Saturday, November 6, 2010

Biomagnetic Therapy-Yesterday Technology


Many people may think that using magnets for health purposes is a modern phenomenon, but, in fact, the use of magnets for both their healing and restorative properties has been documented around the world since ancient times.  Records from a number of great ancient civilizations exist, which indicate that they recognized the health benefits associated with magnets.  The Yellow Emperor's Book, a Chinese medical text dating from 2000 BC, describes the application of magnetic stones in order to correct imbalances in the "Qi," or lifeforce.  Writings from Egypt document the therapeutic use of magnets by ancient physicians.  Another well-known story from ancient Egypt, tells of how Cleopatra regularly adorned herself with magnetic jewelry, or wore a magnetic stone around her forehead, in order to preserve her beauty and youth.

The ancient Greeks were also known to have utilized magnets for therapeutic purposes.  Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, spoke of the therapeutic properties of lodestone, a naturally occurring magnetic substance.  Around 200 BC, it is documented that the famous Greek physician Galen found that the application of magnets to the body could alleviate pain caused by various illnesses.

The early years of the common era provide continued documentation of the healing power of magnets.  During the 1st century AD, Chinese physicians recorded the effects on health and disease related to variations in the earth's magnetic field, using sensitive compasses to monitor these variations.  Around 1000 AD, a Persian physician recorded the use of magnets to relieve disorders, including muscle spasms and gout.
Beginning in the 16th century, the number of studies regarding the use of magnetic therapy by European physicians began to increase, as greater success was reported.  In 1530, the respected Swiss physician Paracelsus reported successes with various treatments using magnetic fields.  He was removed from his position as Professor of Medicine at Basle University because of his goal of promoting science over religion in regards to medicine.  In the 17th century, the renowned English physician Gilbert documented the health benefits of magnetism.  During the mid-18th century, Maximillian Hell, a Jesuit priest, who devoted his life to the study of mathematics and astronomy, experimented with treating patients with new, more powerful, carbon steel magnets, which were shaped to fit the area of the body to be treated.

In 1777, Abbot Lenoble, of France's Royal Society of Medicine, conducted an in-depth study of biomagnetic therapy.  He made and tested therapeutic magnets, recommending the application of magnetic bracelets and necklaces to the wrist and chest.  He replicated results in dozens of cases of magnetic therapy including the treatment of toothache, arthritis, stomach spasms, and convulsions, among other diseases.  During the 19th century, the number of detailed studies continued to grow including studies by Eydam in 1843, Charot and Renard in 1878, Westphal and Gangee in 1878, Mueller in 1879, and Benedict in 1885.

Since the 1950s, a large number of biomagnetic therapy studies have been conducted in Japan which have demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetic fields in treating various disorders.  Magnetic jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets, are sold in Japan, Europe, and China for the relief of pain and stiffness, as well as for improved circulation.  Many magnetic devices sold in Japan are registered with the Japan Welfare Ministry as medical devices.  To obtain this registration, devices are required to undergo clinical tests at accredited medical facilities to verify effectiveness.

Currently, Western physicians are getting positive results using electromagnetic fields to treat damage, including ulcers and severe burns.  Soft tissue, joints, and bone injuries have reported to have responsive to this treatment.  Russian doctors routinely employ magnets to speed-up the healing process after surgery and to improve circulation.

Although biomagnetic therapy is still generally considered an alternative medicine in the West, its acceptance as a viable option for the relief of pain and improved health has grown substantially in recent years.  A review of the treatment's long and detailed history, as well as the ever-increasing amount of positive anecdotal evidence by users of therapeutic magnets, suggests a significant connection between magnets and health.

For more information about the science, history, and use of therapeutic magnets for pain relief and improved health, visit the Biomagnetic Therapy Information site, at http://www.biomagnetic-therapy-info.com

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