Magnetic Field Therapy
Definition
Purpose
Some of the benefits that magnetic therapy claims to provide include:
- pain relief
- reduction of swelling
- improved tissue alkalinization
- more restful sleep
- increased tissue oxygenation
- relief of stress
- increased levels of cellular oxygen
- improved blood circulation
- anti-infective activity
Description
Origins
Magnetic therapy dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Magnets have long been believed to have healing powers associated withmuscle pain and stiffness. Chinese healers as early as 200 B.C. were said to use magnetic lodestones on the body to correct unhealthyimbalances in the flow of qi, or energy. The ancient Chinese medical text known as The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicinedescribes this procedure. The Vedas, or ancient Hindu scriptures, also mention the treatment of diseases with lodestones. The word"lodestone" or leading stone, came from the use of these stones as compasses. The word "magnet" probably stems from the GreekMagnes lithos, or "stone from Magnesia," a region of Greece rich in magnetic stones. The Greek phrase later became magneta in Latin.
Sir William Gilbert's 1600 treatise, De Magnete, was the first scholarly attempt to explain the nature of magnetism and how it differed fromthe attractive force of static electricity. Gilbert allegedly used magnets to relieve the arthritic pains of Queen Elizabeth I. ContemporaryAmerican interest in magnetic therapy began in the 1990s, as several professional golfers and football players offered testimony that thedevices seemed to cure their nagging aches and injuries.
Many centuries ago, the earth was surrounded by a much stronger magnetic field than it is today. Over the past 155 years, scientists havebeen studying the decline of this magnetic field and the effects it has had on human health. When the first cosmonauts and astronautswere going into space, physicians noted that they experienced bone calcium loss and muscle cramps when they were out of the Earth'smagnetic field for any extended period of time. After this discovery was made, artificial magnetic fields were placed in the space capsules.
There are two theories that are used to explain magnetic therapy. One theory maintains that magnets produce a slight electrical current.When magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, the nerves in that area are stimulated, thus releasing the body's naturalpainkillers. The other theory maintains that when magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, all the cells in that area react toincrease blood circulation, ion exchange, and oxygen flow to the area. Magnetic fields attract and repel charged particles in thebloodstream, increasing blood flow and producing heat. Increased oxygen in the tissues and blood stream is thought to make aconsiderable difference in the speed of healing.
Preparations
There are no special preparations for using magnetic therapy other than purchasing a product that is specific for the painful area beingtreated. Products available in a range of prices include necklaces and bracelets; knee, back, shoulder and wrist braces; mattress pads;gloves; shoe inserts; and more.
Precautions
The primary precaution involved with magnetic therapy is to recognize the expense of this therapy. Magnets have become big business;they can be found in mail-order catalogs and stores ranging from upscale department stores to specialty stores. As is the case with manypopular self-administered therapies, many far-fetched claims are being made about the effectiveness of magnetic therapy. Consumersshould adopt a "let the buyer beware" approach to magnetic therapy. Persons who are interested in this form of treatment should try out asmall, inexpensive item to see if it works for them before investing in the more expensive products.
Side effects
There are very few side effects from using magnetic therapy. Generally, patients using this therapy find that it either works for them or itdoes not. Patients using transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of depression reported mild headache as their only side effect.
Research and general acceptance
Magnetic therapy is becoming more and more widely accepted as an alternative method of pain relief. Since the late 1950s, hundreds ofstudies have demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetic therapy. In 1997, a group of physicians at Baylor College of Medicine inHouston, Texas studied the use of magnetic therapy in 50 patients who had developed polio earlier in life. These patients had muscle andjoint pain that standard treatments failed to manage. In this study, 29 of the patients wore a magnet taped over a trouble spot, and 21others wore a nonmagnetic device. Neither the researchers nor the patients were told which treatment they were receiving (magnetic ornonmagnetic). As is the case with most studies involving a placebo, some of the patients responded to the nonmagnetic therapy, but 75%of those using the magnetic therapy reported feeling much better.
In another study at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, a neurologist tested magnetic therapy on a group of 19 men andwomen complaining of moderate to severe burning, tingling, or numbness in their feet. Their problems were caused by diabetes or otherconditions present such as alcoholism. This group of patients wore a magnetic insole inside one of their socks or shoes for 24 hours a dayover a two-month period, except while bathing. They wore a nonmagnetic insert in their other sock or shoe. Then for two months they woremagnetic inserts on both feet. By the end of the study, nine out of ten of the diabetic patients reported relief, while only three of ninenondiabetic patients reported relief. The neurologist in charge of the study believes that this study opens the door to additional researchinto magnetic therapy for diabetic patients. He plans a larger follow-up study in the near future.
As of 2000, a federally funded study is underway at the University of Virginia. This study is evaluating the effectiveness of magneticmattress pads in easing the muscle pain, stiffness and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
Magnetic therapy is also being studied in the treatment of depression in patients with bipolar disorder. A procedure called repeatedtranscranial magnetic stimulation has shown promise in treating this condition. In this particular study, patients with depression had alower relapse rate than did those using electroconvulsive therapy. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, patients using magnetic therapy didnot suffer from seizures, memory lapses, or impaired thinking.
Resources
Periodicals
"Magnets for Pain Relief: Attractive but Unproven." Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter 1999: 3.
Vallbona, C. "Evolution of Magnetic Therapy from Alternative to Traditional Medicine." Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Clinics of NorthAmerica 1999:729-54.
Key terms
Fibromyalgia — A chronic syndrome characterized by fatigue, widespread muscular pain, and pain at specific points on the body.
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