Magnetic therapy is the treatment of certain medical conditions by the use of static magnetic fields. It is applied to increase the natural healing process, decrease insomnia, and alleviate pain. Magnets for this type of therapy are made in all forms including blankets, jewelry, belts, insoles, and mattresses. The magnets may be placed near each other or sometimes the opposite poles are placed in two different places. In other cases only one pole is used as these magnets are of a greater magnitude.

Its more advanced version is so called Transcranial magnetic stimulation, which could be defined as a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.


Origins




Magnetic therapy dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Magnets have long been believed to have healing powers associated with muscle pain and stiffness. Chinese healers as early as 200 B.C. were said to use magnetic lodestones on the body to correct unhealthy imbalances in the flow of qi, or energy. The Vedas, or ancient Hindu scriptures, also mention the treatment of diseases with lodestones.

Contemporary American interest in magnetic therapy began in the 1990s, as several professional golfers and football players offered testimony that the devices seemed to cure their nagging aches and injuries.


Benefits

Some of the benefits that the proponents of the magnetic therapy name are:

- pain relief
- reduction of swelling
- improved tissue alkalinization
- more restful sleep
- increased tissue oxygenation
- relief of stress
- increased levels of cellular oxygen
- improved blood circulation
- anti-infective activity


There is some evidence that it may help relieve pain related to these chronic conditions:


1) Arthritis

A 2001 study of 64 people with rheumatoid arthritis of the knee showed that 68% of those who used magnetic therapy reported feeling better or much better after one week. In a 2004 study of 194 adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, researchers found that those who wore magnetic bracelets for 12 weeks had a decrease in arthritis-associated pain.


2) Chronic Pelvic Pain

For a 2002 study of 32 women with chronic pelvic pain, one group of patients had active or placebo magnets applied to their abdomens for 24 hours a day. After four weeks of continuous use, those who received the active magnets reported significantly lower pain levels than at the start of the study.


3) Fibromyalgia

After six weeks of sleeping on magnetized mattress pads, 13 women with fibromyalgia reported significantly less pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and next-day tiredness. A control group of 12 women (who slept on non-magnetized mattresses) had smaller improvements in pain, sleep, fatigue, and tiredness.

There was also this interesting study conducted at Baylor College of Medicine and The Institute for
Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston (1997). More info in this link:

http://www.item-bioenergy.com/infoce...stigations.pdf


How Does Magnetic Therapy Work?

There are two theories that are used to explain magnetic therapy. One theory maintains that magnets produce a slight electrical current. When magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, the nerves in that area are stimulated, thus releasing the body's natural painkillers. The other theory maintains that when magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, all the cells in that area react to increase blood circulation, ion exchange, and oxygen flow to the area. Magnetic fields attract and repel charged particles in the bloodstream, increasing blood flow and producing heat. Increased oxygen in the tissues and blood stream is thought to make a considerable difference in the speed of healing.


Cautions

If you're undergoing radiology, it's important to avoid the use of magnetic devices. Pregnant women and people with cardiac pacemakers should also forego magnetic therapy. Magnetic therapy should not be used in people undergoing an MRI.


Sources: http://vancouver.medfinds.com/therap...gnet%20Therapy
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tra...lation/MY00185
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/magn...ic_therapy.htm



Have you ever tried magnet therapy? Did it work? Please, share with us what methods you used, and for how long. Was it in your pre-WD life (for pre-drug ailments), while on drugs, or in WD?

Also, if you come across similar studies to those mentioned above, please share them in this thread.