Alt Med - Magnetic Therapy (10 of 20)

(from PT and Alternative Medicine)

Magnetic therapy involves the use of thin metal magnets attached to the body alone or in groups. They are sometimes mounted on bracelets and necklaces, or attached to adhesive patches that hold them in place. These magnets may be worn for just a few minutes or for weeks, depending on the condition being treated and the practitioner.

Proponents claim magnetic therapy can relieve pain caused by arthritis, headaches, migraines, and stress, and can also heal broken bones, improve circulation, reverse degenerative diseases, and cure cancer. They also claim that placing magnets over areas of pain or disease strengthens the body's healing ability.

Some believe that magnetic fields increase blood flow, alter nerve impulses, increase oxygen being sent to cells, decrease fatty deposits on artery walls, and realign thought patterns to improve emotional well being.

There is a profound lack of overall proof of the legitimacy of magnetic therapy in peer-reviewed medical literature and magnetic therapy presently is considered “experimental”.

Summary:

While there is evidence that low-amperage electrical currents may have a healing effect in bones, wounds and even soft-tissue injuries, there is no similar evidence for static magnets.