Monday, September 28, 2009

How does magnet therapy help with arthritis?

WHAT'S THE ATTRACTION?

The first medicinal use of magnets dates back to 200 B.C., when a Greek physician, Galan, used "lodestones" to promote healing and, Aristotle, often spoke of the healing power of magnets. The Persians used magnets to treat muscle spasms, and the Chinese have used magnets for thousands of years.

In the Middle Ages, magnets were used to treat arthritis, gout, poisoning, and baldness. Clothing made with magnetic fibers, and magnetic salves, were used during the Civil War. In 1924, Dr. Albert Abrams, used an electronic magnet to detect vitamin and mineral deficiencies. His invention, Radionics, is now known as radiation therapy.

Magnets have also been used in the past to treat fractures that would not heal, for cancer, respiratory ailments, and NASA even used magnets in the space capsules to help astronauts reduce the symptoms of weakness created by lack of gravity. Researchers have also discovered that magnets can help relieve the muscle and nerve pain caused by fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, headaches, and back spasms.

Magnets produce an energy field that is believed to penetrate the body and promote healing. This field can affect individual cell functions, the nervous system, equilibrium, and vital organs.

Some believers claim that the magnet generates an electrical current that will block or interrupt the pain signals dispatched from the brain. Other theories involve the belief that magnets increase the blood flowing to an affected area, supplying it with more oxygen and nutrients, thereby reducing swelling and pain.

Americans spend an estimated $500 million each year on magnetic or copper remedies and, the amount balloons to $5 billion, worldwide. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia were surveyed in 1999, and 18% were using magnets and copper bracelets in addition to traditional treatments

Even though the body of evidence continues to grow, the medical profession has yet to officially approve magnetic therapy as a viable treatment option. Magnetic therapy remains a controversial subject. Scientists are continuing to conduct controlled research programs in the hopes that magnetic therapy will become an acceptable method of treatment.

The FDA approved the use of electromagnets, in 1979, as a treatment for unhealed bone fractures. All other uses of electromagnets have not approved and are still undergoing experimentation.

The beneficial effects of magnetic therapy are yet to be determined but the use of magnets, along with traditional medicine, cannot cause any harm if you are aware of the precautions.

Important precautions before attempting magnet therapy:

* Do not use magnets if you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.
* If you have an allergy to the metal used to make the magnet.
* Avoid magnets if you are pregnant; no research has been done.
* Do not use magnets until an hour after eating as the blood flow in the digestive system may be affected.
* Always consult with your doctor before trying any alternative therapy.

Author: Dawn R. Cole

Thursday, September 24, 2009

How Do Copper Bracelets Work?

Arthritis Relief

Copper bracelets are a traditional folk healing method for easing the joint pain of arthritis. The bracelet must fit so that the copper is in contact with the skin around the wrist. It is believed by those who wear copper bracelets that the copper will then be absorbed by the wearer's skin. The belief is that the absorbed copper will act on the joint inflammation to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. There are also copper ankle bracelets that are worn around the ankle to relieve arthritis stiffness there. Copper is one of many nutrient deficiencies that can lead to arthritis, but an excess buildup of copper in the body is known to be harmful for those who have arthritis. Despite a lack of evidence of their benefit, the belief in copper bracelets as a treatment has persisted over the years.

Coating Free

To ensure that the copper can be absorbed through the skin, the bracelet should have no coating over the copper. Many copper bracelets are made specifically for arthritis relief. These bracelets are wide, and the copper is left untreated so that the bracelet will deliver the maximum amount of copper to the surface of the skin. No study has been done on whether the copper from bracelets is actually absorbed into the body.

Studies

Although copper has been used since ancient times to relieve arthritis, there have been no large studies conducted on how well copper bracelets actually work. The few studies have been small and had conflicting results. Some believe that the only effect of copper bracelets is a placebo effect that makes the wearer believe he will feel better with the bracelet on. There have never been scientifically proven effects from wearing copper bracelets.

Copper and Magnets

Some copper bracelets are made with magnets to deliver both copper and magnetic therapy to arthritis pain. The combination of both of these folk remedies is supposed to strengthen the effects of the copper and to provide twice the relief to arthritis symptoms. No studies have found the combination of these two remedies to be effective for relieving any illnesses.

Medical Uses of Copper Bracelets


People have worn copper jewelry for thousands of years. Presently, there are some who believe they can receive health benefits from wearing copper bracelets. This idea is not widely accepted by mainstream medicine, but it has endured as a popular folk remedy.
History
Ancient civilizations in places ranging from the Americas to Egypt used copper extensively. Throughout history people have used copper to make weapons, armor, pots, jewelry and artwork.
Significance
Copper is essential to human health. The body absorbs copper from foods such as nuts, shellfish and salt. Copper aids in the production of melanin, blood and bone and is used in many other essential bodily functions.
Theories/Speculation
There is anecdotal evidence and some research suggesting that copper is useful in relieving arthritis pain. Also, many believe that it is possible to absorb copper through the skin. These two ideas provide the basis for using copper bracelets as medical aids.
Considerations
There are almost no considerations to take into account when deciding to use a copper bracelet to treat arthritis. The only real side effect that could occur would be the formation of a rash due to personal allergies.
Fun Fact
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Bracelet Copper Magnetic - Doubling the Health Benefits

The rise of copper magnetic bracelets has shown people that two is indeed better than one. The bracelets were made to provide both the therapeutic effects of magnetic fields and copper. These two materials were widely believed to have beneficial effects on pain, inflammation and other muscle and joint problems. Find out more about the styles and process.

The Treatments

When you invest in a copper magnetic bracelet, manufacturers and dealers say that you can have several benefits such as pain relief from arthritis, tendonitis, rheumatism and carpal tunnel syndrome. Magnets have been used since the ancient times to treat a variety of physical disorders since these were thought to balance the ionic flow in the human body. Copper was also found to have physical benefits like muscle relaxation, improved blood flow and increased oxygen output to tissues. The combination of these two can then treat individuals more effectively.

Makers suggest that you place the magnet and copper close to the area you intend to treat. The wrist and arm can then benefit from muscle and joint pain and inflammation that may result from underlying and general conditions. There's really not much difference if you wear the bracelets tightly or loosely since it is known to have effects on the entire area around where it is placed.

The Look

Copper magnetic bracelets have a very simple yet fashionable appearance. The pieces can have lengths anywhere from 65 to 85 mm that can easily fit wrist sizes of 6 to 8 inches. Width is about 2 to 3 cm and thickness is about 0.5 to 0.85 cm. The bracelets simply form an unfinished loop without any clasp wherein the wearer can slip his hand or wrist through the open ends.

The copper loop is solid, has a bronze or rustic brown color and entirely magnetized accordingly from 1500 to 7000 gauss depending on the needs of the person. Since jewelry and other magnet-sensitive metals cannot be placed on the bracelet, the pieces usually have very simple designs such as a bangle or cuff. There are however, gold and silver-plated ones sporting various patterns.

The Price

Prices will differ depending on the size, materials used and gauss of the magnet. The higher the gauss, the more expensive the copper magnetic bracelet. The number of karats for gold-plated designs will also determine the price. On the average, simple copper magnetic cuffs or bangles cost about $30. Prices can rise up from $60 to $250 with higher gauss and addition of details and gold or silver accents. Almost all bracelets come in very presentable packages with some instructions on how to therapeutically apply treatment. A lot of dealers also offer warranty and satisfaction guarantee over a period of time.

Tips on Wearing Them

You may wear more than one bracelet at a time since some experts believe that higher gauss also results in more effective physical gains. Some people even wear as many as 4 to 5 bracelets at a time. You should know that these bracelets are primarily sold as aesthetic devices and have not been scientifically or medically proven to treat any condition or disease. These also should never be used to replace medical therapy for those undergoing any. It is best to consult your doctor first before buying a copper magnetic bracelet.

Susan Barcelon is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Just-Bracelets.com. She provides more resources on topics such as copper magnetic bracelets, cancer bracelets and silicone bracelets that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

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