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