Magnetic field therapy
Magnetic field therapy can be used in both diagnosing and treating
physical and emotional disorders. This process has been recognized to relieve symptoms and
may, in some cases, retard the cycle of new disease. Magnets and electromagnetic therapy
devices are now being used to expel pain, facilitate the healing of broken bones, and
counter the effects of stress.
The world is surrounded by magnetic fields: some are generated
by the earth's magnetism, while others are generated by solar storms and changes in the
weather. Magnetic fields are also created by everyday electrical devices: motors,
televisions, office equipment, computers, microwave ovens, the electrical wiring in homes,
and the power lines that supply them. Even the human body produces subtle magnetic fields
that are generated by the chemical reactions within the cells and the ionic currents of
the nervous system.
Recently, scientists have discovered that external magnetic
fields can affect the body's functioning in both positive and negative ways, and this
observation has led to the development of magnetic field therapy.
Purpose of Magnetic field therapy
Magnetic field therapy (MFT) is an alternative treatment for a wide variety of
symptoms, most notably for pain. While the use of magnets for healing has a centuries-old
history, only recently have some controlled studies been done which demonstrate the
effectiveness of magnetic field therapy.
The human body is surrounded by magnetic fields present on the earth, and the body is
full of magnetic materials. Magnetic fields penetrate the body easily, because it is 70%
water and offers no resistance. A strong magnet held on one side of the hand can easily
affect the needle on a compass on the other side of the same hand. Measurements show that
tissue that has been exposed to a magnet will keep enhanced magnetic signals for sometime
afterwards. Different types of magnets can produce these effects, including flat magnetic
pads and electromagnets, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and nerve
conduction testing devices.
The mechanism of action of MFT is not understood. Possible explanations of its
beneficial effect on the body include its ability to increase blood flow, change the
alignment of bodily electromagnetic fields, and interact with acupuncture points and
meridians on the body. Certainly the placebo effect, in which a treatment is helpful
because the patient thinks it is, may be acting in some cases. However, MFT has also been
used successfully in treating pain in horses, where the placebo effect presumably is not a
factor.
Claims of successful treatment have been made for many more conditions, including
cancer, arthritis, headache, sleep disorders, neurological disease, stress-related
conditions, and osteoporosis.
Some double-blind scientific studies have shown varying results in the use of MFT to
reduce pain associated with hip replacement and heel pain. Another small investigation
demonstrated improvement in the healing of leg ulcers.
Precautions of Magnetic field therapy
MFT is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for any medical
condition, and magnetic therapy products are not registered medical devices. Those with
cardiac pacemakers or other implanted devices should not use magnets. Marketers of MFT
devices warn against use during pregnancy or on open wounds, and state that magnets may
cause pain, toxin release, medication interactions, digestive difficulties, seizures,
insomnia, hyperactivity, and tumor growth.
Description of Magnetic field therapy
Magnetic therapy can be applied in many ways, from the use of small, simple magnets to
a large machine. Small magnets, either embedded in flexible plastic or wrapped in cloth,
are strapped over the area to be treated, and left in place for variable lengths of time.
They can also be carried in a person's pocket or placed in a shoe. Magnetic blankets and
mattress pads also are available. Large machines that can generate high levels of field
strength are used for treating fractures that are slow to heal, and in pseudoarthritis, a
joint disease caused by nerve breakdown.
Risks of Magnetic field therapy
In the limited studies of MFT, no adverse effects have been reported. Since the body's
electromagnetic fields are easily altered, magnetic therapy should be practiced under the
supervision of an experienced professional.
Normal results of Magnetic field therapy
MFT seems to be effective, according to the literature, for relief of some types of
pain and in healing leg ulcers. Further study is needed to confirm its effectiveness in
treating other conditions. |
