Repell migrains, diabetes and other chronic ailments with magnetotherapy, says Kavita Kanan Chandra

LONG worn as charms by Egyptians and Greeks who believed in the magical powers of magnets to relieve pains and aches, its healing powers were used unwittingly. Plato talked of magnetic rings worn by Dactyls, a roving tribe of ironsmiths. The Egyptians used them to preserve mummies, while Cleopatra wore a small magnet on her forehead to preserve her splendid charms.

Though the earliest mention of the magnet as a healing agent is found in ‘Atharvaveda’, which speaks of the magnet being used to stop bleeding and to treat health disorders among women, its modern use as a healing agent is attributed to P A Paracelsus, a Swiss alchemist and physician.

He made the revolutionary observation that magnets can cure inflammations and ulcers. He opined that any diseased part of the body when exposed to the magnetic force gets cured better and faster than with any medicine.

Homoeopath Dr Samuel Hahneman, also encouraged the use of magnet therapy.

We know already that the Earth’s magnetic field has an impact on the human body. In fact, according to Vastu, we must sleep with our head to the south and fast on full moon days.

Science supports this by the fact that sleeping this way facilitates the easy flow of the earth’s magnetic lines through our body and induces sound sleep as our brain creates the strongest magnetic field while we sleep. Similarly, body fluids flow with ease on full moon days, so fasting helps maintain fluid equilibrium in the body.

What Is Magneto Therapy?
Magneto therapy involves treating diseases by using magnets on the body of the patients. This simple, cheap and entirely painless system of treatment with no side or after effects is turning very popular. No medicines, no injections, no tonics — Just magnets!

Patients suffering from arthritis, migraines, chronic aches, sports injuries, poor blood circulation, eczema, paralysis, polio, tumours, diabetes, obesity, mental deficiency, chronic fatigue, sinusitis, constipation, etc could benefit from magneto therapy.

Scientific research shows that magnetotherapy has an effect on metabolism, as it activates the central nervous system and allows oxygenation of blood, thereby assisting circulation. Physiotherapists use magnetic fields to improve health.

In Russia, experiments have shown that plants grow better and faster in magnetic fields. Tests conducted on mice and rabbits have shown magnetotherapy to lessen labour pains and ease delivery, restore pigmentation and colour of hair, treat cancerous tumours, etc. Dr E K MacLean of New York has successfully treated tumours by using electromagnetic activators and claims that cancer cannot exist in strong magnetic fields.

How Does It Work?
When a body comes in contact with magnets, the magnetic waves pass through the tissues and induce secondary currents, which produce impacting heats thus reducing pain and swellings. It revives and promotes the growth of cells and increases the number of healthy red blood corpuscles (RBCs). The RBCs contain haemoglobin, which contains iron.

The magnetic current influences iron and removes cholesterol and other deposits from parts of the body thus purifying it. The ionised blood flows with ease, normalising blood pressure, easing heart activities and also aiding hormone secretions.

Different sizes, shapes and strengths of magnets are used to maintain polar balance in the body. Two types of artificial magnets are used — electromagnetic and permanent magnet made of alloy alnico. For most treatments, disc shaped magnets of potency 1500-3000 gauss are used. Magnets are sold in pairs, North Pole and South Pole — each pole possesses different therapeutic properties.

The North Pole is used in diseases caused by bacterial infections and South Pole used in pain, swellings and weakness. The treatment is either local or general. Each treatment of magneto therapy lasts some 20-30 minutes. For the first day, five minutes are enough; gradually duration of sessions increases.

However, remember to not take meals or cold showers after a session. High-powered magnets should not be used on pregnant women. Also, store the magnets properly.

Magnetic Devices Available
Curative magnetic devices first appeared in the Japanese market. But now, you can get therapeutic-cum-ornamental items like magnetic necklaces, bands, belts, bracelets and forehead wraps in India, too. Beauticians use magnetic jade massagers that smoothen wrinkles, refresh and rejuvenate the skin.

Magnetic mattress and pillows are also available. Dr Sunil Labade, a naturopath at Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, Amravati, says, “We suggest the use of magnetic mattresses (under 900 gauss) for back aches, hypertension and for bedridden patients.

For treating asthma, a high power magnet is used’. Dr P Borkar and Dr K B Kawre of Shri Sai Nature Cure and Magnetic Health Center, Nagpur, organise free camps in cities and offer magnetic pads, spectacles and even earrings among other.