Magnetic therapy is an alternative healing method that claims to tap into the energy fields around the body and facilitate healing. The basic idea behind this type of healing is that by strategically placing a series of magnets at various points along the body, it is possible to promote more efficient blood flow and also help the muscles relax at the same time. Proponents of magnet therapy also claim that the magnets help create a force field that prevents exterior forces from interfering with the body’s natural rhythms, thus allowing the body to heal itself.
There are many different types of devices used as part of magnetic field therapy. One of the more common examples is a bracelet that can be worn on the wrist or ankle. The typical magnetic field bracelet is a simple device that slips onto the wrist or ankle with little effort, and is supposed to tap into the body’s natural energy pathways, limiting inflammation in the tissues, relaxing the muscles, and even easing the ill effects of stress.
For people who prefer not to wear bracelets, there are other ways to enjoy magnetic therapy during the day. Shoe inserts that include small magnets are popular; because the inserts tend to include soft padding, they can easily be worn all day. Straps outfitted with a series of magnets can be worn around the waist and will fit under clothing with relative ease. There are also hats that include magnets in the headband section; some enthusiasts believe that using headgear to place magnets near the brain can do wonders for people dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression.
It is even possible to enjoy magnetic therapy while sleeping. Sheets and blankets that include a series of tiny magnets woven into the material are ideal for placement on the bed. The idea is that the network of small magnets helps to generate a protective field that covers the entire body. As the individual sleeps, the magnotherapy supports blood flow, which in turn expedites the process of taking oxygen to every part of the body. As a result, sleep is deeper and more recuperative, leaving the individual feeling refreshed upon waking.
In recent years, the idea of a magnetic chamber has gained some popularity. In fact, there are large units that resemble tanning booths that are used to direct a steady flow of magnetic energy along the body from head to toe. The claim is that a thirty minute session each day is sufficient to promote good health for the rest of the day, assuming the individual eats a balanced diet and gets some sort of exercise daily.
Along with the general positive effects of promoting blood flow and relaxing tense muscles, magnetic therapy is also used to aid in easing swelling and inflammation in the joints, and helping the body heal quicker from small abrasions. Some people will wear magnetic jewelry or use a magnetic blanket when recovering from surgery, since the steady flow of magnetism is thought to help the body recover from the trauma of the invasive procedure. Because magnetic therapy is supposed to help with emotional issues, people suffering from phobias or mild depression may choose to wear magnetized jewelry in order to fight those ailments.
At present, there is no solid medical proof that magnetic therapy works, other than having a powerful placebo effect. However, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that points to the efficacy of the regular use of magnetized objects to promote good health. To date, the use of magnetic therapy has not been shown to directly produce any ill effects on the mind and body, indicating that the worst case scenario is that the therapy has no impact at all.