Learn More about Magnet Uses in Medicine: Magnetic Therapy

For a few years, there has been some kind of debate regarding the effectiveness of magnet therapy in medicine. Some think it is wishful thinking, while proponents and researchers of magnet therapy believe that magnets do indeed possess some therapeutic power. Here, we provide a detailed explanation about what magnet therapy really is, research and findings made to date, as well as medical conditions treatable with magnetic field therapy.

What Does Magnetic Therapy Mean?

In simple terms, magnetic therapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses magnetic fields to treat medical conditions, such as body pains and joint disorders. Magnetic field therapy involves placing permanent magnets close to the body to cause bones to heal faster, reduce pain, and induce other therapeutic effects. Proponents most commonly recommend magnetic therapy as an effective cure for joint disorders and back pain. However, critics of magnetic therapy argue that there is no scientific evidence showing any actual benefits, making the therapy regarded as pseudoscience. Therefore, magnetic therapy can be defined as a pseudo-scientific alternative medicine that utilizes the magnetic field produced from thin permanent magnets to administer treatments to certain medical conditions. The thin metal magnets are positioned on or near the skin, alone or in groups. Contrary to popular opinions, proponents of magnetic therapy believe that subjecting parts of the body to weak electric or magnetic fields has beneficial effects.

Methods of Application

Magnetic therapy involves applying the magnetic field of the magnets to the body. Depending on the magnet's orientation, different therapeutic effects can be obtained from the magnets. Some of the magnetics products used in these processes include magnetic bracelets and jewelry, magnetic wrist, ankle, and knee straps, shoe insoles, slumber pads,  magnetic blankets, magnetic creams, magnetized plaster/patches, etc., and application is performed mainly by the patient. Magnetics therapy is similar to electromagnetic therapy, which uses weak electric or magnetic fields, but in this case, the electromagnetic effect is generated by electrically-powered devices. The magnetic materials may be worn from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the condition being treated and the practitioner's recommendation.

How Does it Work?

Negative magnetic fields are believed to stimulate metabolic reactions, increasing the amount of oxygen available to cells and creating a less acidic environment in the body. It is also thought that the magnets induce blood flow in underlying tissues. This is because the magnetic field surrounding magnet therapy devices is often too weak and is not strong enough to have an appreciable impact on hemoglobin, muscle tissue, bones, blood vessels, or other blood components and body organs. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers magnetic therapy of no therapeutic benefit. A practical example that comes close in comparison is the magnetic fields used in magnetic resonance imaging. These magnetic fields are much stronger than the weak magnetic fields produced by the permanent magnets used in magnet therapy. However, they still do not exhibit any of the effects claimed in magnetic therapy. However, scientists have observed changes in the actions of important body ions, such as calcium and potassium, after they are subjected to magnetic fields.

What Can Magnetic Therapy Help us?

Advocates of magnetic therapy claim that magnets can relieve pain caused by arthritis, cancer, inflammation, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, headaches, migraine headaches, muscle pain, immune dysfunction, and stress.

Different Types of Magnetic Therapy

Static magnetic field therapy

This involves placing the magnet on the skin by means of a magnetic bracelet or any other magnetized jewelry. It could also be a magnetic shoe insole or a bandage with a magnet.

Electrically charged magnetic therapy

This is also known as electromagnetic therapy. The magnets used possess an electric charge, so the treatment comes in the form of an electromagnetic pulse.

Magnetic therapy with acupuncture

During an acupuncture session, the permanent magnets are placed on the spots on your skin that the acupuncture is carried out. This is based on the reference given to these parts of your body as your energy pathways or channels.

Final Thoughts

Somehow, the concept of magnetic therapy is based on the thought that the magnetic field in the affected area of the body is out of balance. Although magnetic therapy dates back several years, given the lack of scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of the therapy, it is safe to say that more studies are required to fully understand the benefits and downsides of magnet therapy alternative medicine practice. For more information about magnetic materials, please visit https://www.stanfordmagnets.com/.