Therapeutic Magnets

Question 1

magnetic therapy

Answer 1

placing magnets of varying sizes and strengths directly on the body to try and relieve pain or treat a disease

Question 2

History

Answer 2

• 16th century physician Paracelsus believed that since magnets attract iron, they could also eliminate disease
• middle ages, magnets used by docs to treat gout, arthritis, poisoning, baldness
• 1970s researcher Albert Roy Davis PhD, began modern version of magnet therapy after noticing various biological systems being effected through a positive or negative charge
  
  • claimed magnets could: kill cancer cells in animals, cure arthritis pain, glaucoma, infertility, etc.

Question 3

Magnet Basics

Answer 3

• made from metals (iron) and alloys (mixtures)
• magnets are measured in gauss (G) or tesla
  1 T = 10,000 G
  earth’s magnetic field ~ 0.5 G
  MRI machines are ~ 15,000 G or higher
• magnets for pain relief usually have a strength between 300-5,000G

Question 4

How do magnets Work

Answer 4

magnetic field produced from the negative pole of the magnet are believed to:

• stimulate metabolism
• increase the amount of oxygen available to cells
• create a less acidic environment in the body
• blood cells flowing through capillaries separate and align in the presence of a magnetic field
• -> increasing the available surface area
• –> allowing cells to pick up more oxygen and release more energy

Question 5

Sold in various forms

Answer 5

• bracelets and jewelry
• insoles
• bandages and adherent pads
• mattress pads

Question 6

Dosage

Answer 6

• tx times: 45 mins to hours (not definitive at this point)

- possible dosage: 8 treatments, 45 min a piece

Question 7

Uses

Answer 7

• chronic injuries like tendonitis
• helps lymphatic system drain and blood circulate
• foot or back pain
• arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• painful menstrual periods
• sports injuries
• migraines
• water retention
• wounds
• male sexual problems
• insomnia
• tinnitus
• cancer
• PTSD
• MS
• gangrene
• more

Question 8

Not safe for

Answer 8

• pacemakers
• insulin pumps
• other mechanical medical devices
• pregnancy
• epilepsy

Question 9

Side Effects

Answer 9

rare, but may include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• painful or heavy menstrual periods
• general feeling of “fuzziness”

Question 10

Do they work?

Answer 10

not statistically clear

• FDA not approved marketing of magnets with health benefit claims
• FDA took action against companies making unfounded claims