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what is it?
All-pervasive electromagnetic fields (EMFs) pass through and influence everything on the planet, even human body cells. According to magnet therapists, loss of exposure to these energy fields may account for many of our common ailments. Metal vehicles and buildings, power lines, radio waves, computers, TVs and the rest of modern technology can block or distort the earth's natural EMFs.
When worn or held close to the body, magnets are claimed to be capable of electrically charging iron atoms in the red corpuscles of blood. This is said to affect biochemical reactions, improving blood circulation so that increased oxygen reaches cells, toxic wastes are removed more efficiently, muscle and joint pain is relieved, natural healing processes are stimulated and general health and well-being enhanced. Some practitioners think that magnets may generate or stimulate the basic 'vital energy', known as (Chi) in traditional Chinese medicine (see acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine).
Magnet therapy is also known as magnetic therapy, magnetotherapy, biomagnetic therapy or magnetic wave therapy.
what it's supposed to do
Electromagnetic fields generated by magnets are said particularly to help wounds heal and fractured bones knit faster, to relieve arthritis, joint inflammation and sprains, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, carpel tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, headaches, migraine, insomnia, circulatory problems and to restore hormonal balance.
what happens
Magnet therapy is frequently a self-help approach, using ordinary 'static' magnets that have very weak electromagnetic fields. Various items are available that keep such magnets on or close to the body. These include magnet-impregnated bracelets, shoe insoles, straps, patches, mittens, back supports, seat cushions and mattresses.
Another type of magnet is plugged into an electrical circuit to produce a pulsed electromagnetic field. Some physiotherapists and osteopaths use varying sizes of these to ease sprains and speed recovery of damaged tissue and fractured bones. A Japanese company even manufactures an electromagnetic bed that is claimed to heal injuries, reduce stress and improve energy levels and sleep quality.
what's the evidence?
It's true that magnetic fields are used in medical science. MRI scanners that orientate body molecules to make images are effectively huge magnets. In a technique known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electricity is passed through a coiled magnet to produce an intense magnetic field, 200 times the strength of a fridge magnet, that pulses up to 50 times a second. This is fast enough to create a small electrical current that can jumpstart or block neurone circuitry in the brain area beneath. Studies show it can benefit depression, stroke rehabilitation and epilepsy.
Some orthopaedic surgeons in the US use gentle pulsed electromagnetic fields to repair bone fractures that refuse to knit, but these are strong enough to generate the body's natural electrical currents. Little evidence exists to support the static magnets found in most bracelets and other items, though a trial in the American Journal of Pain Management in 1998 reported improvement in patients with chronic diabetic foot pain who wore magnet-packed socks. A clinical trial is currently underway in Devon to see if magnetic bracelets can relieve osteoarthritis pain.
precautions
Go to the safety first section of 'before you start' for some general precautions to take into account when considering a complementary therapy.
- Avoid magnet therapy if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or transdermal drug delivery patches, work with high voltage machinery or cables, or have a metal allergy.
- Children under seven should not use magnet therapy.
how to find a practitioner
Magnet therapy is an unregulated profession and anyone can call themself a magnet therapist, set up a training school or college or start a register.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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