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Definition
Magnetic therapy is the use of magnets to relieve pain in various areas of the body.
Origins
Magnetic therapy dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Magnets
have long been believed to have healing powers associated with muscle
pain and stiffness. Chinese healers as early as 200 B.C. were said to
use magnetic lodestones on the body to correct unhealthy imbalances in
the flow of qi, or energy.
The ancient Chinese medical text known as The Yellow Emperor's Canon of
Internal Medicine describes this procedure. The Vedas, or ancient Hindu
scriptures, also mention the treatment of diseases with lodestones. The
word "lodestone" or leading stone, came from the use of these stones as
compasses. The word "magnet" probably stems from the Greek Magnes
lithos, or "stone from Magnesia," a region of Greece rich in magnetic
stones. The Greek phrase later became magneta in Latin.
Sir William Gilbert's 1600 treatise, De Magnete, was the first
scholarly attempt to explain the nature of magnetism and how it
differed from the attractive force of static electricity. Gilbert
allegedly used magnets to relieve the arthritic pains of Queen
Elizabeth I. Contemporary American interest in magnetic therapy began
in the 1990s, as several professional golfers and football players
offered testimony that the devices seemed to cure their nagging aches
and injuries.
Many centuries ago, the earth was surrounded by a much stronger
magnetic field than it is today. Over the past 155 years, scientists
have been studying the decline of this magnetic field and the effects
it has had on human health. When the first cosmonauts and astronauts
were going into space, physicians noted that they experienced bone
calcium loss and muscle cramps when they were out of the Earth's
magnetic field for any extended period of time. After this discovery
was made, artifical magnetic fields were placed in the space capsules.
Benefits
Some of the benefits that magnetic therapy claims to provide include:
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pain relief
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reduction of swelling
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improved tissue alkalinization
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more restful sleep
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increased tissue oxygenation
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relief of stress
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increased levels of cellular oxygen
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improved blood circulation
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anti-infective activity
Description
There are two theories that are used to explain magnetic therapy. One
theory maintains that magnets produce a slight electrical current. When
magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, the nerves in that
area are stimulated, thus releasing the body's natural painkillers. The
other theory maintains that when magnets are applied to a painful area
of the body, all the cells in that area react to increase blood
circulation, ion exchange, and oxygen flow to the area. Magnetic fields
attract and repel charged particles in the bloodstream, increasing
blood flow and producing heat. Increased oxygen in the tissues and
blood stream is thought to make a considerable difference in the speed
of healing.
Preparations
There are no special preparations for using magnetic therapy other than
purchasing a product that is specific for the painful area being
treated. Products available in a range of prices include necklaces and
bracelets; knee, back, shoulder and wrist braces; mattress pads;
gloves; shoe inserts; and more.
Precautions
The primary precaution involved with magnetic therapy is to recognize
the expense of this therapy. Magnets have become big business; they can
be found in mail-order catalogs and stores ranging from upscale
department stores to specialty stores. As is the case with many popular
self-administered therapies, many far-fetched claims are being made
about the effectiveness of magnetic therapy. Consumers should adopt a
"let the buyer beware" approach to magnetic therapy. Persons who are
interested in this form of treatment should try out a small,
inexpensive item to see if it works for them before investing in the
more expensive products.
Side Effects
There are very few side effects from using magnetic therapy. Generally,
patients using this therapy find that it either works for them or it
does not. Patients using transcranial magnetic stimulation for the
treatment of depression reported mild headache as their only side
effect.
Research & General Acceptance
Magnetic therapy is becoming more and more widely accepted as an
alternative method of pain relief. Since the late 1950s, hundreds of
studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetic therapy. In
1997, a group of physicians at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston,
Texas studied the use of magnetic therapy in 50 patients who had
developed polio earlier in life. These patients had muscle and joint
pain that standard treatments failed to manage. In this study, 29 of
the patients wore a magnet taped over a trouble spot, and 21 others
wore a nonmagnetic device. Neither the researchers nor the patients
were told which treatment they were receiving (magnetic or
nonmagnetic). As is the case with most studies involving a placebo,
some of the patients responded to the nonmagnetic therapy, but 75% of
those using the magnetic therapy reported feeling much better.
In another study at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, a
neurologist tested magnetic therapy on a group of 19 men and women
complaining of moderate to severe burning, tingling, or numbness in
their feet. Their problems were caused by diabetes or other conditions
present such as alcoholism. This group of patients wore a magnetic
insole inside one of their socks or shoes for 24 hours a day over a
two-month period, except while bathing. They wore a nonmagnetic insert
in their other sock or shoe. Then for two months they wore magnetic
inserts on both feet. By the end of the study, nine out of ten of the
diabetic patients reported relief, while only three of nine nondiabetic
patients reported relief. The neurologist in charge of the study
believes that this study opens the door to additional research into
magnetic therapy for diabetic patients. He plans a larger follow-up
study in the near future.
As of 2000, a federally funded study is underway at the University of
Virginia. This study is evaluating the effectiveness of magnetic
mattress pads in easing the muscle pain, stiffness and fatigue
associated with fibromyalgia.
Magnetic therapy is also being studied in the treatment of depression in patients with bipolar disorder .
A procedure called repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation has shown
promise in treating this condition. In this particular study, patients
with depression had a lower relapse rate than did those using
electroconvulsive therapy. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, patients
using magnetic therapy did not suffer from seizures, memory lapses, or
impaired thinking.
Training & Certification
There is no training or certification required for administering magnetic therapy. Magnetic therapy can be self-administered.
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