What is Biomagnetic Therapy?
Biomagnetic Therapy (also known as magnetic therapy, magnetherapy, and magnotherapy)
is a 'non-traditional', or alternative method of pain relief, as well as a holistic
tool for increased health and vitality. Although the use of magnets for their
healing properties has been documented by a wide variety of cultures for thousands
of years, 'traditional' or 'western' medical practitioners, particularly
in the United States, have generally not yet accepted the benefits of magnetic
therapy. However, in recent years, biomagnetic therapy has begun to gain some
acceptance and credibility among a growing number of doctors as a greater number
of successes are reported for patients treated with therapy magnets.
There are several theories about how
biomagnetic therapy works. The primary basis of these theories relates to
the fact that the earth's magnetic field has a significant impact on all living
things and that life itself is dependent on magnetic energy. A striking example
of this connection was discovered by NASA. The first astronauts to orbit earth
outside of the earth's magnetic field returned home sick and weakened. NASA
scientists discovered their illness was caused by a lack of magnetism and solved
the problem by placing magnets in spacecraft and space suits.
How does it work?
Magnetism affects the human body through the circulatory system, the nervous
system, and the endocrine system. It is constantly penetrating all particles,
right down to the atom. Magnetism's ordering effect on living systems arises
from the fact that magnetism is a blueprint of life itself. Recent research
indicates that magnetism has a very significant biological effect on the human
body. Following is a list of the processes believed to take place when the body
is exposed to magnetic fields which contribute to pain relief and improved health.
1) Magnetism increases the electrical conductivity of the blood. Weak current
runs through the magnetic field and the quantity of ions is increased - the
ionized blood circulating throughout the body improves the efficiency of blood
flow, as well as stabilizing blood pressure.
2) Blood contains iron, or ferrous hemoglobin, which is a carrier of oxygen
and carbon dioxide. As blood circulates through the lungs, fully magnetized
ferrous hemoglobin is able to carry more oxygen to cell tissue as well as take
more carbon dioxide waste from cells back to the lungs for removal.
3) When tissue is exposed to a magnetic field, a secondary current is created
around the flux lines in the cells. This ionizes the protoplasm and energies
the cell tissue by activating cell metabolism. Cell functions are strengthened
as the cell metabolism responds to the electrical currents initiated by the
magnetic field. This current can cause muscle spasms to decrease, as well as
decreasing inflammation of tissue. The increase in the cell metabolism aids
both new cell growth and cell regeneration.
4) The negative pole energy of a magnetic field interferes with the ability
of nerve cells to transmit pain impulses to the brain where the pain is registered.
When a negative magnetic field is placed over a nerve, the positively charged
ions of the nerve impulse are attracted to the negative magnetic field, thereby
impeding the flow of the positively charged ions through the nerves to the brain.
5) Magnetism may work to regulate and/or normalize hormone secretion in the
glands. A theory is that the increased electrical current being produced by
a magnet forms a 'net' around the glands and secretory ducts. Increased concentration
of oxygen stimulates production while the 'net' optimizes secretion. Normalizing
the hormone functions within the body affects conditions caused by a hormone
imbalance. Hormones are an important factor in rejuvenation and overall energy
levels, while proper circulation ensures that hormone levels are distributed
evenly through out the body.