an A-Z of alternative therapies

Recorded history shows that Aristotle spoke about the therapeutic benefits of natural magnets. 200 BC reveals a Greek physician - Galan - who used natural magnets to relieve pain in treating many illnesses. 1,000 AD documents a Persian physician who used magnets to relieve gout and muscle spasms. Cleopatra is reputed to have worn a magnet on her forehead for its effects.

In England in the 17th century physicians wrote of the effects of magnetism.

The Sun's solar flares and sun spots are composed of positive magnetism and often cause restlessness and other adverse effects. Positive magnetism excites, while Negative magnetism produces a calming effect.

The human blood system carries negative - calming - healing properties to those areas affected by illness or pain. During illness or at sites of pain, a large mass of positive (excited) magnetic fields are present. The quicker the body system can flood the affected areas with negative magnetic fields (or healing) the sooner the pain and/or illness will heal. The positive and negative affects are a push/pull of the ions associated to the illness or painful area. The lack of illness or pain is the balance to be achieved through the use of negative magnetic therapy on those affected areas.

A painful area almost always lacks blood circulation and oxygen. The area usually is highly acidic and has a positive polarity. The negative magnet increases the circulation, thus bringing more oxygen to the painful area, reducing inflammation. The negative energy field produced by the magnet also counteracts the positive field associated with the painful condition.

According to practitioners, iron atoms in the red corpuscles of the blood respond to magnetism. When a magnet is placed on the patient's body, blood flow through the area is enhanced and so the supply of oxygen to the cells is improved, metabolism is stimulated and elimination of waste products is enhanced.

The therapy is more often practiced as a self-help treatment, but a practitioner would try to choose the most suitable treatment for you needs.

Supermagnets for example, which should be positioned on specific body areas, lymph nodes and acupuncture points. Practitioners may also recommend electrical devices that emit pulsating fields at specific frequencies to target particular areas of the body tissue.

Such devices include beds, special belts and cylinder shaped machines in which you sit.

None reported.

Each individual will experience comforting results at a differing time factor. Much depends on the severity of the condition and how long it has existed.

Some users report receiving comfort within a few minutes, others have said it took a few hours, while others have said it took a few days.

Anyone, who is pregnant, or wearing a pacemaker, electronic implants or using electric blankets/heating pads should not use magnetic products.