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The Healing Power of Magnets

pain relief, headache, magnetsMagnets have been used for their healing properties since ancient times, and now a new study has found that they can reduce swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury.

In their initial study, researchers from the University of Virginia set out to investigate the effect of magnetic therapy on microcirculation, which is blood flow through tiny blood vessels.

They placed magnets of 70 milliTesla (mT) field strength, which is about 10 times the strength of the common refrigerator magnet, near rats’ blood vessels and found that they dilated constricted blood vessels, and constricted vessels that were dilated. The results suggested that the magnetic filed could relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.

In the more recent study, the researchers used magnets on rats’ paws that had been treated with inflammatory agents to simulate tissue injury. The magnets significantly reduced swelling in the rats’ paws by up to 50 percent when applied immediately after the injury.

Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow.

Muscle bruising and joint sprains are the most common injuries worldwide, and since injuries that don’t swell heal faster, the magnet therapy could have widespread applications.

The researchers envisioned using magnets in place of ice packs and compression to treat injuries in high school, college, and professional sports teams, as well as among retirement communities.

Sources:

Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Magnetic therapy is a $5-billion market worldwide, and it is no surprise that in the United States the U.S. Food and Drug Administration makes it illegal to market magnets to treat significant conditions like HIV, asthma, or arthritis.

Do be aware, however, that it requires certain strengths of magnets to promote healing in the different areas of your body.

So if you’re looking to try this out yourself, it will take some work for you to do the research and find the correct strength and type of magnet for the specific condition you’re looking to heal.

I have actually been intrigued with magnet therapy for some time, as it seems promising and generally has very few side effects. And while magnets do not treat the underlying cause of any problem, they are far less dangerous than using drugs or surgery.

In addition to reducing swelling, magnets have been found to help with:
There are countless products available, from magnetic bracelets and ankle straps to shoe insoles and mattresses, and it is really a buyer beware environment to make sure you are getting a quality product. Many commercial products do NOT have the proper field strength to be very effective.

Since I do not sell magnets, however, it is perfectly legal for me to explain to you how this process works.

Magnet therapy uses “static” magnets, which are called static because the resulting magnetic field is unchanging. (Please do not confuse these with electromagnets, which produce magnetic fields when an electric current is applied and really shouldn’t be used on your own.)

To use static magnets for pain relief, you must find a magnet of sufficient strength to provide a benefit. You can test this out yourself by placing the magnet next to a piece of clothing or sock, then placing a paper clip on the other side. If the magnet is not strong enough to hold the paper clip through your sock, then it will not penetrate your body either.

Alternatively, you should check out the strength of the magnet before you buy it. They are typically measured in units called gauss (G). Simple refrigerator magnets range from 35 to 200 G, but the magnets that may treat your pain range from 300 to 5,000 G. Some practitioners start with a lower gauss and gradually move up to a more intense level as necessary.

Magnet polarity is also important, as each magnet has two sides, negative and positive. The negative end, or north pole, generally has a cooling, sedating effect that is useful for relieving pain and inflammation.

The positive end, or the south pole, has the opposite effect and is stimulating, even to bacteria and viruses. So the positive end of the magnet needs to be used cautiously as it could actually promote disease and increase pain if it is used incorrectly. Because of this, the positive end of a magnet is typically used VERY carefully for conditions such as numbness, weak muscles, paralysis and scarring.

Most therapeutic magnets have their polarity marked, but to be sure you can check it using a magnetometer.

Once you have gauged the magnet’s polarity, you can place the proper side directly onto your skin and secure it in place with an elastic bandage. You will need to experiment with how long it should be kept on. Some conditions respond relatively quickly, while others can take much longer.

While on the topic of magnetic therapy, I can state that for the last six months I have been sleeping on a magnetic bed, which seems to have helped certain health challenges I was having. 

I will review this more in future issues but let me make it very clear that this is NOT a bipolar magnetic bed that I was using. Bipolar magnets are thought to direct the potentially dangerous positive magnetic energy into your body, and I would caution all to avoid bipolar beds as I am convinced that they will actually increase your risk of cancer. This has been reported by a number of highly respectable clinicians in this field. 

I was sleeping on a unipolar magnetic mattress pad, which more closely approximate the earth’s magnetic field and I believe is the far wiser choice.

Energy treatments like magnetic therapy are likely to gain even more steam in coming years, but remember that even a safe, alternative treatment like this will not remove the root cause of your pain or disease. However, when combined with my 10-step program for optimal health, magnetic therapy could be a safe, inexpensive addition.



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Comment on This Article Community Comments (88)
 
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008

It's an interesting area.

I've heard a lot about the use of magnets to treat ulcers and bed sores because, like the article says, they increase blood flow to the affected area.

There's a book you might have read already called Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis by James L. Oschmann in which he references lots of these types of studies. So I think the suggestion in this article that 'until now there has been little if any scientific proof that magnets can heal' - really depends on your definition of proof.

For example, he talks about a study where they crushed the sciatic nerves of some rats (ouch!), but when their bodies were pulsed magnetically the nerves healed incredibly quickly.

He also talks about a man called Professor John Zimmerman at the University of Colorado doing studies where he used a magnetometer to measure the biomagnetic fields emanating from the hands of people giving therapeutic touch.

(I'm not an expert on the physics of these kinds of things but I think a magnetometer is a fairly standard instrument used in geophysical endeavours.)

Apparently he found that when the touch practitioner went into a quiet, meditative state the readings shot so high he was able to get a sound recording of the field being produced, but with non-practitioners he couldn't measure anything at all. It seems as though his results were confirmed a couple of years later by a man called Seto in Japan.

Of course, these are very 'out of the box', heretic ideas that you might now want to voice too loudly in front of the wrong people!! But I for one can't want to see how this area develops.

Michael (healthrevolutions.com)


 


 
Michael J. .
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 1/2008
Michael J. .  
Replied

shiva
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2006
shiva  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Michael J. - - If you had access to some of the major medical, scientific research data base's that exist, you would be able to print out litterally reams of listings of studies that have been done on the 'Bio-electromagnetic' field of the human body. ... If there wasn't something to this, there would not have been so much attention payed to it for so long now. ... Twenty years ago I did see a print-out of a partial listing of scientific studies and I can tell you it was extensive.

It is fairly common today for an individual undergoing the healing of a broken bone, to be using a medically prescribed, ...applied electro-magnetic device on the area of the break to in fact speed and promote the healing of the bone. It is well known in the medical field that a properly applied electro-magnetic field does in fact speed and promote 'osteoclast' (bone cell), production in the body.

When one considers the fact that the foundation of all matter that exists, is the atom, .. with it's powerful magnetic polarities of force in constant motion, .. it is not too difficult to understand how relavent the use of magnetic fields are in application to biology. .... Magnetic energy is the very stuff of Life. It is literaly the force that holds the planets in space and even the human body in form.


healthiswealth
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 7/2007
healthiswealth  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Dr. Gary Null wrote a great book about this that details the positive effects of magnets on the human system. My understanding is you have to use different poles of the magnet for different things, which would explain the increasing and constraining of blood flow in Dr. Mercola's example. Walter C. Rawls did research with this magnetic pole focus and was nominated for a Nobel prize.  I found (and use) a product that uses laundry magnets in my washing machine to improve water to clean clothes. Very environmental and better than crude-oil based detergents for my family's health. There are a lot of things we don't know about magnets and their health  applications because there's no money in it for Big Pharma (or the detergent/big oil companies for that matter).


proatc
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 12/2006
proatc  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
shiva, you probably meant to say "osteoblasts" which produce bone, not "osteoclasts" which resorb bone.


Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
So, is this related to frequency cycles of magnetic wave lengths?


Cinnabar
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 11/2007
Cinnabar  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Thanks for this info.  I'm going to use some magnets on my hips for sciatica.


Phantom O Banjo
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Phantom O Banjo  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Do metal objects fly at you after clothes are washed with the magnets?


healthiswealth
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 7/2007
healthiswealth  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Dear Phantom Obanjo,

No, metal shards don't fly at you after you use the laundry units! They are encased in some kind of special thick and tough rubber or plastic shell. I have used this particular pair for two years. If I have any metal filings, etc. in my clothes, it pulls them out (in which case I have to clean the units of this debris). Anyway, I only care that I am not poisoning my family and the environment with toxic chemicals and still getting my clothes clean. But I think there are probably hundreds of practical applications for magnetic force beyond laundry and health that we haven't even discovered yet. What about energy and creating magnetic motors from permanent magnetics? How about mag-lev cars and highways? I think we're only scratching the surface.


shiva
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2006
shiva  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
proatic - - Thank you for catching my mistake .... You are of course correct.


Sheila C
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
Sheila C  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Great information Michael and Shiva (as always).  It is really too bad that you can't post your links, I would love to see them.  Why is that being censored?

Hi Healthiswealth, I also use the magnetic balls in the washer and agree there are some really good laundry detergents out there without the lauryl sulfates and other contaminants.  But my mother-in-law got a high energy front load washer and the magnetic ball fell to pieces.  Maybe the company will market a product for the HE models?


healthiswealth
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 7/2007
healthiswealth  
 
Posted On Jan 09, 2008
Dear Shelia C,
I don't know if the company is making special mods to the laundry magnets or not. But they claim on their website that it is fine for front loaders if you follow their instructions. I actually have an HE front loader and they work great in it. Perhaps you used different laundry magnets? Check the link I posted to see if it is the same. The washing machine I use is a Samsung Silver Care. Very cool because it uses colloidal silver to kill all pathogens and bacteria without bleach. MUCH healthier.

If you couple the Silver Care with my magnetic laundry units, I use ZERO chemicals in the wash. It is amazing. We just got back from Disney World who uses typical hotel chemicals in the wash, and we were covered in rashes, were itching like crazy and breathing was difficult. It tends to fade a bit if we don't have room service use new sheets.

It is unbelieveable how toxic detergents are. And they are only going to get more expensive as oil goes up, since detergent are 98% made from crude oil.

"Hi Healthiswealth, I also use the magnetic balls in the washer and agree there are some really good laundry detergents out there without the lauryl sulfates and other contaminants.  But my mother-in-law got a high energy front load washer and the magnetic ball fell to pieces.  Maybe the company will market a product for the HE models?"


Sheila C
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
Sheila C  
 
Posted On Jan 11, 2008
Hi Healthiswealth, no it is definitely not the same one as you use.  Wow, between the Samsung washer and these magnetic balls, you use NO laundry detergent?  That's amazing.


Kissamee
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 12/2007
Kissamee  
 
Posted On Jan 11, 2008
Obanjo you are funny, I am reminded of the movie where the guy becomes magnetized when his room s hit my a meteor.

Kel


shiva
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2006
shiva  
 
Posted On Jan 12, 2008
Cinnabar - - You need to be aware that that there are different factors to take into consideration regarding the use of magnets to treat a specific condition. .. For example, magnets cannot negate the need for structural "re-alignment" in the body when a problem is a result of structural mal-alignment or structural damage, such as a herniated cervical disc. ... In those cases, the structural problem must be resolved in order to address the cause of the problem.

Another important factor in the use of magnets is the importance of applying and using the magnets properly and at the right locations in each specific case. ... This is akin to what is found with acupuncture, where needles are applied to specific meridian points on the body, which are determined by each unique case.

............... There certainly are many cases where a general application of a magnetic field to a general area of the body where a problem may exist, .. proves to be beneficial, ... .but it is also true that a specific treatment or application may be required. As well, and contrary to what one might logically expect, ... that correct application may not be located in the area of the body where the problem exists.


revcarson
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 9/2006
revcarson  
 
Posted On Jan 22, 2008

To those mentioning laundry magnets I also came across these laundry products that grow on trees...www.betterlifegoods.com/ProductDetails.asp



energymaster
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2006
energymaster  
 
Posted On Jan 23, 2008

Her's a good site for those who want a more critical look at laundry magnets:

www.chem1.com/.../magscams.html

This is a good site for the science on this subject. I was trying to decide about them...love my google!

Andy


 
 
 
Posted On Jan 04, 2008
Many studies claim the opposite.
This one is from 1998 when I personally think magnets were in their prime and many were purchasing.  Don't hear too much from patients who use them now.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1320403
another from 2001
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=155398
most recently 2005
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WPB-4HBTDFX-1&_user=10& amp;_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_ve rsion=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=df3652f19ca05540f4cc55d3d1df9935

Basically my point is:
If you try them and it works for you, that is all that matters, irregardless of any published research. Healing should be unique and individual, and attempts to use different options should be given a fair trial and evaluated as such.  Hopefully people use research along with personal trials and common sense to prove their own efficacy....for themselves.

 
proatc
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 12/2006
proatc  
Replied

Aaltrude
Moderator User Moderator User Joined On 4/2007
Aaltrude  
 
Posted On Jan 06, 2008
I would query who funded these studies. Big Pharma cannot make money out of magnets therefore they would be quite happy for studies to show that they are not effective. Both my husband and myself have obtained relief from pain by the use of magnets on the odd occasion we have needed to try them and we know of other people who claim they have also had relief from their use. This adds to my suspicion that there may have been some bias in these studies.


MB
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2007
MB  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
Aaltrude, you cannot blame Big Pharma for everything. No, Big Pharma can't earn money on magnets (unless they start selling them), but people who sell magnets can earn a lot of money. And also people that heal others with magnets. So you see the real question is who is the one biased in this case.

I'm sceptical about magnetic healing powers and I believe it's a placebo or (auto)suggestion effect. And the story presented here doesn't say much and proves nothing. Double-blinded trials (that can be duplicated or confirmed by other researchers) are required to prove that magnets are effective in healing. And it seems there are no many, if any, that kind of studies. Anecdotes should be dismissed because it can't be proven that the positive outcome is a result of a magnetic "therapy". Also, there is no real science behind "magentics" claims. So...


Aaltrude
Moderator User Moderator User Joined On 4/2007
Aaltrude  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
MB, there is definitely the potential for the placebo effect with magnets and I agree that a double blinded study is required to prove whether or not they are effective. I prefer to keep an open mind on issues like this. We can only go forward I we keep our minds open to all possibilties including the possibilities that magnets may have some therapeutic value and likewise they may be useless.
I was refering to the relief of pain only in my previous post. Even if this is only due to the placebo effect, if it gives relief then I consider it is still valid to use them.

 
 
 
Posted On Jan 04, 2008
Approximately twenty five years ago when I had a private practice as a licensed massage therapist and practitioner of Zen Shiatsu, I used to develop significant tendonitis in one of my arms where I carried weakness due to the effects of a cervical injury from high school football years before.

Initially I regularly recieved acupuncture treatments to help alleviate the tendonitis to allow me to continue my practice and earn a living. Eventually I was introduced to a sleeping mattress that was made by a company in Japan and which was built with specially designed and placed magnets throughout the mattress. Within the first minute of my first laying (on my back), on the mattress I began to experience a healing flow of energy (Chi), flowing into my weaker arm. The effect in fact was almost identical to the beneficial effects I experienced from acupuncture.

After experiencing this effect I was sold and I acquired my own magnetic mattress from the same Japanese company. I slept on that mattress every night for a number of years. It alleviated the need for me to purchase acupuncture treatments and it allowed me to return to my work each day with my arm fully recovered from the effects of my work the previous day. The other great benefit of sleeping on that magnetic mattress was the fact that I slept even more peacefully and deeply than I did without it.

I introduced the matress to many of my clients and friends over some years and most every one of them experienced great benefit from sleeping on it. The company that sold the mattress claimed that such devices were being used in hospital beds in Japan to help speed the recovery and healing process of patients.  I never investigated that claim to see if it was true, but from my experience with the device, I suspect it was. One thing important to note: Do not use such devices when there is a local or systemic infection. They will cause the infection. to spread.

 
shiva
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 10/2006
shiva  
Replied

Conscious Evolution
Novice User Novice User Joined On 11/2007
Conscious Evolution  
 
Posted On Jan 22, 2008

Shiva what was the name of the Japanese company?



Micki Gellb DDS
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2008
Micki Gellb DDS  
 
Posted On Jan 23, 2008

Excelent warning!!!!

I hope many people will notice your statement.

My regards from a Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedic Functional & Neuro-Muscular Rehab Dentist.


 
 
 
Posted On Jan 05, 2008
The body has a magnetic field, so this is no surprise, but you do have to make sure the magnets go with the polarity of the body's magnetic field.

Mary

 
mmc88121
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 11/2006
mmc88121  
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EQ
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 3/2007
EQ  
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
I've been wondering about that too, Mary.  What is the polarity of the body?  Does anyone know of a website or book that maps it out?  Also, would the magnets go + to + or + to - with the body's field.  If one is using 2 magnets, the same question applies but taking it further.  I'm sure the info is out there, but where?

 
 
 
Posted On Jan 07, 2008
I think the study of magnets could eventually become very powerful, however, many of us have metal in our bodies from accidents or surgical procedures.  I have a BB located in the far ethmoidal sinuses, thus magnets could pose a huge threat. 

 
New to Natural
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 11/2007
New to Natural  
Replied

kdlardi
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2008
kdlardi  
 
Posted On May 14, 2009

bbs are usually made of lead not steel


 
 
 
 
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