Overview 

Long before the advancement of modern treatment and medicine, doctors and healthcare professionals used different types of traditional therapies to treat and prevent pain. One of the more commonly used therapies was magnetic therapy.  The energy field created by the healing magnets is thought to help the body balance its energy and heal itself. Let's see how this natural magnetic therapy works.¹

Magnetic therapy is an alternative medical practice, which uses magnets to relieve pain and symptoms of certain disease conditions. The most common theory is that the magnetic field (physical force) attracts the iron in haemoglobin which increases blood circulation leading to an increase in the amount of oxygen. This helps the immune system and decreases the level of toxins in the body (substances harmful to the body), which subsequently helps in reducing inflammation and pain whilst stimulating the body's healing process. 

Nowadays there are more magnetic healing products available in the market like bracelets, mattresses and socks. These are used in treating the pain caused by arthritis, back pain, and headaches. They can also help in reducing the symptoms of certain diseases.

Understanding magnetic therapy

Magnetic therapy, also known as magnotherapy, provides a non-invasive safe and easy method to treat the site of injury, pain, and inflammation.  Magnetic therapy affects the charged particles in blood, nerves and cell membranes, which ultimately leads to improved blood circulation, increased oxygen uptake in cells and improved nutrient supply.² This in turn can help relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation. Magnetic therapy also helps in cell regeneration and tissue repair by altering cell metabolism.

Types of magnetic therapy

1. Static magnetic field therapy: During this therapy, a magnet is placed on the skin either by wearing it as jewellery or inside the shoe sole. This therapy uses the static magnet in pain relief and healing. Some of the products are bracelets, wristbands, necklaces, belts, body wraps, pillows, mattress toppers and insoles.^3,4
2. Electrically charged magnetic therapy: Electromagnets are created when an electric current is passed through the product containing magnetic material. This therapy is also known as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF).  Electromagnetic field therapy can relieve pain and improve functioning in patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain or osteoarthritis.⁵
3. Magnetic therapy with acupuncture: In this method, the magnets are placed in the area where the acupuncture needle is placed. This therapy helps in reducing the pain and improves healing.

Conditions where magnetic therapy is helpful

• Arthritis: A condition causing swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. Joint pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which affects the joints.⁶
• Diabetes: A condition causing high blood sugar. This occurs when the pancreas does not make the required amount of insulin or the body is not responding appropriately to the insulin. The most common forms of diabetes are Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Commonly seen symptoms are frequent urination, increased thirst, dry mouth, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, and slow healing of cuts or sores.^7,8
• Muscle spasm: Muscle cramps are involuntary and uncontrollable actions of the muscle causing painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. Muscle spasms are common and unpredictable. Cramps can indicate an underlying neurological condition. Involuntary muscle movement due to a neurological condition is called dystonia. Muscle cramps can be caused due to muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and stress.
• Migraines: It is a severe headache causing throbbing, pulsing pain. The symptoms are worsened by physical activity, bright lights, loud noise and strong odours. Migraines feel different for each person.^10,11
• Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joint (spine meets pelvis). It is an inflammatory disease that can cause the bones in the spine to fuse, causing pain and stiffness that can affect day-to-day activities.¹²
• Insomnia: A condition that causes difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep. Insomnia can drain energy levels and affect the mood of the person,  which can impact their quality of life. Normal sleep hours vary from person to person, but commonly an adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Insomnia can be due to stress, work, travel, eating close to bedtime, and also certain medical conditions and medicines.¹³
• Menstrual pain¹⁴

Benefits of magnetic therapy

• It reduces nerve pain
• It helps in reducing stress
• Improves circulation
• Improves wound healing¹⁵
• Treats infection
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps improving immunity
• Reduces cramps
• Improves scar healing after operation
• Improves quality of sleep
• Non-invasive and drug-free
• Improves mobility in arthritic people

Risk factors

• Pregnant women are advised not to wear electromagnetic products or engage in magnetic therapy
• Pacemaker: Also known as a cardiac pacing device, is used to prevent the heart from beating too slowly. Changes in heartbeat occur due to the damage to the heart muscle. A person needs a pacemaker when there is a slow or irregular heartbeat or heart failure. It sends electrical signals to correct the beat if the heart beats slowly.
• Insulin pump: The insulin pump should not be exposed to X-rays, radiation and a strong magnetic field, as it can interfere with the motor in the pump and change the insulin amount that it should receive.
• Magnetic devices should be removed before getting an X-ray or MRI

Summary 

Magnetic therapy is an alternative medical practice which uses magnets to relieve pain and symptoms in certain disorders. The energy field created by the healing magnets helps the body to balance its energy and helps to heal itself. Magnetic therapy can help in cell regeneration, tissue repair, pain relief and inflammation. Magnetic therapy relieves pain at the nerve level and has molecular action that reduces inflammation. It is a non-invasive and safe method of treatment. Nowadays there are more magnetic healing products available in the market like bracelets, mattresses and socks. These can be used in treating the pain caused by arthritis, back pain and headache.

FAQs

How long will magnetic therapy take to work?

Magnetic therapy takes a few weeks before there is a noticeable improvement. The improvement varies in each person according to their disease condition and therapy.

Is magnetic therapy safe?

Magnetic therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive and drug-free treatment method. It is advised to consult a doctor before using the magnetic products. 

What are the side effects of magnetic therapy?

Magnetic therapy is considered a safe method of treatment, but in some conditions, some patients may have nausea and dizziness after magnetic therapy.

Does magnetic therapy work for joint pain?

Magnetic therapy in some cases can help relieve arthritic pain and stiffness. It helps in movement by reducing inflammation.

Who should not wear magnetic products?

Magnetic products are not considered safe for pregnant women, those with a pacemaker, people having insulin pumps, and people getting x-ray or MRI scans.