1. A Centuries-old Health Practice
Though bio-magnetic therapy has attracted a lot of attention in recent years as an alternative therapy, leading many to believe it a modern practice, the idea of magnets offering health benefits can be traced back to ancient times. The Greek physician Hippocrates, regarded as the "Father of Medicine," referred to the healing powers of magnets centuries ago. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian medical literature describes the use of lodestone, a natural magnetic mineral, and the Chinese have used magnets to treat illnesses and injuries for nearly 5,000 years. Cleopatra even wore magnetic jewelry for its many health benefits.
2. Attracting Good Health
So how do magnets work? It is thought that cells in the body respond favorably to the magnetic field created by placing magnets on or around the body (magnetic products used for health purposes include jewelry, bed pads and items like knee braces and back supports containing magnets). A normally-functioning cell is an electrical force, with the outside having a negative charge and the inside a positive charge. Damage to the cell due to injury or disease affects this cellular polarity, and it is believed that magnets can restore this balance and thus bring about good health.
3. For Spasms, Sprains and So Much More
Because magnets can help increase blood flow (bringing blood to damaged areas and removing toxins), they are used in a number of injuries and diseases. They are thought to hasten healing of fractures, sprains, strains and joint pain. Because they can reduce inflammation and stress, they have long been used to treat back spasms. Bio-magnetic therapy has also been used for carpel tunnel syndrome, asthma, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, bronchitis and nerve complications arising from diabetes.
4. Not an Alternative for Some Illnesses and Injuries
Bio-magnetic therapy is not for everyone. It may simply not be right for the condition or disease you have, for instance. It is not a suggested therapy for pregnant women or people who have a pacemaker. And since magnets tend to increase blood flow, it is not recommended to use them on bleeding wounds, as this will promote rather than stop bleeding. Use of bipolar magnets (having both a negative and positive charge) is also thought to stimulate growth of cancer cells and bacteria, so use of these types of magnets should not be used by people having infections or cancer.
5. Cure-all or Fool's Gold?
Despite centuries of use, the debate about the effectiveness of bio-magnetic therapy still exists. Many believe it should be considered as an alternative therapy along with conventional medical practices. A published study in 1999 showed the use of magnets to have no affects on muscle soreness; yet many people use them for muscle spasms and strains with positive results. Nearly 70 percent of people treated with bio-magnetic therapy have reported improvement, and many who discontinue use wind up having pain and other symptoms return.
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