We studied the power and use of magnets in acupuncture school. They work on inflammation, pain and reduce swelling. I also use them when dealing with children as they are totally non- invasive and help with sore throats, swollen glands, and tummy aches. Of course the best part is that the kids think they are great magic.
Here are some facts for you:
Magnets 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, 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.
Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow.
I have used magnets when dealing with muscle bruising and joint sprains, they are effective and fast relief for sports injuries by controlling the swelling which allows shorter recovery time. I took a tumble a couple of weeks ago and turned my knee...there was a lot of pain and swelling, I put a couple of magnets around my knee, and had a good nights rest. I recovered quickly and am sure the magnets helped with pain and the healing process.
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.
In addition to reducing swelling, magnets have been found to help with:
• Depression
• Age-related mental decline
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Schizophrenia
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 effective.
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.)
You can 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 3000 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, when in doubt don’t use them.
Once you have gauged the magnet’s polarity, you can place the proper side directly onto your skin and secure it in place with skin tape. 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 subject, bipolar magnets are thought to direct the potentially dangerous positive magnetic energy into your body, and I would caution all to avoid bipolar beds.
A unipolar magnetic mattress pad, which more closely approximate to the earth’s magnetic field, is a better choice.
Do not use magnets over the heart or the tummy of pregnant women.
Energy treatments like magnetic therapy are likely to gain more credibility in coming years. I have patients who do not leave home without the magnets. But even a safe, alternative treatment like this will not remove the root cause of your pain or disease.
Keep to your basic plan for optimum wellness.
1. Address your emotional traumas
2. Get optimal sunlight exposure
3. Drink enough pure water
4. Avoid toxins
5. Eat the right fats
6. Eat right for your Nutritional Type
7. Eat plenty of raw food
8. Control your insulin and leptin levels, (sugar sugar sugar…)
9. Exercise
10. Get good quality sleep.
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