Magnetic Therapy - Does It Really Work?
Magnetic therapy is a popular alternative treatment which goes back thousands of years, dating all the way back to the Egyptian pharaohs.For example, the idea behind wearing magnetic bracelets is that the magnets work by realigning the magnetic fields in our body. This realignment is supposed to not only improve the way we feel – especially if we have specific chronic or muscle pain - but the way we perform overall as well.Sceptics, however, have pointed out that there is little scientific evidence to back up any of these claims. They point out that while the blood protein called haemoglobin which carries oxygen is repulsed by magnetic fields, the magnets in magnetic bracelets are so weak they would have no effect on our blood flow whatsoever.
Furthermore, they say that while some scientific studies have shown a minor improvement in pain levels amongst those who wore these magnetic bracelets as compared to those who did not, that is probably due only to a placebo effect.
How Magnet Therapy (Theoretically) Works
Theoretically, the idea behind magnet therapy is simple. Proponents believe that a magnet placed on the body draws blood to that area, producing a calming effect on the muscles and tissues in that region and putting the body in the best environment possible for it to heal itself.
Whether the magnet is placed inside a shoe, worn as an ankle strap or – most commonly – attached to a bracelet – the effect is purportedly a positive one. The increased blood flow not only helps deliver more nutrients to the body, but also improves the removal of toxins and contaminants from tissues throughout the body.
Proponents of magnet therapy also claim that magnetic bracelets can:
Reduce inflammation, lactic acid, calcium deposits and other toxins in the body due to the increased blood flow
Help heal nervous tissue and bones due to the magnets’ ability to accelerate the migration of calcium ions
Help promote peaceful sleep as the magnets can influence the production of the hormone melatonin in the body, which helps us know when to sleep and when to wake up
Help the body to produce more endorphins, which are known as natural painkillers.
Magnet therapy is a booming business, with magnetic bracelets not the only magnet-based commodity on the market. Other products include magnetic pillows, mattress pads, hairbrushes and even magnetic pet products, designed to help your dog or mutt make the most of magnets.
The worldwide magnet therapy industry totals sales of over a billion dollars per year, including $300 million per year in the United States alone.
What do you think of magnetic health therapy?
Have you ever used any of these magnetic health devices?
What was the outcome?
Comments (17)
I agree with the above comments: "Mind over Matter" - and "placebo" effect.
If you believe it, it will work!
The same as the "nacebo" effect can have - which is the opposite.
Have you ever used any of these magnetic health devices?
no, but ve used some techniques to re-balance the body's magnetic-field after i learned.
What was the outcome?
instantaneous.
"There is interest in magnet therapy for medical conditions due to the variety of electromagnetic fields that naturally occur within the body. For example, nervous system transmissions and related muscle contractions are associated with magnetic activity. The heart generates the largest magnetic field in the body. Several other activities in the body are associated with magnetic activity.
There isn’t enough information to know exactly how magnets might work in the body to treat disease or pain."
It is recognised that magnetic fields play an integral role in the functioning of the human body, including the brain and the process of thought.
The magnets used in these magnetic therapy devices are permanent magnets with a static magnetic field.
From a scientific perspective, the strength of such magnetic fields are insufficient to have any healing effect.
I think the last sentence in the quote from WebMD does not give a point blank dismissal of the possibility that that they may contribute to healing. Rather, it says that "there isn't enough information to know how magnets might work..."
The issue of belief is a general issue that may apply in any procedure for healing. I think that in almost any situation where a person seeks healing, he/she will have some degree of belief in the healing technique.
If your aunt used it and loved it, then she must have found it was helpful. I think that some persons who use some of these devices, may have resorted to their use because they may have tried Western medical science treatment and found that it was not effective for them.
Although I personally think that the use of these devices may be a waste of time and money for perhaps the majority of persons, I remain open to the possibility, just like you, that they may be beneficial to some.
I agree with you that good marketing is a significant factor in popularising interest in these products as being helpful in treating certain health problems.
I appreciate the point you made about the importance of belief in the process of healing.
However, with regard to your statement:
"If you believe it, it will work!"
I do not think that the situation is so simple.
Are you saying that once a person believes that something will take place, it will certainly and definitely take place purely on the basis of the belief itself, regardless of what it is, and irrespective of other factors?
I agree with you that belief is important in the healing process.
But does belief, by itself, necessarily guarantee that healing will take place?
I appreciate your reference to the negative effects of strong magnetic fields on the body.
The magnets used in these magnetic therapy devices are permanent magnets with a static magnetic field of much lower strength.
From a scientific perspective, the strength of such magnetic fields seem to be insufficient to have any healing effect.
WebMD, a website managed by medical doctors, states:
"There isn’t enough information to know exactly how magnets might work in the body to treat disease or pain."
Nice to hear from you again!
You say you have used some other techniques to re-balance the body's magnetic field and got an instantaneous outcome.
Would you care to share some details of that experience with us?
I am fine. How are you? Thanks for your visit. I am happy you found the blog interesting. Take Care, my friend!
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