It appears that magnet was discovered several hundred years before Jesus Christ. One story of its discovery is very interesting. There is a story according to which, a vast area called Magnesia in Asia Minor was enriched with black iron ore composed of iron and oxygen – Fe3O4 (Ferrosoferric oxide). The local inhabitants found the ore having powers of attraction and named it “Magnetite” as it was first found in Magnesia.

It was a Physician from Switzerland – P A Paracelsus – 1493-1541 – who recognized the therapeutic powers of magnets. He made a relevant observation, which is, “…that which constitutes a magnet is an attraction force which is beyond our understanding, but, which nevertheless causes an attraction of iron and other things. Magnetic treatment was useful in all inflammation, influxes, and ulcerations, in diseases of uterus and bowels, in internal as well as external diseases…”

Dr William Gilbert of England (Colchester) 1540-1603 AD, made a scientific study of electricity and magnetism and wrote a path-breaking book entitled “De Magnet”.

An English scientist, Michael Faraday (1791-1867 AD), made extensive discoveries and has come to be known as the founder of Biomagnetics. He is the one who worked to point out that all matter is magnetic and they are either repelled or attracted by a magnetic field.

The Chinese called the magnet ‘Chu Shi’ the French called it ‘Aimant’ whereas the Greeks called it ‘Magnetis’.

Dr Mesmer (1734-1815), who was known to be the father of hypnotism, in fact “mesmerism” came to be known from his name, Father Hall of Austria, Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the father of Homoeopathy are some of the pioneers who contributed their might for the development of Magnetic Therapy

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in alternative medicines or treatments. People seeking more relief than drugs can give them, or looking to treat their illness/pain without medication, are flocking to the “natural” alternatives being offered, including magnetic therapy.

Magnetic therapy is based on the premise that since all living things exist in a magnetic field (the Earth), and since the human body itself has a magnetic field, then the application of static magnets will help to re-arrange or restore that magnetic balance. What benefits does it offer? Proponents and medical supporters of magnetic therapy claim that the use of magnets on certain parts of the body relating to pain, injury or disease, can help to re-direct the flow of positive and negative ions in the natural magnetic field, thus increasing blood flow, and drawing away acids and inflammation that have built up in the surrounding tissues.

Doctors at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Tx., conducted a double-blind study of 50 patients with postpolio syndrome who reported muscular or arthritic-like pain. The study reported that 76% of the group with a "real" magnet showed improvement compared with 19% of the group with a "sham" (inactive) magnet. This study was published in Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 78, November 1997.

Michael I. Weintraub, MD, FACP, conducted a pilot study of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. This was published in the American Journal of Pain Management, Volume 8 No. 1 January 1998. Using magnetic foot insoles, this pilot study revealed that 75% (6 of 8) subjects experienced a reduction or reversal of symptoms. Dr. Weintraub is currently conducting a similar, nation-wide study using a double-blind protocol. The results are expected to be published by fall of 2001. Be sure to watch for this! (We believe, based on the anecdotal evidence we have seen, that the results will be very favorable!)

Between February and December 1996, 38 subjects with wrist pain were part of a study conducted by Dr. Michael McLean, Robert R. Holcomb, and others supported by the Sara Lee Corporation in collaboration with the Holcomb Medical Research Institute and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 29 of these subjects were evaluable. This team found that pain decreased an average of 53%, an 18/29 (62%) improved during the blinded phase of the test.

MAGNETIC THERAPY – TECHNIQUES OF APPLICATION
General:

Human body is endowed with natural healing powers. As Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine once said: “Nature cures; not the physician”. All the systems of alternate medicine aim at holistic healing. They try to create conducive conditions for the natural healing process of the body to speed up. Magnetic therapy is no exception to this principle. The therapeutic effects of magnets work through: (1) Nervous system (2) Respiratory system (3) Digestive system (4) Urinary system, and, most importantly through (5) Blood circulatory system.

Extensive studies have revealed that water from North Pole magnets has the benevolent effect of controlling bacterial infections, including neutralizing, or, in some cases killing cancer cells. Also found to be effective in tumors, skin rashes, sores, boils etc. North Pole, in effect, has a retarding action. The South Pole oozes energy, imparts strength and warmth to the affected parts, reduces swelling, stops pains and in general increases power of resistance of the patient.

Conceptual Framework:

The metabolism of every living cell of not only human beings but also all other life forms is linked essentially to electro-magnetic energy. Biological self-healing powers are buttressed, if energy is significantly made available to it. An organism full of energy is anathema to bacterial and virus infections as its power of resistance peaks. It only spells rosy health and extreme fitness. The basic concept of magnetic therapy is nothing more than this.

Application:

Some doctors prefer only North Pole, whereas others prefer South Pole for treatment. Dr Albert Roy Davis, U.S.A; is an ardent supporter of single pole use in treatment. His book “The Anatomy of Bio-magnetism” states:

North Pole (N.P)

Arthritis - calcium of joints is slowly dissolved by North Pole.
Bleeding or hemorrhage - After birth or due to female weak organs.
Bleeding of wounds, cuts, bruises due to weak tissues.
Boils and Cancers
Broken bones, broken joints, fractures - South Pole on the upper and North Pole on the lower portion ensures best healing.
Burns - North Pole on the burnt portion - When the pain is less, South Pole to give strength to the tissue and to form flesh over the burnt part.
H.B.Pressure - N.P. under the right ear down the artery.
Infection, pus, discharge due to any infection - (N.P. arrests it and nature heals).
Kidney infection or stone (even partially lost kidneys may start functioning in some cases).
Sprains in ankles, back, hips, legs and feet, etc.
Teeth and gums - Decaying teeth, infection of gums, swellings, and pus deposits.
Toothache with bad smell, bleeding & wounds

South Pole (S.P)

All kinds of pains, stiffness and weakness in fore limbs, arms, legs. Shoulders, hips, etc.-S.P. encourages & provides strength and life to the limbs.
Encourage life in all its forms but makes infection worse.
Digestion poor, as formation-Due to more acidity in stomach.
Production of insulin less.
Prostate enlargement (Fluid discharge is increased. M. W. every 2hours or earlier is a must).
Hair coloring-S.P. improves hair coloring in limited cases of those persons only whose health is good. South Pole for ½ hour on the seat of the person after he/she has gone to bed gives good results.
Heart- We should ascertain the actual heart disease as there may be several types of complaints. For weak of pulse rate, and heart beats-apply South Pole.
Neuralgia (Headache0- the causes should be investigated and treated. S.P. works to remove it if applied also below the left side of the stomach, M.W, and diet should be advised.
Weak muscles- South Pole for 10-minute morning and 10 minutes in the evening again.
Weakness to walk-South Pole for a week or 10 days provides energy and strength.

How Magnets Affect the Body

Although not exactly sure how, scientists believe that magnetic fields perturb the body’s own magnetic energy, which, in turn, triggers more conventional biochemical and physiological mechanisms. Magnetic fields:

· Increase blood flow, bringing in more oxygen and nutrients, and flushing away waste products.

· Modulate calcium flow through the body, which is essential to many physiological processes. Magnetic fields can attract calcium ions to heal a broken bone or help move calcium away from painful arthritic joints.

· Alter the acidity or alkalinity of body fluids, which are often out of balance with illness;

· Affect hormone production (including those of the brain’s all-important pineal gland), which initiates a cascade of biological effects.

· Alter enzyme activity and other biochemical processes, such as the production of ATP, a molecule that provides cellular fuel for the entire body.

· Stimulate electromagnetic energy flow through acupuncture meridians.

· Alter cell chromosome alignment.

Magnetic Therapy is said to have soothing effect on the cells, tissues and nerves, when applied to an affected part and cause to lessen the pain, stiffness, soreness or swelling. Magnetic Therapy acts: To improve circulation
As a corollary of the above, increases the temperature, and,
Relaxes the muscles

Simply place the magnets on the area you are seeking positive change; affix with the high quality, durable adhesive tape included. Simply peel off the protective backing and place over the magnet to hold the magnet in place. (The raised "N" on the magnet is the North side of the magnet, and we suggest that this side be placed Next to the skin.)