Magnetic therapy is a form of alternative medicine that has been practiced in the East for over a century. Some ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Indians, and Greeks, used magnets as part of amulets and to promote self-healing. According to the theory, they can be applied to certain parts of the body to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help the body recover from injuries. When applied near or against the skin, magnets can theoretically also help with muscle relaxation and fluid retention.
While there is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of magnets, some preliminary research indicates that they can be beneficial to treat chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis pain. Since magnets are supposed to work by emitting a magnetic field that affects the body at the cellular level, some health practitioners use them to speed up the healing of fractured bones. Critics of magnetic therapy claim that the lack of research in the topic shows that there is no real proof that it is a useful means of treatment.
The smallest magnets in use are ones incorporated into jewelry, shoe inserts, and wrist supports. Larger sets can be woven into mattresses or massage pads. Besides helping with pains, they are said to improve circulation and help with insomnia, so they are widely used in sleep pads and pillows. Some companies are now selling magnetic dog and cat collars for animals suffering from arthritis and joint pain.
Magnets should not be used by anyone who has a pacemaker or insulin pump implanted. Doctors also recommend pregnant women to avoid them, as they may have an influence on blood flow and coagulation. People with serious medical conditions should not use magnets as the only method of treatment.
For those wishing to try the health effects of magnets, it may be wise to consult a magnetic therapist, who is trained to know where exactly to place them and which strength to use for different conditions. If someone is unsure of what to expect, he or she should consult a health practitioner.