Magnet therapy
From ArticleWorld
Magnetic therapy treats certain medical disorders by exposing a patient to magnetic fields. Magnetic therapy is a form of alternative medicine based on the claim that certain medical disorders can be effectively treated by exposure to magnetic fields.
Contents |
Magnetic therapy’s benefits
Those who support magnetic therapy believe that magnetic fields emitted from permanent magnets placed close to the body help bones heal, relieves pain and performs other healing to one’s body. It is also suggested as a cure for joint and back problems.
Criticism
Critics claim that there is no evidence to back the theories behind magnetic therapy. In fact, critics of many magnetic products on the market today point out that the products make different claims, and many of these claims have no factual backing. Also, critics claim that a magnet in products purchased over the counter is not strong enough to penetrate the human skin, much less to have an effect on the user’s bones, blood vessels or muscles.
Magnetic products
Those who practice magnetic therapy believe that subjecting parts of the body to magnetic energy is beneficial. As a result of these beliefs, the sale of magnetic-based bracelets and jewelry, magnetic strips for various body parts as well as shoe insoles, mattresses and magnetic blankets has flourished. Many manufacturers make contradictory claims, including one that magnets help circulate the blood by an interaction with the iron in hemoglobin. However, in its ionized form, iron wouldn’t interact with a magnet. If it did, use of magnetic imaging would kill the patients.
Scientific proof
Few magnet healing product manufacturers have proven that their products scientifically meet their claims; most don’t even market the same benefits of magnetic fields.
Still, those who use magnetic therapy claim to reap the benefits. Magnetic therapy offers no real threat, but much of the available information is distributed by companies who are selling magnetic therapy products.