Magnet therapy is a controversial form of alternative medicine that involves applying static or pulsing magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. The magnetic fields are produced by magnets of varying strength and size. Practitioners claim that subjecting the body to magnetic fields produced by strong magnets has health benefits. Critics of magnetic therapy consider it pseudoscience, or false science.

Magnet therapy is considered ancient in origin. In fact, fourth century Greek physician Hippocrates, ancient Chinese medicinal records and ancient Egyptian civilizations documented the use of magnets for treating illness. The magnets used at that time were of limited availability, and very large magnetic rocks were unwieldy. Today’s technology, however, has developed the ability to produce very strong, tiny magnets which can be embedded in bandage-sized pads, necklaces, bracelets, blankets and body wraps.

The theory behind magnet therapy is that the body produces small magnetic charges through the movement of ions throughout the body. Our bodies maintain a delicate electromagnetic balance in all its function processes. Swelling, inflammation and pain are the result of an imbalance in the body’s electromagnetic functions, which is where magnet therapy comes in. The magnetic energy relaxes muscles and capillaries, and increases blood flow to the injured area, speeding healing and reducing pain. Magnet therapy can also be used as a preventative, through applying wraps containing magnets to areas of stress during physical activity, such as knees, elbows and ankles.

Magnet therapy is broken into two kinds: static and pulsating electromagnetic therapy. Static refers to a simple magnet that emits a consistent magnetic charge. Pulsating refers to the magnetic energy pulsing in response to a rhythmic electrical stimulus. Static is much more common, as magnets are widely available, and the ones that people buy for self-treatment are the common static variety. Pulsating electromagnetic therapy has been shown in some studies to be effective for enhancing the healing of bone fractures. It also has been claimed that this therapy is effective in treating osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and sleep disorders. Pulsating electromagnetic therapy should only be undertaken under the care of a specialist, and should first be discussed with one’s physician.

Some practitioners claim that magnet therapy may increase blood oxygen, improve circulation, retention, increase relaxation, or affect patterns of flow of the body's life force, known as chi (qi). There are no reputable scientific research studies with results that support these theories, however.

Magnetic therapy is most often marketed to those with conditions such as arthritis pain, inflammation, swelling, stiffness or slow healing. The magnetic therapy industry in the United States has yearly sales totals of about $300 million dollars.

• Previous Page
• 1
• 2
• Next Page