A new therapy for
the new millennium
Magnetic
Wave Therapy is one of the latest methods to arise from contemporary
research into treatments seeking relief for chronic discomfort,
taking inspiration from the way in which complementary health techniques
are able to influence the human body's natural healing process.
Recent progress in this area indicates magnetic therapy has an exciting
future for as a non-invasive effective treatment, able to help promote
effective discomfort relief, and general well being, across a number
of conditions.
Over the past year, publicity and awareness of magnets to help eliminate
discomfort and speed healing has increased dramatically. Medical
and scientific studies document positive effects with more studies
on going. News articles and books have been published which educate
consumers on the uses, benefits and availability of magnets. Consumer
testimonials are abundant.
Studies have shown that magnets may be an effective therapy for
the relief of discomfort. It is believed that applying magnetic
fields to an injured area improves blood flow and oxygen to enhance
the body's natural healing process. Magnets create a magnetic field
believed to attract and repel charged particles in the blood creating
movement and heat. This causes the blood vessels to widen which
is believed to accelerate the healing process by allowing more blood
to pass through the capillary thus improving blood flow, which takes
away the toxins in the system and brings in nutrient rich blood
to the affected area. The improved blood flow and fluid exchange
to the injured tissue helps reduce discomfort and inflammation.
The magnetic field is also thought to stimulate the nervous system,
triggering blockage of discomfort sensations.
Another
perspective comes from John Zimmerman, Ph.D., one of the leading
authorities in America on the subject of magnets. He is president
of the Bio-Electro-Magnetics Institute, an independent, nonprofit,
educational, research organization dedicated to furthering our understanding
of bio-electromagnetism. Dr. Zimmerman has published extensively
and is currently conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
on the effectiveness of fixed magnets for low back pain. Another
Researcher is Dr.Philpott who is a member of the North American
Academy of Magnetic Therapy.
Here is what Philpott feels the North Pole will do:
North (Negative) Pole of the magnet
- Relieves pain
- Reduces swelling
- Promotes tissue
alkalinization
- Promotes sound,
restful sleep
- Increases tissue
oxygenation
- Calms the nervous
system
- Assists in relief
of addictive tendencies
Arthritis:
A
noteworthy American double blind, placebo-controlled study on the
effects of static magnets on the treatment of arthritis was recently
published in the ®MDBR¯Journal of Rheumatology®MDNM¯ (November 1997,
p. 1200). The study confirms the effectiveness of magnets in relieving
the pain of arthritis.
Magnets
for health - history and background
The
association between magnets, health and well-being is currently
enjoying a revival, but the approach is not a new one - magnetic
therapy possesses an ancient and colorful heritage. Magnets have
occupied a central role within Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years:
magnetic wave therapy has its roots in the oriental understanding
of health according to Chi, an energy flow regarded as the body's
principal life force and the key to well being. In this respect,
magnetic wave therapy has a close kinship to acupuncture and acupressure.
Magnetic
therapy today
Today
in Japan and other Asian countries, therapeutic magnets are licensed
as medical devices. Contemporary western medicine uses certain forms
of magnetic energy for diagnosis, for example in magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), and as an aid to accelerate the healing process,
following breaks and fractures in bone structure. Magnetic therapy
is now gaining widespread acceptance from the US medical community
(recent testimonials) and it is becoming increasingly popular among
osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors as a means of treating
a wide range of health problems, including chronic back discomfort,
arthritis and sporting injuries.
General
Uses
Relief
from Pain and Discomfort:
The most common use of magnetic fields is in the treatment of pain,
with reports of successful treatment in a wide variety of conditions,
including arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches,
muscle sprains and strains, joint pain, tendonitis, shoulder pain,
carpal tunnel syndrome, and torn ligaments. A noteworthy American
double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of static
magnets on the treatment of arthritis was recently published in
the ®MDBR¯Journal of Rheumatology®MDNM¯ (November 1997, p. 1200).
The study confirms the effectiveness of magnets in relieving the
pain of arthritis.
Another
scientific study of similar rigor is being carried out by Dr. Zimmerman,
and is looking at the effects of fixed magnets on low back pain.
Reduction
of Inflammation and Improved Circulation:
The magnet improves circulation, allowing blood vessels to dilate
and bring a greater volume of blood flow to the injured area. This
helps to bring in natural healers and to remove the toxic byproducts
of inflammation Pain relief can also be compared to the above situation
where you have a sore shoulder and let hot shower water run on it.
To dissipate the build up of heat, the body increases peripheral
blood flow to take away the build up and this decrease the pain
at the same time. Magnets operate the same way - the colliding
magnetic waves cause friction (heat) and the body reacts in the
same way to reduce pain.
Antimicrobial: Magnetic therapy can help the body ward off such
microbial invaders as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Stress
Reduction: A magnetic field applied to the head calms as
well as induces a hypnotic sleeping effect on the brain by stimulating
the hormone melatonin. This finding has led to the manufacture of
magnetic pillows and pads designed to provide a sound and restful
sleep. A person can then awaken with more energy and fewer aches
and pains.
Energy
Enhancement: Biomagnetic therapy is known to increase general
well being by enhancing energy. Consequently, supplemental biomagnetic
therapy can help the body revitalize. One normally revitalizes biological
energy during sleep. This can be enhanced by sleeping in a magnetic
field.
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome: Magnets can be applied to the front and back
of the wrist to help this hard-to-heal condition. While the symptoms
can be controlled with the help of magnets, one should not expect
the condition to be automatically cured.
Circulatory
Problems: One can place magnetic strips along the forearm
and sleep on a magnetic pad at night.
Fibromyalgia:
One should sleep on a magnetic mattress pad and use a magnetic pillow.
The Journal of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine reported great
success with magnetic pads. Magnets can also be placed over painful
areas during the day.
Foot and Leg Problems: Magnetic insoles will increase circulation
and help conditions such as numbness, burning, aches, restlessness,
and leg cramps. In addition, one should sleep on a magnetic mattress
pad. They are also great for diabetes.
Headaches: Magnets placed around the head and neck can
help with headaches.
Muscle
Spasms: One of the major actions of magnets is to decrease
spasms in muscles.
Muscle
Strains and Sprains and Joint Pain: Local applications
are appropriate for these types of problems. Wear the magnet for
several hours, and then take a break from it. Either wear the magnet
all day and take it off during the night or vice versa.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Magnets act as an anti-inflammatory,
and therefore help some chronic inflammatory conditions, such as
rheumatoid arthritis.
There
is good reason to expect confirmation of what users have been claiming
for years--that magnets are an excellent aid to pain relief.
For
magnetic therapy products, you can visit these online stores: