What is magnetic therapy?
Magnetic therapy (also called magnetic field therapy) is an alternative medical practice that uses static magnets to relieve symptoms of pain and health concerns, such as back pain.
What are the different types of magnetic field therapies?
There are several different types, but the most common ones are:
- Static magnetic field therapy - a magnet is touched to your skin either by wearing a magnetic bracelet or a magnet inside your shoe sole.
- Electrically charged magnetic therapy (electromagnetic therapy) - where the magnets have an electric charge and it comes from a pulse.
- Magnetic therapy in combination with acupuncture - the magnets are placed on the same areas of the skin that an acupuncturist would go.
How does it work?
The human body naturally has magnetic and electric fields and in this therapy practice, it is believed that the magnetic energy behind the molecules in your body are out of balance. The thought behind magnetic therapy is that magnets could affect the charged particles in the blood, nerves, and cell membranes, or subtly alter biochemical reactions in the body.
However, further research is needed and there is conflicting evidence from different scientific studies as to whether it really is beneficial with treating certain health conditions.
Which conditions can use magnetic therapy as a treatment?
Scientists have used magnetic therapy for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia pain
Who shouldn't use magnetic therapy?
It is not a good idea to wear static magnets if you are pregnant, or if you use either a pacemaker or an insulin pump.