Magnetic healing is an alternative medicine practice that involves exposing the body to static magnetic fields in order to alleviate physical ailments such as arthritis, migraines and broken bones. Although magnetic therapies are generally considered to be lacking in solid scientific foundation, anecdotal successes have made it a popular treatment choice for many believers.
The Theory
Some of the body's cells and tissues emit electromagnetic impulses, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). As a result, some believe that magnets can help to reroute disruptions in the body's electromagnetic fields that have been caused by injury or illness. This rerouting is thought to restore harmony and eliminate the source of ill health. Magnetic therapy is also said to employ negative magnetic fields to boost metabolism, oxygenate the body and create a more healing environment within the body.
Application
Many magnets for purchase by consumers are called static magnets, meaning that their magnetic fields remain constant. Depending on the ailment, thin magnets can be applied to the body in singles or groups, on patches, in the form of jewelry, on bands and belts that can wrap around various parts of the body such as the arms, ankles and waist. Magnets can also be purchased in the form of blankets and shoe insoles.
Proof
The ACS says that clinical trials of static magnets treating pain have elicited varied results. It also mentions any notion of a placebo effect may be excluded since participants generally know when they are wearing magnets due to the magnetic pull drawing other magnetic objects. As a result, as of 2010 static magnetic therapy has been largely unproven as a scientifically sound treatment.
Magnetic Stimulation
Mayo Clinic says that a new form of magnetic therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), has been approved by the U.S.. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative treatment for depression that is unresponsive to drugs. This therapy option by Neuronetics Inc. involves sending electromagnetic pulses into the brain in order to alter brain activity.
Complications
Although the FDA generally considers most magnetic therapy to be harmless, it may interact negatively with implanted medical devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers. Moreover, the FDA mentions that some patients who rely on magnetic therapy alone may cause harm to their bodies simply by neglecting to seek conventional medical assistance for serious medical conditions.
