Magnetic Therapy: The Facts (and Some Myths)

Is magnet therapy regarded yet as a mainstream therapy? I consider it is not and through this series of articles I hope to raise awareness by examining a number of issues that have stood in the way of mass acceptance.

There is a useful parallel to be drawn between magnetic therapy and acupuncture. Acupuncture today is an accepted alternative therapy but 20 or 30 years ago it was regarded with deep suspicion. So what has happened to make it so popular now that many conventional health clinics have a professional acupuncturist on hand to provide the therapy?

Well, the passage of time has allowed communication of the obvious benefits actual patients have enjoyed by having a wide variety of symptoms relieved. If one reads the information available at http://acupuncture.com/ the science behind acupuncture is still largely theoretical and involves "the common ground shared among meridian system, chakra system and modern sciences" Basically, acupuncture is a successful discipline that encourages the body to heal itself.

(It is worth noting here that the general description of what acupuncture does, includes words such as "electromagnetic fields" and "polarity". Terms which also are used in any consideration of magnetic therapy.)

So, acupuncture has become accepted mainly because of anecdotal results and any number of successful blind trials. Virtually the same situation that magnetic therapy finds itself in today!

The 'sceptics' and 'doubters' will tell you there is no basis on which magnet therapy can work; but they said the same words with regard to acupuncture all those years ago. They will tell you there is no clinical proof that magnetic therapy does anything. This too is untrue, but like anything it depends on how tests are carried out and what is being measured.

It is also good to keep in mind; these are both 'alternative therapies'. Alternative, to what? To the medical and veterinary establishment who maintain they have the monopoly on curing all biological bodies with drugs and surgery and radiation. (I acknowledge there are dedicated individual health professionals and vets, who do have wellness as their main priority for us and our animals.) There have been many occasions down the ages when new innovations and discoveries have been discredited by those with a vested interest in their failure.

Further fuel for the sceptics and doubters rhetoric is that there are many companies and individuals 'out there' who, looking to jump on a band, will sell you a product that may be totally inappropriate for your needs. 'Dealers' who sell magnetic therapy items have, in my experience little or no knowledge of how the therapy works or able to provide help and advice as to the correct application. It is these people who generally cannot be bothered to find out, will tell you, "it is not known why magnets work only that they do". This is untrue and in my next article I will examine why and how magnets effect the functioning of the biological body.

About The Author

© Barry Dench is a qualified electrical engineer, who in 1996 used his knowledge of magnetism to research the effects of magnetic fields on the biological body. He can be contacted at www.magnecare.co.uk

barry@magnecare.co.uk

Latest News


CNET News

Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos
CNET News, CA - 3 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...

The Wand: Nyko announces a high-tech Wii remote alternative
CNET News, CA - 1 hour ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...

Fuel Systems Solutions to Launch US Automotive Alternative Fuel ...
MSNBC - 8 hours ago
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...

Boston Globe

Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Air Algae: US Biofuel Flight Relies on Weeds and Pond Scum Scientific American
Algae-Powered Jet Proves Biofuel in Continental Test Bloomberg
Cincinnati.com - SYS-CON Media
all 225 news articles

Sovereign Society

Treasury Bond Alternative
Boston Globe, United States - 13 hours ago
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...
Bonds may be a shield, but they're still risky Gail MarksJarvis Chicago Tribune
Get Out Now! Barron's
Corporate debt's allure Boston Globe
all 295 news articles

Sunrise Solar tapped for alternative energy project in Brazil
Bizjournals.com, NC - 12 hours ago
The project is part of a multimillion-dollar alternative energy development initiative by Brazil which is making a big push to become energy self-sufficient ...
Sunrise Solar to Provide Solar to Brazilian Hospitals istockAnalyst.com (press release)
all 18 news articles

Alternative fitness routines for the new year
Newsday, NY - 19 hours ago
BY JOHN HANC | Special to Newsday What drives the fitness industry? "It's always about 'what's next?'" says Jill Oppenheimer of Hewlett, a former group ...

The Canadian Press

Hybrids, alternative fuel cars showcased
Detroit Free Press, United States - 19 hours ago
The EcoXperience exhibit will feature about a dozen hybrid vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels. It will be supported by General Motors ...
Michigan Economic Development Corporation and North American ... PR Newswire (press release)
Try hybrid vehicles at auto show exhibit Detroit Free Press
all 73 news articles

S. Fla. Companies Look To Creative Layoff Alternatives
MSNBC - 12 hours ago
Though it may not sound so good at first, many say having a shorter work week or taking unpaid vacation is better than the alternative. ...

Quincy alternative school welcomes new face
ConnectTriStates.com powered by KHQA, IL - 3 hours ago
A liaison officer has been placed in the Quincy Alternative School. Officer Randy Wheeler will be a mainstay at the old Irving school building. ...
Quincy Public Schools says it has no tolerance for truancy ConnectTriStates.com powered by KHQA
all 2 news articles

Resources