Magnet (from the Greek magnetis lithos - magnetic stone), is a material or a body that has its own magnetic field.
Magnets are divided into fixed (permanent) and electromagnets (acting as a magnet under the influence of electricity).
Permanent magnets are divided into natural and artificial.
Natural magnets are found in nature and artificial ones are obtained via the process of magnetization of certain materials, such as titanium, cobalt, nickel, aluminum and others.
Magnets are used in many areas of our lives, including computers, TVs, credit cards, toys, compasses, electric motors and, most importantly, in medicine.
A Brief History
Since ancient times, people knew about the medicinal properties of magnets. The history of using magnets extends back to many thousands of years before the birth of Christ.
Magnets as a means of treatment are mentioned in Atharva Veda (Vedas are the ancient scriptures in Sanskrit, at least 5000 years old).
The ancient Egyptians were aware of the healing properties of magnets and used them for the purpose of mummification.
The legendary beauty Cleopatra also used magnets. Cleopatra always carried a small magnet on the head - probably wishing to preserve her beauty.
In many ancient civilizations there was a belief that magnets had mystical properties. They were used as amulets or magic items for protection against disease.
Chinese doctors recognized the influence of magnetic fields on human health and used magnets in combination with acupuncture.
In the 16th century, the beneficial effects of magnets became the subject of scientific research for the first time.
The Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus studied magnets and discovered their effect on human health.
"Everyone can see that magnet attracts iron, but the wise man must see more of it.
I found that the magnet, besides its obvious power of attracting iron, also has other, unseen powers", he wrote.
Dr. William Gilbert conducted a study of magnetism and electricity and published his findings in the book "De Magnete", which at that time represented a breakthrough in the field of science and medicine.
Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, father of homeopathy, was a proponent of the magnet. Dr. Samuel conducted numerous studies of magnetism and used them successfully in his practice.
New research confirms the effectiveness of magnet
Like almost every alternative method, magnetotherapy has sustained fierce criticism and a series of attacks by the pharmaceutical industry.
Apparently, there was insufficient research that could confirm that magnets with the strength of 2000-3000 gauss could affect human health.
Many thought that the magnetic field of that magnitude was not strong enough to reach the blood vessels.
Results of treatments with magnets were attributed to the "placebo effect", and magnetotherapy was declared a fraud (despite the fact that in the U.S. alone people annually spend more than $300 million on magnets that "do not work").
But the latest research suggests that magnets really work. Thomas Skalak, professor and chair of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia, studied the efficiency of magnetotherapy for seven years.
Skalak is an expert in the field of microcirculation (blood flow through tiny blood vessels).
Using his vast experience in this field, he began to explore whether magnets could actually increase the blood flow in the veins, as companies that sell magnets claim.
His studies have confirmed that the application of the magnet with a power of only 70 miliTeslas (700 Gauss) causes contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, which stimulates blood flow.
Numerous experiments performed by Skalak confirmed that the use of magnets reduces tissue swelling and thereby accelerates the healing process and relieves pain.
Skalak's findings were published in the American Journal of Physiology, and he is determined to continue with his research.
The effects
The Earth, our planet, is actually a huge magnet, and we all live in its magnetic field. Even our body itself produces magnetic field by means of chemical reactions inside cells.
Therefore, the application of magnets at specific points of the body establishes a natural magnetism within our bodies, stimulates blood circulation, improves the supply of nutrients into the cells of our body, increases the alkalinity of bodily fluids and accelerates the cellular regeneration.
It is known that magnetotherapy:
- improves circulation
- relaxes muscles
- eliminates various types of pain (migraine, rheumatism, arthritis, pain in the neck and spine, etc.)
- reduces inflammation
- promotes the healing of wounds and injuries
- helps with stress and insomnia
- protects against infection
- eases symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- helps with diseases of the nervous system
How to use magnets
The only thing you for magnetotherapy need are magnets! Magnets of different shapes, sizes and strengths are used to regulate the immune system and eliminate pain and inflammation.
In magnetotherapy, a permanent magnet alloy, known as alnico, consisting of aluminum, nickel, iron and cobalt, is commonly used.
In most cases, magnets shaped like discs and of medium to strong power (1500-3000 gauss) are used. Magnets are sold in pairs, with north and south polarities.
(Author's note: with the commercialization of magnetotherapy, many types and shapes of magnets appeared. Such products are often expensive, like magnetic bracelets, necklaces, belts, pads, etc.).
The polarity of the magnet determines its properties. For example, the north polarity is effective in treating infections, while the south polarity is effective for treating pain, swelling of joints and chronic fatigue.
Magnet therapy may be local or general. For local therapy, magnet is placed directly on the sore spot. If you require therapy with two magnets, one magnet is placed on the sore spot, and the other is placed under the palms or feet on the same side of the body.
In general treatment, both magnets are placed under the palms or the feet. The north polarity magnet is placed on the right side of the body, while the south polarity magnet is placed on the left side.
If you need therapy for head, eyes, ears, throat, and heart – you can use weaker ceramic magnets in the shape of a crescent that only have 400-500 Gauss.
A magnetotherapy session should last 20-30 minutes. Initially, the magnets are used for only 5 minutes once a day. The time is gradually increased to 20-30 minutes twice a day.
Even when you have eliminated the problem, you can continue with magnetotherapy for preventive purposes. Any healthy person is recommended to use magnets 10 minutes a day in order to maintain good health.
The best time for magnetic therapy is early morning, before breakfast.
Magnetized water
In magnetotherapy you can also use magnetized water, or any other magnetized fluid (juice, milk, etc.).
To make magnetized water, fill a 2 litre glass bottle with water and put it on a disc-shaped magnet of 3000 gauss. Leave the bottle for 12-24 hours.
After that, the water can be saved in smaller bottles. Depending on the magnet you used and its polarity, write "north" or "south" on each bottle. You can also mix the two types of water and mark it as "bipolar."
Dosage:
- Adults: 50 ml of magnetized water three times a day after breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Children: 25 ml of magnetized water three times a day after breakfast, lunch and dinner
Magnetized water can be diluted with plain water. Magnetized water retains its therapeutic properties 3-4 days after magnetization.
Water magnetized with north polarity magnet is used for treating infection (sore throat, bladder infections, etc.). Water magnetized with south polarity magnet is used for treating pains and inflammations.
Bipolar water can be used for digestive problems, kidney diseases, colds, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, headaches and for improving the overall state of your body and health

Warning:
Although magnetotherapy has no serious side effects, the following precautions are recommended:
- Do not use magnets immediately after heavy meals.
- While using magnets, remove your wrist watch.
- After magnetotherapy do not swim at least 2-3 hours.
- Do not always use strong magnets (2000-3000 gauss).
- Pregnant women and children should not be exposed to strong magnetic fields.
- Strong magnets should not be placed on the area of the eyes, heart or brain.
- Do not use magnets if you have a pacemaker.
In very rare cases, exposure to strong magnets can cause:
- sleepiness
- yawning
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- nausea
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop the therapy.
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