Magnets: How do they really work?

Can magnets actually help us feel better? When I first read about this theory I was somewhat skeptical but curious. After looking into it further and trying out a few magnet products, I was pleasantly surprised. Let me tell you a few things I found out.

Research has shown that when charged particles pass through a magnetic field, they generate a current, which produces heat, expands blood vessels, and increases blood flow. This in turn can stimulate the body to heal faster, as the movement of oxygen and other nutrients to the cells increases and unwanted waste and toxins are flushed from the system. Although the body will often heal in its own time, we can expedite nature's clock by applying a magnetic field. Through the use of magnets we can aid the cell's natural ability to heal itself by providing the optimal environment for that repair.

As described in Sherry Kahn's book, "Healing Magnets", magnet therapy relieves pain, speeds healing, and appears to restore balance when our systems get out of whack. While research is still somewhat limited, a variety of studies have been done in which magnetic therapy has been helpful for conditions such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, bone fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, dental problems, depression, fatigue, female problems, fibromyalgia, food pain (diabetic neuropathy), headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, parkinson's disease, postpolio syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, skin problems, soft-tissue injuries, recovery from surgery, wound healing, etc.

One particular randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted by Dr. Michael Weintraub and published in the May 5, 2003 issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine (a leading publication on rehabilitative medicine and is part of the American Medical Association family of scholarly journals) confirms that the constant wearing of static, permanent, magnetic insoles produces statistically significant reduction of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, Dr. Weintrub concludes that magnetic therapy is comparable or superior to that observed with various conventional drugs and has the advantage of being non invasive and is also less expensive and has no side effects.

A variety of products such as insoles, sleep systems, water systems, wraps, massage balls, and pads that you can place on different parts of your body contain magnets in them and can be used to help us feel better. Keep in mind that individuals with a pace maker or in their first trimester of pregnancy should not use magnetic products. Give magnets a try, you will likely be amazed by the difference they make in your life!