How
does Magnetic Therapy work?
This is the question we hear most. The answer
is, no one really knows for sure - not even
top researchers! There are several good theories,
and all or some may prove to be correct.
Some doctors believe that the magnetic field
affects the iron component of blood, hemoglobin,
acting to increase circulation to the area where
magnetic fields are used.
Another theory is that the magnetic field energizes
and oxygenates the white corpuscles in the blood
stream, and these white corpuscles are nature's
healing agents. The theory predicts that magnetically
charged ions increase the blood flow, which
provides increased oxygenation to the blood.
This increased oxygenation is the prevalent
factor to enhancing your body's natural healing
powers, and the results are less pain, decreased
inflammation, and the possibility of increased
energy levels.
Both of these theories prefer magnetic therapy
because any time circulation and blood flow
increases, the body’s natural healing mechanism
can work more efficiently.
Other specialists cite the fact that signals
in our nervous systems travel via tiny electromagnetic
charges. A system that is overstressed or has
experienced chronic pain and fatigue may actually
send out "false" repetitive pain signals
- an adjustment to a habitual level of pain.
Neuropathy following surgery is such an instance.
Some physicians and researches suspect that
introducing a subtle, natural magnetic field
may actually tune out "false" pain
signals.
The actual pain relief mechanism of magnetic
energy may take years of research to understand
completely, since it operates within the tissues
at such a microscopic level.
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Are
there side effects or dangers?
According to
published clinical studies, and certainly from
our own experiences with hundreds of customers,
magnet use has no side-effects.
Pain can come
from a number of sources, and it's best to find
out the reason for your pain before beginning
magnetic therapy or any other alternative or
complementary health treatment.
To be on the
safe side, always consult your physician before
beginning any type of therapy. Most magnetic
products carry warning labels cautioning some
potential users:
- People with pacemakers or other implanted
medical devices should not use magnet therapy,
as it is not known how the magnets might affect
a medical implant.
- Magnetic products are not recommended for
use during pregnancy, as it is not known how
the magnetic field would affect the unborn
child's development.
- Do not use magnetic products over an open
wound, or in conjunction with any transdermal
drug patch because increased blood flow to
these areas may not be desirable.
- If soreness, rash, or an increase in pain
occur, discontinue use and contact your physician.
In the case of skin irritation from direct
contact with a magnet, try keeping a soft
layer of fabric between the magnet and skin,
and avoid sweating or moisture.
- Keep magnetic products at least six inches
away from credit cards, computers, diskettes,
magnetic tapes, video equipment, or similar
items, as loss of data may result.
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How
strong should the magnets be?
Magnet strength
is measured in units called "gauss".
For comparison, the natural magnetic field of
the Earth is about ½ of 1 gauss. The average
"refrigerator magnet" may be anywhere
from 10 to 100 gauss. Magnets used in therapeutic
products vary from about 200 gauss to 5,000
gauss - and some even greater.
Gauss strength
can be misleading. Remember that the strength
of the magnetic field falls off very quickly
as the distance from the surface of the magnet
increases. Depending upon the strength, size,
and distance from the skin, actual gauss strength
inside the human tissue can be much less than
the gauss rating of the magnet.
Most clinical
studies show results with a magnetic field of
500-600 gauss within the tissue, which often
requires a much stronger magnet to deliver that
amount of energy within the body itself.
A stronger
magnet is a big advantage inside a mattress
pad, but applied directly to the skin may not
have any more effect that a less powerful magnet.
For example, some of our customers report great
results with the small treatment magnets in
both 1,000 and 2,500 gauss strength. A penetrating
field strength of about 500 gauss is cited as
optimal by several studies.
The depth of
penetration of the magnetic field appears to
be at least as important as its strength. This
can also vary depending upon the strength and
size of the magnet. Magnets made from Neodymium,
a rare-earth metal, are unusually strong in
relation to their size, and therefore believed
to have the deepest penetrating fields. Some
people may have a skin reaction to direct exposure
to some rare-earth magnets. For this reason,
many therapeutic magnets are plated with gold
or other non-reactive metal, or contained within
a wrap or magnetic mattress pad.
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What
does BioNorth mean?
Each magnet,
no matter how large or small, has two "poles"
- or "ends". One pole will naturally
seek the earth’s magnetic north pole, the other
pole is its opposite. They are two sides of
the same force.
The north-seeking
pole is often referred to as "BioNorth"
or simply North, and its opposite as South.
These terms are descriptions of the magnet’s
polarity. Terms such as positive or negative
are frequently used and understood, but are
not scientific descriptions of magnetic polarity.
Thanks to new
technology in magnet manufacture, it is now
possible to create magnets with both north and
south poles on the same surface of the magnet.
This arrangement may be called alternating or
bipolar.
Some practitioners
and manufacturers claim that alternating (North-South-North-South)
polarity arrangements are more beneficial than
other forms, but there are no definitive studies
that support this idea.
There are many,
many more researchers and practitioners who
believe the north-seeking, BioNorth pole of
the magnet is preferable for therapeutic use.
After careful
review and seven years of personal and customer
magnet use, we agree with the BioNorth magnetic
field for best results. The MagnaDreamPad™
uses only the BioNorth surface of the magnet
facing toward the body.
Back
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How
quickly should I expect results?
The human body
is incredibly complex - and each one slightly
different from the next in terms of metabolism,
likes and dislikes, reactions to food or medications,
and so on. It only stands to reason that each
human body will react differently to magnetic
therapy. Some people experience immediate results,
for some it may take days or weeks of consistent
use. Clinical studies report between 75-85%
of patients experience relief using magnetic
therapy, and among our customers it's more like
90% who report good results.
Do not be discouraged
if the first attempt proves unsuccessful. Experiment
with different placement or magnet strength, be sure
your magnetic products contain "live" magnets,
and ask first what a company's guarantee is before
buying magnetic products.
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Testimonials
Page
The Invisible
Force - an excellent book about magnet therapy
We
hope this summary helps you better understand
magnetic therapy. This information may not be
copied or disseminated in any form without our
written consent. Please ask first.
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