What is the history of this therapy? How does it work? How safe is it? Has this therapy been scientifically proven? Let us understand this intriguing topic in this issue of the Journal.

History
There is not overwhelming evidence in the Vedas about the use of magnets. Some researchers refer to the Atharva Veda, in which 'Sikta' and 'Ashman' are referenced in the treatment of certain diseases. The meaning of these words is sand and stone respectively, which indirectly refer to magnets. References to magnet therapy have been found in the ancient civilizations of Greece, Egypt and China. In modern history, a Swiss alchemist, Paracelcus, who used magnets to treat epilepsy, diarrhea and hemorrhage, tried magnetic therapy in the early 16th century. It became popular in the mid-18th century, when an Austrian doctor, Franz Mesmer opened a magnetic healing salon in Paris. In the late 18th century, Elisha Perkins introduced it in North America. In fact in the late 19th century, the Sears catalogue advertised magnetic boot inserts.

How does it work?
Magnetic Therapy is used for pain relief and increased circulation of blood. The theory behind this therapy is that magnetic fields produced by magnets can penetrate the human body and affect the functioning of individual cells and improve the working of the nervous system and various organs. The electrical currents created by magnets interrupt the transmission of all signals to the central nervous system. Magnets increase the blood flow to an area, boosting the flow of oxygen and other nutrients, and reducing pain and swelling.

Earth is a huge magnet by itself. Each object in this universe is also a magnet. Thus, we live in the midst of magnetic fields. The sun and moon also affect life on the earth through their magnetic fields. The cells and organs of our body constantly undergo vibrations. It there is harmony between the different vibrations in your body, and then you maintain good health. If not, disease follows. External factors, which disturb the body's electromagnetic forces, include sun-storms, eclipses, pollution and weather changes. Internal factors include faulty diet, irregular life, addictions, tension, stress and use of medicines. Researchers believe that magnets can restore the natural vibratory frequency of your body. It is also believed that magnetized water has healing properties, and can have good effects on the digestive, circulatory and urinary systems.

Nowadays, all kind of products are available containing magnets including headbands, wristbands, facemasks, elbow and knee braces, shoe inserts, mattress pads etc. The magnets in these items are generally at least twice as strong as the typical refrigerator magnet, but much weaker than the ones used in a MRI.

How safe is it?
While there have been no proven successful tests to prove the positive benefit of magnetic therapy, there has not been any negative findings either. Some people have claimed dizziness or nausea, and pregnant women are advised not to use the magnet products, or use on open wounds or during the first few days of injury.
Scientific testing & cautions.

In spite of hundreds of years of investigation, magnetic therapy has not been proved to be useful in a scientific way. The claims of success have been vague and unsupported, and sometimes inaccurate. The scientific terminology has been mis-defined. The use of medicine has been mischaracterized instead of the positive benefit of the magnets. It should be noted that in 1998, a Magnet Therapy company signed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the State Of Texas to pay a penalty and stop claiming that wearing its magnetic device near areas of pain and inflammation will relieve pain due to arthritis, migraine and other diseases. Then, in 1999, the FTC obtained a consent decree against two companies from making unsubstantiated claims about their magnetic products. There have been many more indictments since then in various US states.

In conclusion, this is one form of alternative health remedy, which is interesting but has been full of controversy, and the readers need to be very careful about following it.

References
Magnetic and Electromagnetic Therapy by David Ramey
Magnet Therapy by Stephen Barrett
Magnet Therapy by Greg Sterling
Magnet Therapy by DR Gala
Vibrational Medicine by Richard Gerber