Magnetic Therapy Products - Benefit of the Therapeutic Properties of Magnets
Question for Dr. Leia: I love to make jewelry and began placing a magnetic hermatite bead in my necklaces.
I know people like to buy magnetic therapy jewelry but I am wondering if hermatite magnetic necklaces could be harmful, or if they are even beneficial.
What is your experience, or recommendations when it comes to magnetic jewelry. Are magnets really beneficial for the body and can they help people. I mean, there seems to be a fad where people are buying mattress pads, and all kinds of magnet devices for healing? Would love to have a better understanding on this topic.
Dr. Leia's Answer: Historically, magnetic therapy has been used for centuries to help alleviate arthritis, joint aches and pain and stiffness. Some people say that they feel less or no pain while wearing these magnets on different areas of the body, for instance on the wrist for hand and wrist pain, or around the neck for shoulder and neck pain.
Also, there are several companies which produce sleeping pads and wrap-around braces or supports for the elbows, waist and lower back, knees, and ankles. Many acupuncturists incorporate the use of magnetic therapy in their practices. They claim that the magnets help to direct the energy flow in the proper direction through the acupuncture meridians or channels of the body by strategically taping magnets directly on different select acupuncture points.
I think that you are referring to hematite, rather than hermatite. Hematite is a semi-precious natural stone made up of iron and oxygen. Hematite, in it's natural state is not considered a magnet. It is only after this stone is heated, that it exhibits strong magnetic properties, hence it is the stone of choice for making magnetic jewelry and healing tools, because of it's unique magnetic strength. So make sure that you know which form of stone you have purchased for your jewelry making.
If you decide to make this type of magnetic jewelry, please be aware that if someone has a pace-maker or any type of metal surgically implanted into their body, then it would be contraindicated for them to use these products. Also pregnant women should probably not use these devices on their body either. Some people who are extremely sensitive may show unfavorable side effects or reactions such as headaches or worsening pain, dizziness, malaise or tiredness, and/or nausea from these magnetic products. In these cases, it would be best to avoid all types of magnetic products.
At any rate, have fun with your jewelry, however clearly label your products, and know the proper precautions and contraindications.
By Dr. Leia Melead
More About Magnet Therapy
Using magnets as therapeutic devices is not new practice. In fact, Magnetic therapy has been mentioned in may ancient writing from various cultures around the world. For thousands of years magnets have been used for therapy to heal all types of ailments.
Gaining in popularity, alternative treatments using magnets are gaining recognition for many medical conditions.
In Japan, Germany, China, India, and also Australia the use of Magnetic therapy is well known and practiced. There is also a growing interest in many other regions, some include Great Britain, Holland, and in the Western regions of Canada and the United States.
So what makes magnetic therapy work? When you study the basis of the biological effects of magnetic fields on living organism something amazing happens. When you properly apply a magnetic field (polarity, intensity and frequency) it creates s a reaction that can help with the treatment of various illness. Magnet therapy can help to alleviation pain as stimulate an overall feeling of well-being. This is because a magnetic field can actually penetrate all the cells that are exposed to the field. This in turn influences the ions within the cell to enhance ion exchange that will improve the oxygen utilization of the cell. This is important for the healing and regeneration process.
Read Frequently Asked Questions About Magnet Therapy
