The History of Magnetic Therapy.
Magnetic Therapy is not
new. 4,000 years ago, Chinese Medicine was based on the understanding that good health depended on the circulation
of vital energies, these being known as Qi (chi). The first major work on healing was called The Emperor's Book of
Internal Medicine, within which was recorded how imbalances could be corrected by the use of acupuncture and
magnetic stones.
In Eygpt, Cleopatra who was known for her youthful looks and beauty, used a lodestone (magnet) in an amulet on he
forehead to preserve her youth. We know today through science, that at the back of the forehead lies the pineal
gland, home to the chemical melatonin (now used as an anti-jetlag drug) which is also known as the "youth hormone"
due to it's potential for cell repair and anti-aging.
History of medicine is dotted with anecdotal evidence of the power of magnets. But when did we really understand
the therapeutic power of magnets?
Modern or Therapeutic Magnets.
When man first ventured into space in the 1960s, this was the first time man had left the intensity of the earth's
magnetic field. On return to earth, even after a very short period in space, it was discovered that the astronauts
were losing bone density, their immune systems were being affected and they were experiencing calcium deficiency,
meaning that they needed intensive medical treatment on return to earth.
The solution was discovered to be magnetism and the need to place the astronauts within an environment that
simulated the earth's magnetic field. However, traditional magnets made of iron were too heavy, so this led to the
development of extremely high-powered magnets that were lightweight. These are the magnets and materials that are
now widely used in modern magnet-therapy.
Today, when astronauts go into space, they wear suits lined with flexible magnetic materials and the spacecraft has
a magnetic lining. The difference to the astronauts on return from space today, they go straight from the
space-craft to the press-conference.
The strength of the magnets used is important. A magnet that may hold a note on the refrigerator door is about -100
gauss (gauss is the term for measuring magnetic strength), whilst a magnet now used in health care (of the same
size and weight) can hold a magnetic strength of -12,300 gauss. What this means to us is that it is now possible to
have lightweight, portable magnets that are strong enough to stimulate changes in the way our cells behave and
react.
How do Magnets Work?
The science of Magnotherapy indicates that two vital things happen when a magnet is placed on the skin:
* First, the soft tissue will lengthen and help to relax down a muscle or ligament that is damaged or traumatised.
It will work in an area and depth directly proportional to the type and strength of the magnet used. Depending on
the strength, you should be able to effect a change to a radius of between 3-5 inches around any one magnet and to
a similar depth.
* Secondly, the tissue relaxes, oxygen and blood flow that has so far restricted access to the damaged site is
allowed in and is increased. This effect can be seen using thermal imaging techniques.
Normally an injured site, whether from arthritis, torn muscles or any other condition, will be surrounded by
inflammation. This can comprise of lactic acids, calcium and other deposits. Basically the site is "hot" with
acidity. The increase in oxygen and blood flow brings with it increased alkalinity. This neutralises the acidity,
allowing the body to start its own healing abilities. Magnets merely encourage this in a truly dramatic way.
Once the area is being detoxified, the thermal benefits of magnets begin. As the blood in our body is continuously
circulating, periodically, it comes close to the magnet placed on the skin above. In this magnetic field, the ions
in the blood become agitated and are attracted to the magnet, atomic particles begin to spin inside the cell (known
as the Hall effect). This switching-on, causes the body to stimulate its own beta-endorphin (pain relieving
systems).
So, in summary, we expect magnet therapy to activate the following responses in the body;
1. Lengthen and relax tissue
2. Commence the process of flushing out debris and inflammation from the site
3. Start the body's own pain relieving system.
These are the key points you should understand about magnetic products if you
wish to successfully treat yourself and your family.
If you understand that the product works where it is placed you will not fall into the trap of buying a wristband
to help with pain in your knee.
Magnetism has always intrigued scholars and ordinary folk alike with its mysterious, magical seeming powers.
