calms as well as induces a hypnotic sleeping effect on the brain by stimulating the hormone melatonin. This finding has led to the manufacture of magnetic pillows and pads designed to provide a sound and restful sleep. A person can then awaken with more energy and fewer aches and pains.

Energy Enhancement: Biomagnetic therapy is known to increase general well being by enhancing energy. Consequently, supplemental biomagnetic therapy can help the body revitalize. One normally revitalizes biological energy during sleep. This can be enhanced by sleeping in a magnetic field.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Magnets can be applied to the front and back of the wrist to help this hard-to-heal condition. While the symptoms can be controlled with the help of magnets, one should not expect the condition to be automatically cured.

Circulatory Problems:  One can place magnetic strips along the forearm and sleep on a magnetic pad at night.

Fibromyalgia:  One should sleep on a magnetic mattress pad and use a magnetic pillow. The Journal of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine reported great success with magnetic pads. Magnets can also be placed over painful areas during the day.

Foot and Leg Problems: Magnetic insoles will increase circulation and help conditions such as numbness, burning, aches, restlessness, and leg cramps. In addition, one should sleep on a magnetic mattress pad. They are also great for diabetes.

Headaches: Magnets placed around the head and neck can help with headaches.

Muscle Spasms: One of the major actions of magnets is to decrease spasms in muscles.

Muscle Strains and Sprains and Joint Pain: Local applications are appropriate for these types of problems. Wear the magnet for several hours, and then take a break from it. Either wear the magnet all day and take it off during the night or vice versa.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Magnets act as an anti-inflammatory, and therefore help some chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.