By: LARRY HAASE, CL.S.
Printed in: Senior Life September, 2001 Vol. 19, No.
9
In today's self-medicating "pill for everything" world, it
is refreshing to learn about alternative methods for relieving pain.
Magnetic therapy, one of the oldest remedies for natural healing, is
becoming a more common practice in today's medical world. "Magnets
have been used by many who suffer from arthritic pain, back and pelvic
pain and even diabetes in some cases," says Dr. John Maher, a Diplomat
of the American Academy of Pain Management and a practicing chiropractor
in Solana Beach, California. He has worked in alternative medicine and
has used magnetic products in his practice for over 15 years.
The question is how exactly do magnets promote healing and alleviate
pain? Some scientists theorize that magnets help the healing process
by stimulating the blood flow to the affected area, allowing for more
oxygen and nutrients while reducing the number of toxins. Other schools
of thought suggest that magnets create a field that alters how the signals
of pain are sent along the central nervous system. More research needs
to be done in this area.
However, a lot of good research has been done recently on the effects
of static magnets on pain. Dr. C. Vallbona and his colleagues, from
the Baylor School of Medicine, found "significant and prompt relief
of pain in post polio subjects," and Dr. M. Weintraub, from the
New York Medical Center, "found that there was a 60% reduction
in pain and 100% elimination of burning foot syndrome in diabetic patients
who used static magnets."
In addition to drug free pain relief, magnets have gained popularity
because of their convenience. Only one magnet is needed per trigger
point and can be used for as long as relief is needed. More studies
are being done on this natural adjunct for symptomatic pain, but more
studies are concluding that magnetic therapy is indeed effective and
simple.
Most therapeutic magnets contained in wraps, braces, belts, etc. on
the market today, are made from ceramics, with relatively low magnetic
field strengths (Br 500-1,000 gauss).
Research shows that it is necessary to have a very strong magnet (Br
10,000 - 12,000 gauss) in order to affect collagen fiber density in
and around the joints of injured areas and the production of enzymes
inside the cells. This is an indication that healing is taking place.
Very few static magnets are strong enough to do the job.
Unlike the common black ceramic magnets seen on refrigerators, novelties,
and in most magnetic health products, a new rare-earth magnet containing
"Neodymium" is the only material capable of attaining those
strengths. It is a little more expensive then the highly promoted ceramic
products but the new material is 15-25 times stronger. The greater strength
and deeper penetration is deemed more effective in achieving the desired
pain relief and in promoting healing.
Jack Clarkson of Wilderville, OR states "I am 85 years young and
have had arthritis in the back of my neck for the past 16 years. I take
care of 20 acres and when I get to hurting too bad, I come in, put on
the magnets, and take a nap. Then I go back to work without pain."
Dr. and Mrs. C.D. Wickliffe of Escondido, CA says "My husband
has to take lots of medications, so using the magnets eliminates the
need to take more pills when he has shoulder pain from his arthritis.
When I forget to put on my magnet, I feel the pain in my hand from arthritis."
Larry Haase is technical consultant for Magnetic Arts. He can be reached
at 760-466-7513
Magnetization