Life developed under the influence of the earth's geomagnetic field. Although this field is relatively small, it plays a major role in many bodily functions. All tissues of the body and nervous system carry electromagnetic charges. These in turn react to magnetic fields. Cell regulation is governed by electromagnetic currents of the body. The body itself creates a magnetic field (termed bio-magnetism) which can be measured by sensitive magnetometers. In disease states these body electromagnetic potentials are altered and again are measurable. The effects of magnetics on the body is called magneto-biology, the subject of this article.

Magnets have been used for healing for thousands of years. The term magnet comes from Magnesia, a province in Asia Minor, where ancient Greeks discovered the rock, Magnetite, that attracted ferrous material. These people, and early Chinese, recorded its use in their medical literature. Medical use of magnets has been reported throughout the ages, as, in recent years, been the subject of world wide interest.

Dr. Nakagawa (Japanese Medical Journal #2745) in his paper, "Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome and Magnetic Treatment" outlines the problems of the lack of magnetism on the human. He believes the body is under the influence of the earth's magnetic field and is kept in balance in relationship to it.

Under modem living conditions this field is decreased by shielding of steel frame buildings, automobiles, etc. Also, the earth's magnetic field has deteriorated 50% in the last 1000 years adding to the deficiency of magnetic force on the body.

Lack of magnetism can cause abnormalities as stress, headaches, arthritis, muscle pain, the chronic fatigue syndrome, and even allergies. Space research by US and Russia has shown that the loss of calcium form the bone (osteoporosis) in astronauts is due to the lack of magnetic field action on the body in space.

Magneto-therapy has many other forms. Application of electromagnetic current to non-unioned fractures often results in healing that has resisted all standard treatment. European studies have shown benefits of permanent magnetic and low frequency pulsed magnetic therapy for asthma, hypertension, heart attacks, varicose ulcers, arthritis, and rheumatism. Newly developed units help control stress and prevent jet lag ("Stressmaster"), control insomnia and anxiety ("Neuron One"), and offer non-pharmaceutical pain relief ("Psychotron Delphi").

Life and the body have been looked upon as a mechanical model functioning with a chemical internal environment. Treatment has been undertaken with this same mechanical-chemical theory. It is now starting to be appreciated that health and disease, in many cases, depend on our body's electromagnetic balance.

Dr. Wiancko is a practicing surgeon with an increasing interest in bio-magnetics and magneto-therapy.