Magnetic Field Therapy
Overview
Magnetic field therapy, which is also known as magnetotherapy, relies on the use of magnetic fields to diagnose and treat physical emotional and mental problems. This process has been thought to alleviate many different types of symptoms along with helping to slow the progression of a new disease or condition.
Magnets, along with electromagnets are being used to treat conditions such as pain, increase the rate of healing, and help to prevent and reverse the problems caused by stress.
Magnetic fields are all around us in the world, created naturally by the earth, the sun, and natural elements around us. Magnetic fields also come from non-natural items, such as computers, phones, microwaves, the electricity in a home, power lines, and more. Chemical reactions within the body can also create magnetic fields. It has recently come to the attention of specialists in this area of science that the magnetic fields that are exceedingly present in our lives are starting to have a negative effect on the body, mind and emotional state.
Magnetic therapy uses magnets and electromagnetic tools to create specific magnetic fields. One of the most obvious examples of this is magnetic resonance imaging, or an MRI. This device can take detailed imagery and has proven to be more accurate than the x-ray, which is becoming outdated.
The History of Magnetic Field Therapy
Many authors have noted that magnetic therapy may have been used in ancient times predating acupuncture. This theory would make magnetic field therapy one of the oldest methods for healing in the world. Some researchers claim that magnets have been used all the way back to the times of ancient Egypt and Chinese cultures. One of the reports regarding magnetic therapy dates back hundreds of years ago, where a naturally-occurring magnet was ground and used as a potion for healing.
This ancient practice is finding new life in a modernized form. No one has the exact answer as to how magnetic therapy works to improve overall wellness. Some practitioners assume that it improves blood flow to the body, allowing more oxygen to move through the blood stream. Other practitioners feel that it changes the way the nerves in the body function, stopping the signals for pain. Another school of thought offers the opinion that the magnetic poles within the body are related to the acid levels in the cells, and some feel that it has a direct effect on the way our enzymes work.
Magnetic Field Therapy in Practice
Magnetic field therapists use two different types of magnets in their practice. The first is a permanent magnet, which come in all different types. Some of them come in the form of a large magnet that can be placed against the skin, while others are in blanket-like material with multiple magnets to cover the body. Magnetic field permanent magnets can even be designed to be worn. The other primary tool of a magnetic therapist is electromagnets, which depend on currents moving through wire to create a magnetic field.
Treatments for Magnetic Field Therapy
One of the most common methods of magnetic field therapy is to have the magnet rest against or near the area that the pain is radiating from. Generally, the north pole of the magnet is aimed to the body and the south away.
The magnets have different ranges in strength and the level of pain or problem experienced by the user will depend on how often the magnets are used. If electromagnetic field therapy is being used it may require hours with a trained magnetic therapist. On the other hand, if a person is using standard magnets there are many options. These come in the form of wristbands, and even mattress covers.
The Benefits of Magnetic Field Therapy
Magnetic field therapy is being used to treat many different conditions throughout the world. Perhaps one of the most widespread uses is for pain. Many different types of pain can be aided by the use of static magnetic treatments. People who suffer from chronic pain often turn to these more natural and alternative medical approaches when traditional treatment fails them.
One of the interesting uses for magnetic therapy is for breaks. Minor fractures have shown to have improvements through the use of electromagnetic field therapy. In 2005 a study showed that those with Parkinson’s disease may benefit from magnetic therapy, particularly in cases where the individual has difficulty walking.
Magnetic field therapy is not only used on the physical ailments that people face. It has sbeen shown to be effective as a way to treat mental disorders such as depression. However, although there is no scientific evidence yet to prove these benefits, many patients swear by the therapy.
Some practitioners have noted that a negative magnetic field can work to eliminate bacterial fungus and help destroy viral infections. This works by lowering the level of acid in the body and encouraging oxygenation.
At the Institute for Biophysics, doctors have been using magnetic field therapy with varied levels of success to treat ailments including cancer, infections, inflammation, migraine headaches, stress headaches, stress, blood flow, fractures, and others.
Magnetic field therapy is one of the areas of alternative medicine that is returning to a prime state in the world of holistic medicine. Unlike approaches that are more traditional, magnetic field therapy has the advantage that no medications are involved, as well as no chemicals. This all-natural treatment relies on only magnets to support the system that the body already has in place. This is a therapy that is often turned to by people who have unsuccessfully used traditional medical practices. However, this therapy should not be considered a replacement for seeing your primary care provider, and you should always consult with your medical professional before making any changes to your therapy plan. Under the proper conditions, magnetic field therapy can be considered a sound addition to an individual’s current treatment plan.
References
- Bratman, S. The Alternative Medicine Ratings Guide: an expert panel rates the best treatments for over 80 conditions, Prima Health A Division of Prima Publishing (1998)
- Brown, L. Alternative Medicine, NTC/Contemporary Publishing (1999)
- Deepak Chopra, M.D. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Celestial Arts (2002)
- Nancy Allison. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body-Mind Disciplines, The Rosen Publishing Group (1999)
- Servan-Schreiber, D. The Encyclopedia of New Medicine: Conventional & Alternative Medicine For All Ages, Rodale International Limited (2006)
Posted in Magnetic Field Therapy
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