Magnetic Therapy Questions

Magnetic therapy is a safe, non-invasive method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It is best used for:

1. Relieving pain
2. Reducing swelling
3. Speeding up healing (after injury/surgery)
4. Easier, more restful sleep

Whether used independently or together with your current treatment, magnet therapy can provide safe and effective natural pain relief.

No.

The World Health Organization issued a statement that the static magnetic fields (like those used in magnetic therapy) pose no health risks. No health complications have ever been reported with magnet therapy's proper use.

A few people have noted sensations of warmth, sweating, or tingling when they first begin using magnetic therapy. This is due to an increase in blood circulation, and is normal. This sensation typically subsides within the first 48 hours of use.

When magnets are used over areas of swelling (e.g. from an injury), some people have noted a mild "pulling" or "flowing" sensation, as excess fluids are removed from the area, and swelling is reduced.

Much like acupuncture, magnetic therapy dates back thousands of years, but its use was much more widespread. Its oldest origin traces back 100,000 years to Africa, and historic texts describe its practice in ancient Greece, China, India and Egypt.

During the 1800s and early 1900s, doctors in the U.S. and Europe often prescribed magnets for numerous ailments, from headaches to gout. And as medical supplies ran low, Russian soldiers used magnets during World War II.

As far back as the 1960s, NASA understood the vital importance of magnetic fields for human and animal life. To this day, artificial magnetic fields are used to help maintain astronauts' health while on space missions. They help preserve bone mineral density, healthier blood circulation, and improve sleep quality – reducing the effects of being without the earth's natural magnetic field.

Today, magnetic therapy is widely accepted around the world, including Germany, France, Britain, India, Japan, Italy, Israel and about 45 other countries. Most of these government health systems officially recognize magnetic therapy as a viable and cost-effective treatment option for pain relief and healing after certain conditions or surgery. The National Health Services of Britain is the most recent to begin allowing doctors to prescribe magnets.

Yes.

Magnetic therapy has been repeatedly proven to affect blood microcirculation. This is the blood flow inside capillaries, the smallest blood vessels. When applied to the body, strong magnetic fields make it easier for nearby capillaries to relax or constrict. This increases or decreases blood flow, depending on what response the body requires. Decreasing blood flow reduces swelling and pain after a recent injury or surgery. Increasing blood flow speeds up injury and wound healing and relaxes muscle tissue.

These health effects have been proven in research studies on humans, animals, and tissue samples. In fact, the safety and effectiveness of magnetic therapy has been reported in over 300 studies and clinical trials conducted by major universities and hospitals in the U.S. and around the world. Emphasizing this research, the World Health Organization issued a 350-page report in 2006, including recommendations for continuing research into the physical and behavioral effects of magnetic fields.

Ion Channels

Biomedical research explains the body is not based simply on chemical reactions, but also electro-magnetic interactions. The majority of chemicals inside our bodies are electro-chemical ions. These have either positive or negative charges, and produce electro-magnetic fields.

The balance, movement and interaction of ions is what signals and regulates different biological processes. These ion channels control many physical and behavioral functions, like blood flow and sleep. Most fascinating, is that ions can be influenced by chemicals (drugs), by electrical stimulation, and by magnetic fields. view studies

Pain Relief & Nerve Signals

The electrical signals produced by nerves are the most well-known example of how the body uses electro-chemical ions. Nerves maintain a careful balance of positive ions (sodium, potassium) and negative ions (chloride, calcium), together keeping a slightly negative charge. When triggered, the balance of ions shifts, and the nerve's charge becomes more positive. This sends a pain signal to the brain.

Applying the negative side of a strong magnet can reduce and/or block pain signals. It affects the movement of ions, and helps to restore the normal balance. Electrical stimulation has also been shown to block pain signals in a similar manner. Unlike medications that induce chemical changes, magnetic therapy does not produce side effects. view studies

Blood Circulation

Ion channels also control the contractions of smooth muscle tissue. These are muscles that function independently, like the heart. The walls of capillary blood vessels are made of smooth muscle, and will tighten or relax to adjust blood flow. Magnetic therapy has been repeatedly proven to affect blood microcirculation inside capillaries, by affecting smooth muscle ion channels. Applying strong magnetic fields makes it easier for capillaries to increase or decrease blood flow, depending on what response the body requires.

Other Effects

• A number of clinical studies using magnetic mattress pads and pillows have shown significant improvements for people with insomnia, chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia. The pineal gland produces melatonin, the natural hormone that promotes sleep and regulates circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle). This gland actually contains a biomagnetic crystalline. Its activity is affected by changes in the earth's natural magnetic fields, which shift throughout the day and the seasons. This may relate to conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression and insomnia. view studies
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) specifically uses electro-magnetic fields near the brain. It's been increasingly used and studied for treating depression, insomnia, drug addiction, and Parkinson's disease. view studies
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans have shown the sinuses are magnetically-sensitive. Their different composition may be similar to the tiny biomagnetic bones that birds and certain animals have. Like a natural compass, these tiny bones help birds know what direction they're traveling in, by sensing the earth's magnetic fields. While humans do not have this innate ability, sinus pain and congestion tend to respond to magnetic therapy very quickly - often providing significant relief within 30-60 minutes. view studies
• Several Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field therapy (PEMF) devices are FDA-approved for healing non-union bone fractures. These are severe fractures that sometimes cannot fully heal on their own. PEMF is only used in about 20% of all cases, because it is not well known. view studies
• Several clinical trials have shown magnetic knee braces can provide significant knee osteoarthritis pain relief and improved knee function. view studies
• Collective research provides strong evidence that magnets placed on specific acupuncture points (instead of needles) can provide similar health benefits for low back pain, diabetes, insomnia, stress, fatigue, and motion sickness. When properly applied, magnets can provide a non-invasive method of acupuncture. view studies

According to findings from research studies and experts in the field, if magnetic therapy products are designed and used properly they can be very effective AND pose no health risk at all. When used correctly, magnetic therapy can reduce swelling from a recent ankle sprain in as little as a few hours. However, it can take several weeks before there is noticeable relief from a more severe or chronic condition, like arthritis. This requires more consistent use.

Biomagnetics is much more complex than most people realize. Aspects like magnet size, field strength and polarity, how many magnets are used to cover a body area, and the duration of time they're used, are just a few of many factors that must all be accounted for.

These magnetic requirements will change depending on the type and severity of a health condition, how long it has existed, and the body area magnets are used on. There are also different categories of magnetic therapy products, including jewelry, orthopedic supports, pillows and mattress pads, and electro-magnetic devices. And some are more effective than others.

Yes.

Magnetic therapy is widely accepted in Germany, France, Britain, India, Japan, China, Italy, Israel and over 40 other countries. Most of these government health systems officially recognize magnetic therapy as a viable and cost-effective treatment option for pain relief and faster recovery after injury and surgery. The National Health Services in Britain is the most recent to begin allowing doctors to prescribe magnets to heal and help prevent leg ulcers - reducing the time and costs of patient care.

Research into magnetic therapy began in the 1960s, and has greatly increased in recent years, particularly in Japan, the U.S., and Eastern Europe. In the United States, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifies magnetic therapy as a form of Energy Medicine. As part of the National Institutes of Health, this department has provided large grants to fund research into the health effects of magnetic fields. Most recently, a 5-year long group of studies conducted at the University of Virginia have proven magnetic fields affect blood circulation. The NCCAM website states, "numerous anecdotal reports have indicated that individuals have experienced significant, and at times dramatic, relief of pain after the application of static magnets over a painful area."

First theorized in the 1970s by Dr. Kyoichi Nakagawa, Magnetic Deficiency Syndrome cites symptoms of increased aches and pains, stress and anxiety, reduced immune system function, insomnia, lack of energy (overtiredness), and depression. Magnetic Deficiency Syndrome is said to be caused by the natural decrease occurring in the earth's geomagnetic fields. Man-made steel structures, vehicles, and electronics also act as interference barriers, reducing human exposure to the earth's fields.

Magnetic Deficiency Syndrome is difficult to prove, as similar symptoms may also be attributed to increased stress, poor air quality, flicker from fluorescent lighting, and several other environmental factors. However, other studies, particularly those conducted by NASA, have shown physical and behavioral changes in humans and animals when there is little or no exposure to magnetic fields. Some research has also attributed negative health effects to long-term exposure to electro-magnetic radiation from power lines and electronic devices (e.g. cell phones) – though this is currently inconclusive.

Magnet therapy should NOT be used:

• If you have any implanted electro-medical device, including a pacemaker, defibrillator, or insulin pump (Surgical pins, plates, or screws are okay.)
• If you are pregnant
• Over the same body area that has received a localized cortisone injection within the past 2 weeks
• On open or bleeding wounds
• Near transdermal drug patches

Consistent use is most important. Not giving magnetic therapy enough time to work is one of the top reasons for poor results.

Especially in the beginning, using a magnetic product as often as possible will provide faster, more significant results. Wearing it all day is the best. If this is not possible or comfortable, use it several times a day, for a few hours each period. Once pain and inflammation subside, continue using the magnets consistently for several more days. Afterward, you should only have to wear a product whenever you feel you need it.

Generally, magnetic therapy should be used directly over the area of pain. But sometimes pain can radiate from one body area to another. If magnetic therapy does not seem to be working well in one area, try shifting the magnet to a related area. This may have a surprisingly greater effect.

For example: With sciatica, pain can radiate through the sciatic nerve that travels from the lower back into the thigh. If you're using magnets for thigh pain unsuccessfully, moving the magnets to the lower back may provide better relief by targeting the actual source of the pain.

With recent injuries, most people start feeling better within 1-2 days of consistent use. Some begin to see results within a few hours. For chronic pain and degenerative conditions, magnetic therapy often requires about 1-3 weeks before feeling a noticeable difference. In general, people over age 50 tend to respond much faster than those younger.

Speed of relief depends on 5 factors:

• Type of condition/injury
• Severity of the condition/injury
• How long the condition/injury has existed
• Individual sensitivity to magnetic fields
• Consistency of use

It's best to continue using magnet therapy a for at least a 1-3 days after your pain is gone. Longer for chronic conditions and more severe injuries. Stopping magnetic therapy too soon can sometimes allow pain to return. Should this happen, simply continue using the magnets for a longer time.

For injuries in particular, continued use after pain relief is very important. Though pain and swelling may appear to be gone, healing damaged tissue requires much more time. Stopping magnetic therapy too soon can allow pain and swelling to return, slowing recovery. Consider your particular injury and allow reasonable time for healing to take place. In many cases, using magnetic therapy consistently can help speed up recovery by 30% - 50%.

Magnetic therapy affects blood flow in capillaries, the smallest blood vessels. Magnetic fields make it easier for the walls of capillaries to relax or constrict. This increases or decreases blood flow, depending on what response the body requires. Decreasing blood flow reduces swelling and pain. Once swelling is relieved, magnets help capillaries relax again, to increase blood flow. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients to help repair damaged cells more efficiently. More oxygen also relaxes muscles, reducing spasm.

There are two ways that magnetic therapy can improve quality of sleep: pain relief and melatonin production.

Poor sleep is often a direct result of having some sort of pain when going to bed. When magnetic therapy is used to relieve pain, your quality of sleep will greatly improve. The natural hormone melatonin is what helps us fall asleep, and regulates our sleep/wake cycle. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which is proven to be sensitive to magnetic fields. Sleeping on a magnetic pillow or mattress pad can help promote natural melatonin production for easier, more restful sleep.

Yes. Magnetic therapy can also be used over acupuncture points to affect different areas of the body. Research and clinical trials have shown that many of the meridians (energy channels) can be stimulated by magnetic energy the same as they are by needles. Thera-Dot acupuncture magnets are the best choice for this type of therapy. They offer a comfortable, safe and easy alternative to using needles – and can be used at home or on-the-go. Consult a licensed acupuncturist to learn more about how to properly apply magnets over acupuncture points.

Yes. You may wear the support however it is most comfortable for you. However, Therion supports use a special breathable neoprene that controls body warmth and removes excess heat and sweat. This material will work the best when worn directly on the skin - especially if you are exercising.

Yes.

Therion MTR braces improve blood circulation and provide excellent compressive support, to help prevent muscle strain and overuse injuries. All Therion MTR supports are made with Thermal Reactive™ breathable neoprene. They adapt to any level of physical activity to help control body warmth, and pump out excess heat and sweat for the best all-day comfort.

We do not recommend using a heating pad with a magnetic support or body pad. It will interfere with the magnetic fields, and you will not get full effectiveness from your Therion product.

You can use an electric blanket over a magnetic mattress pad, but it may slightly interfere with the magnetic field when it is turned on. If you use an electric blanket, it's best to turn it on for warmth before getting into bed. When you're ready to go to sleep, either turn the blanket off, or switch to a low setting so the blanket does not turn on as often.

No. Surgical pins, plates, screws and similar objects are made of non-magnetic materials. Check with your doctor if you are unsure if an implanted object is magnetically-sensitive.

Yes. Therion Neo-Flex™ insoles produce the strongest magnetic fields of any magnetic insoles. When placed underneath an orthotic, the magnetic fields will penetrate through and still work very effectively.

The manufacturer's gauss rating is the maximum amount of magnetic energy that a magnet can store at its core. This is dependent on the type and grade of the magnetic material. For example; neodymium magnets have a much higher gauss rating than ceramic magnets because they can store much more energy.

Within each type or class of magnet, there are different grades (stengths) available. Higher grades are able to store more energy, and so they will have a higher gauss rating.

No. Not by itself. The gauss rating is only half of the equation. The other half of the equation is the size (mass) of the magnet. Let's look at a few examples:

In the first example, there are two magnetics that are identical in size. The first is a ceramic magnet that is 4,000 gauss, and the second is a neodymium magnet that is 10,000 gauss. In this case the neodymium magnet isproduce much more magnetic energy and is deeper penetrating than the ceramic magnet because the gauss rating is higher and the size is equal.

If two magnetics have the same gauss rating, but one is larger than the other, the large magnet is stronger because it has greater mass. Therefore it can project its magnetic field further, increasing the effective penetration depth.

If two magnets both have the same gauss rating, the larger magnet will be stronger. Size determines how much magnetic material is available. More mass = more energy. Without both size and gauss rating, you cannot calculate how strong a magnet will be.

Because size and gauss rating are equally important in determining strength and effectiveness of a magnet, there are many cases where using a larger magnet with a lower gauss rating can be stronger and more effective than a smaller magnet with a higher gauss rating.

For example, if you compare effective penetration depth using a 4,300 gauss ceramic magnet that is 3/4" diameter x 1/4" thick, and a 12,300 gauss neodymium magnet that is 1/2" diameter x 1/16" thick, you might be surprised to learn that the effective penetration depth of the ceramic magnet is over 1.5 times that of the neodymium magnet neodymium magnetic (5" for the ceramic vs. 3.2" for the neodymium).

Some products advertise high gauss ratings to sound powerful, but they use very small, thin magnets. Companies may try to hide this fact by: 1) not listing the magnet size at all, or 2) providing incomplete information (e.g. listing diameter, but not thickness).

Penetration depth is a measurement of the maximum distance a magnetic field can reach. It varies, depending on the size and strength of a magnet.

Penetration depth is very important, because most injuries and conditions are located deep within the body - in muscles, bones, joints and the spine. Magnetic therapy fields must reach and penetrate completely through the source of pain and injury to be effective.

But penetration depth measurements are not standarized and can be misleading...

Most companies measure penetration depth as the distance from a magnet where its magnetic field is no longer measurable (usually 0.1 gauss). Measuring penetration depth this way sounds good because it shows much greater distance, but its not accurate.

Why?

Because the earth's natural magnetic field measures approximately 0.5 gauss, any magnetic field weaker than 0.5 gauss will have no therapeutic benefit whatsoever. So the effective penetration depth is actually much lower.

How much does this change the measurements?

Using a 13,500 guass neodymium magnet, measuring 3/4" diameter x 1/4" thick as an example, here are the measurements.

Using the Maximum Penetration method, the distance is about 13"

Using the Effective Penetration method, the distance is about 7.75"

13" is 67% more than 7.75" so it makes the product sound much more effective than it really is. This is incredibly misleading.

For product comparison purposes, Therion lists both measurements. But when selecting our products be sure to base your decision on the Effective Penetration Depth.

No they are not.

With electro-magnetic fields (EMFs), different frequencies have different physiological effects. Some good, some bad.

Extremely low-frequency EMFs - are produced by power lines, cell phones, home appliances, and other electronics. Numerous studies have correlated long-term exposure to low-frequency EMFs with negative health effects. Research is on-going to learn more.

Higher frequency EMFs - can actually have beneficial effects on the body. Research has linked specific frequency ranges to affect different physiological processes. for instance, different frequencies must each be used for pain relief, blood circulation, bone healing, and depression.

Some devices using Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy are FDA-approved for healing non-union bone fractures. Despite their excellent results and no side effects, they are still only used in about 20% of all cases.

Researchers are also exploring Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treating depression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Tourette's syndrome. This uses electromagnetic fields near the head, and has had promising results.

The greatest advantage is that static (permanent) magnets are not frequency-dependent. A static magnet can be used to provide many benefits, including: relieving pain, reducing swelling, improving sleep, increasing blood circulation, and speeding up healing and recovery.

Electro-magnetic fields must be set to a specific frequency range for each particular health effect. This means you cannot both relieve pain and improve healing in the same treatment session.

Static magnets offer the greatest therapeutic value. They can easily be used anytime, anywhere - for as long as needed. Whether at home, at work, while exercising, or when sleeping.

Magnet therapy products provide multiple health benefits in addition to the magnets, like compression and support for movement and joint pain relief, and therapeutic cushioning for sleep. And when you buy a magnetic product, you own it.

Electro-magnetic field therapy is much more expensive, and will call for several trips to the doctor's office. EMF requires 4-8 sessions, or more, depending on the condition being treated. It often costs $60 - $250 for a 30-40 minute session, and it's not usually covered by health insurance. Purchasing a home therapy device can easily cost $2000 - $3000. EMF is best used for very severe conditions, like non-union bone fractures.

There are three basic types of magnets used in biomagnetics:

1. Flexible rubber magnets - although commonly referred to as "refrigerator magnets", the magnets used in magnetic therapy are stronger and thicker. Their gauss ratings range from 1500 to 2650. Due to their limited magnetic strength, Therion and most other companies do not use this type of magnet.
2. Ceramic magnets - a compound made of strontium carbonate and ferric oxide powder. Ceramic magnets are available commercially in 2300 gauss, 3800 gauss and 3950 gauss. Therion products use high-energy ceramic magnets, rated at 4,300 gauss.
3. Neodymium magnets - This is the strongest type of magnet. It is a blend of the rare earth element, Neodymium, with Iron and Boron. Commercial Neodymium magnets are typically 10,800 gauss to 12,300 gauss. Therion uses high energy neodymium magnets, rated at 13,500 gauss.

No matter which type of material is used, only the bio-north (negative) side of a magnet should face the body.

The bio-south (positive) side should never face the body, as this can increase pain and inflammation, stimulate anxiety and restlessness, and has been shown to increase growth of bacteria in several studies.

Most websites, from both skeptics and proponents of magnetic therapy, are not up-to-date on the latest research. Very often, news articles and blogs will also publish incorrect information. They discuss old theories, like magnets affecting the iron in red blood cells, that were proven false long ago.

As with any form of medicine, from drugs to acupuncture, some clinical trials report inconclusive or no results when testing magnets for pain relief. There are 3 main reasons for this:

1. 1. Many reviews only focus only on the use of magnetic jewelry, and repeatedly show little to no effect. However, magnetic jewelry is not representative of all magnetic therapy. Research today explains that strong magnets must be placed directly over the area of a health condition to have an effect. Magnetic bracelets and necklaces use magnets that are much smaller and weaker than those used other products. More importantly, a magnet's effects do not spread out to the entire body, so wearing a magnetic bracelet on the wrist will not help back pain.

2. 2. Magnets must produce energy fields that are strong enough to reach the area of an injury or condition inside the body. If magnetic fields cannot reach the source of pain with enough energy, there will be no effect at all.

   Some older studies did not measure magnetic field strength at the actual site of a health condition. This is the same as never knowing the dosage of medicine given. When these studies report no difference in relief when using magnets, the reason may simply be because the magnetic fields never reached the target area.

3. 3. A number of clinical trials have reported inconclusive or no results when testing magnets for pain relief. These studies use double-blind research, the standard method used for testing new drugs. Patients are given either a real or a fake treatment, without knowing which one they receive. This minimizes placebo effect, because they cannot expect a certain outcome, like pain relief. Comparing results from the real and fake treatment is more realistic this way.

   However, unlike new drugs, it's easy for people to know if they have a real or a fake magnet. For example, they can check if a metal paper clip sticks to it. When a person knows if they have the real or sham treatment, it can influence their perception of pain relief at the end of a study. This makes it difficult to use double-blind research to test magnet therapy and obtain meaningful results.

Stronger evidence for magnet therapy

The major evidence supporting magnetic therapy comes from studies with animals and tissue samples. With this type of research, there is no placebo effect. Animals do not 'know' they are being treated, so they cannot 'expect' to get pain relief. With animals and tissue samples, changes in biological activity can be accurately measured using medical equipment. And many times, these changes have been successfully repeated in follow-up studies.

For example, researchers have repeatedly measured changes in capillary blood vessel dilation and blood flow, bone fractures, muscle twitch, and nerve pain signals. In several clinical trials with human patients, swelling and recovery time after surgery has been significantly reduced when using magnetic therapy (compared to no magnets). These are physical changes that can be accurately measured and recorded, instead of surveys that rely on a patients' perception of pain relief.

The method is a very simple, but to avoid confusion, you'll need some information first.

There are two different (world) conventions for designating magnetic (N/S) polarity: The Geographic convention and the Scientific convention. Magnetic therapy is based on the Scientific convention. According to Scientific convention, the Geographic South Pole of a magnet has a “Negative Polarity”, which can easily be confirmed with a magnetometer. You will see a minus (-) sign in front of the reading, indicating negative polarity.

In magnetic therapy, Negative Polarity is designated as the Bio-North side of the magnet. Since the Geographic South Pole of a magnet has a negative polarity, and negative polarity is designated as the Bio-North side of the magnet, the Bio-North side is in fact the Geographic South Pole of the magnet.

So how can you tell which side of a magnet is Bio-North if it isn't marked?

The easiest way to tell is by using a compass (a small pocket compass will do). The Bio-North side of the magnet will have the same effect on the compass as the North Pole of the Earth, the needle will point to it.

Hold either side of the magnet a few inches away from the compass. If the "N" or arrow of the compass points to the magnet, then the side facing the compass is the Bio-North side of the magnet. If the "S" points to the magnet, than the opposite side of the magnet is the Bio-North side.

Magnet size, thickness, gauss rating, penetration depth, angle of placement, and total coverage are all critical factors that will determine how quickly and effectively a magnetic therapy product will work.

Therion products utilize a focused magnetic configuration called Maximum Field Integration®. It is an advanced method of biomagnetics developed by Therion to optimize magnetic field strength and effectiveness at deeper tissue depths. This technique ensures that muscles, bones and joints receive the correct amount of therapy for more substantial relief.

The magnets used by Therion are also much larger and stronger compared to other products. With greater mass (diameter, thickness) and the highest gauss (energy) ratings, Therion magnets provide maximum energy to the target area of discomfort, producing more significant relief in less time.

If your goal is to relieve chronic pain, reduce swelling and stiffness, or speed up healing from injury/surgery -- Therion magnetic therapy works very well. Our products provide effective results about 90% of the time, giving you the best opportunity for natural pain relief without side effects. Almost all Therion magnetic products also include a 30-day or 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free.

Therion magnets are guaranteed to maintain their strength for a lifetime.

There are a few basic guidelines to consider:

1. Magnets must be placed directly over the area of pain or swelling to have an effect. Research results consistently show that magnets' health effects do not spread out. For example, magnetic bracelets should not be used for back pain or knee arthritis. For knee pain, wear a magnetic knee brace. For back pain, try a magnetic back brace or pad.

2. Magnetic fields must be strong enough to reach the target area inside the body. (e.g. the source of pain) Magnetic fields quickly weaken in strength as they move away from a magnet. Larger, stronger magnets are needed for larger body areas with more muscle or larger bones (e.g. back, legs). Smaller magnets are okay for finger, toes, the hands, wrists, and feet. Effective penetration depth is used to indicate how far a magnetic field will reach.

3. When selecting a magnetic therapy product, consider how comfortable the product will be to wear. Is it a simple wrap-around bandage, or ergonomically designed to fit a specific body area? Is it breathable? Magnetic therapy must be used consistently to provide the best relief. This means you'll want to wear it as often as possible in the beginning to get faster results. If you cannot use a product, it cannot help you.

4. Quality is important. If a product looks poorly made, it probably is. Cheap materials will not last very long, and 1 or 2 small magnets will not provide adequate relief. When purchasing any product for pain relief, you want it to work well. Always be sure to check return and exchange policies too.

A magnet therapy product must meet 5 requirements:

1. Bio-north (negative) side must always face the body (bio-south can increase pain)
2. Have a penetration depth strong enough to reach the area of an injury or condition
3. Maintain enough magnetic field strength to have an effect at the target area
4. Provide full coverage using enough magnets to treat the entire area - not part of it
5. Be comfortable to wear consistently, allowing enough time to work properly

No. If you are looking for something nice to wear, there is nothing wrong with magnetic jewelry. However, magnetic bracelets, earrings and necklaces use magnets that are much too small and weak to have any significant health effect. Magnetic fields (also advertised as 'ionic') fields do not spread out through the entire body either. Only a magnetic mattress pad using hundreds of magnets will provide magnetic therapy for the whole body.

No.

These are known as multi-pole magnets – meaning both the north and south magnetic poles alternate on the same side of the magnet. They're made with a flexible rubber material, and can be designed with different magnetic patterns, like circles or triangles.

However, based on the research findings of the past 5-10 years, multi-pole magnets are considered obsolete and limited in their effectiveness. The flexible rubber material they are made only holds a small amount of magnetic energy. Compared to the ceramic or neodymium magnets used in most products, this rubber material is much weaker, reducing the benefits it can provide.

The alternating multi-pole patterns restrict the magnetic fields too. Because north and south poles alternate on the same side, these magnetic fields attract each other and pull back towards the magnet. They can only reach about about 1/2" - 3/4" away before canceling out. This severely restricts therapeutic effectiveness, because the magnetic fields can only reach conditions close to the skin surface. This means most injuries and degenerative conditions remain unaffected, because they are found deeper in muscle tissue, bones, joints, and nerves.

For this same reason, pillows and mattress pads using multi-pole magnets provide no health effect. The magnetic fields cannot penetrate through the foam cushioning, and never reach the body.

No.

This strength is higher than the magnetic power most MRI machines generate. When you see claims of 30,000, 100,000 or 280,000 "gauss power", this means a company is adding up the total gauss (energy) of ALL the magnets used in a product.

This is deceptive because: 1) gauss does not increase with more magnets, unless they are stacked on top of each other; and 2) gauss rating alone does not indicate how effective the product will be. The size of a magnet also affects its strength. (more mass = more energy)

Think about room temperature, for example. If the temperature in each corner of a room is 70 degrees, the entire room’s temperature is still 70 degrees, not 280 degrees. So if a magnetic back belt uses 28 magnets, each with a 10,000 gauss rating, the total gauss of the product still remains 10,000. Not 280,000.