COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Magnet Therapy

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not yet been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization’s standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Background

Many civilizations throughout history have used magnets to treat illness. Ancient Egyptian priests and the fourth century Greek physician Hippocrates documented the use of magnets. The 15^th century Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus hypothesized that magnets may attract diseases out of the body.

In modern times, magnetic fields play an important role in Western medicine. For example, they are used in magnetic resonance imaging.

There are many types, sizes and strengths of magnets. Magnetic therapy is sometimes used by patients on their own or is administered by health care providers. Magnets have also been used on ill animals. Magnet therapy may be applied to the whole body or to areas affected by illness. Devices may be implanted or used externally to deliver pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Constant (static) magnets may also be used. Magnets are available as self-adhesive strips, foils, belts, jewellery, shoe inserts and mattress pads. Magnet conditioned water is also available. Magnet wraps are sold for most body parts. Lodestones are sometimes sold as medicinal magnetic rocks.

The magnetic fields produced by static magnets are different from electromagnetic radiation, and are likely to have different effects on the body. Scientific evidence suggests that pulsed electromagnetic fields may help repair bone fractures that have not adequately healed after several weeks. Static magnetic fields have not yet been proven effective for any medical condition.

Theory

Some practitioners have theorized that magnet therapy may improve circulation, increase blood oxygen, alkalinize bodily fluids, decrease deposition of toxic materials in blood vessel walls (such as cholesterol plaques) or relax blood vessels through effects on cellular calcium channels. Other theories describe altered nerve impulses, reduced oedema or fluid retention, increased endorphins, muscle relaxation, cell membrane effects or stimulation of acupoints. Some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners suggest that magnets may affect patterns of flow of the body’s life force; known as chi. none of these theories has been adequately assessed by scientific research.

Evidence

Scientists have studied magnet therapy for the following health problems:

Fracture healing

Several studies report that pulsed electromagnetic fields improve healing of fractures of the long bones of the lower leg (tibia) that have failed to heal properly after several weeks. Pulsed electromagnetic fields may also be useful for fracture healing of the largest bone in the wrist (scaphoid), the foot bones (metatarsals) and the vertebrae, although there is less research in these areas. It is not clear if pulsed electromagnetic fields are equal to or better than other techniques for fracture, such as bone grafting. These procedures should be performed only by qualified specialists, and should first be discussed with your health provider.

Osteoarthritis

The results of research on electromagnetic field therapy for osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease are inconclusive. High-quality studies are needed before a recommendation can be made.

Multiple Sclerosis

Studies of electromagnetic field therapy for multiple sclerosis symptoms have differing results. Well-designed studies are needed to determine a benefit before a conclusion can be drawn.

Pain

Magnets are used to treat many types of pain. There is early research of static magnets and pulsed electromagnetic therapy for several types of pain, but these results can only be considered preliminary. Better research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn. Types of pain that have been studied include muscle symptoms in post-polio patients, chronic refractory pelvic pain, chronic neck pain (using pulsed electromagnetic therapy or magnetic ‘necklaces’), foot pain in people with diabetes (using magnetic footpads) and chronic back pain (using permanent or harnessed bipolar magnets).

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Most research using magnets for tinnitus is not well designed or reported. Better studies are necessary before a recommendation can be made.

Fibromyalgia

Preliminary research suggests that magnet therapy, such as the use of magnetic sleep pads, may not be beneficial in frbromyalgia. Further studies are needed to provide a more definite answer.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Preliminary research reports that magnet therapy does not improve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Uses

Magnet therapy has been suggested for many uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness.

Potential dangers

If you have an implantable medical device such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump or liver infusion pump, avoid exposure to magnets, as they may affect the way your medical device functions.

Summary

Magnet therapy has been suggested for many health conditions. Available research supports the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields to improve the healing of some fractures, although this technique is not clearly superior to other approaches such as bone grafting. Studies of other medical uses of static magnets or pulsed electromagnetic fields are not conclusive. Do not rely on magnet therapy alone to treat potentially dangerous medical conditions.

The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.

Resources

1. Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics.

2. National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research.

Selected Scientific Studies: Magnet Therapy

Natural Standard reviewed more than 100 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.

Some of the more recent studies are listed below:

1. Alfano AP, Taylor AG, Foresman PA, et al. Static magnetic fields for treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 2001; 7(1): 53-64.

2. Brown CS. Effects of magnets on chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol 2000; 95 (4 Suppl 1): S29

3. Carter R, Aspy CB, Mold J. The effectiveness of magnet therapy for treatment of wrist pain attributed to carpel tunnel syndrome. J Fam Pract 2002; 51 (1): 38-40.

4. Jacobson JI, Gorman R, Yamanashi WS, et al.Low-amplitude, extremely low frequency magnetic fields for the treatment of osteoarthritic knees: a double blind clinical study. Altern Ther Health Med 2001; 7 (5) : 54-59.

5. Pinzur, MS, Micheal S, Lio T, et al.A randomized prospective feasibility trial to assess the safety and efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy (PEMF) in the treatment of stage 1 Charcot arthropathy of the midfoot in diabetic individuals [abstract]. Diabetes 2002; 51(Suppl 2): A542.

6. Quitan M, Schuhfried O, Wiesinger GF, et al. [Clinical effectiveness of magnetic field therapy: a review of the literature]. Acta Med Austria 2000; 27 (3): 61-68.

MAGNETIC THERAPY – TECHNIQUES OF APPLICATION

General:

Human body is endowed with natural healing powers. As Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine once said: ‘Nature cures; not the physician’. All the systems of alternate medicine aim at holistic healing. They try to create conductive conditions for the natural healing process of the body to speed up. Magnetic therapy is no exception to this principle. The therapeutic effects of magnets work through: (1) Nervous system (2) Respiratory system (3) Digestive system (4) Urinary system, and, most importantly through (5) Blood circulatory system.

Extensive studies have revealed that water from North Pole magnets has the benevolent effect of controlling bacterial infections, including neutralizing, or, in some cases killing cancer cells. Also found to be effective in tumours, skin rashes, sores, boils etc. North Pole, in effect, has a retarding action. The South Pole oozes energy, imparts strength and warmth to the affected parts, reducing swelling, stops pains and in general increases power of resistance of the patient.

Conceptual Framework:

The metabolism of every living cell of not only human beings but also all other life forms is linked essentially to electro-magnetic energy. Biological self-healing powers are buttressed, if energy is significantly made available to it. An organism full of energy is anathema to bacterial and virus infections as its power of resistance peaks. It only spells rosy health and extreme fitness; the basic concept of magnetic therapy is nothing more than this.

Application:

Some doctors prefer only North Pole, whereas others prefer South Pole for treatment. Dr Albert Roy Davis, U.S.A. is an ardent supporter of single pole use in his treatment. His book ‘the Anatomy of Bio-magnetism’ states:

North Pole (N.P)

• Arthritis – calcium of the joints is slowly dissolved by North Pole

• Bleeding or haemorrhage – After birth or due to female weak organs.

• Bleeding of wounds, cuts, bruises due to weak tissues.

• Boils and cancers.

• Broken bones, broken joints, fractures – South Pole on the upper and North Pole on the lower portion ensures best healing.

• Burns – North Pole on the burnt portion – When the pain is less, South Pole to give strength to the tissue and to form flesh over the burnt part.

• H. B. Pressure – N.P. under the right ear down the artery.

• Infection, pus, discharge due to any infection – (N.P. arrests it and nature heals).

• Kidney infection or stone (even partially lost kidneys may start functioning in some cases).

• Sprains in ankles, back, hip, legs and feet, etc.

• Teeth and gums – Decaying teeth, infection of gums, swellings, and pus deposits.

• Toothache with bad smell, bleeding and wounds.

South Pole (S.P)

• All kinds of pains, stiffness and weakness in fore limbs, arms, legs, shoulders hips, etc, S.P. encourages and provides strength and life to the limbs.

• Encourage life in all its forms but makes infection worse.

• Digestion poor, as formation due to more acidity in stomach.

• Production of insulin less.

• Prostrate enlargement (fluid discharge is increased M.W. every 2hours or earlier a must).

• Hair coloring-S.P. improves hair coloring in limited cases of those persons only whose health is good. South Pole for 1/2hour on the seat of the person after he/she has gone to bed gives good results.

• Heart – we should ascertain the actual heart disease, as there may be several types of complaints. For weak pulse rate, and heartbeats, apply South Pole.

• Neuralgia (Headache – the causes should be investigated and treated. S.P. works to remove it if applied also below the left side of the stomach, M.W, and diet should be advised.

• Weak muscles – South Pole for 10-minute morning and 10 minutes in the evening again.

• Weakness to walk, South Pole for a week or 10 days provides energy and strength.

However, combinations of both North and South Pole magnets give good results as well. For local applications, a single pole magnet is sufficient. In general applications it is better to use both North and South Pole magnets.

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