Magnetic Field Therapy
Magnetic field therapists near you
How can magnetic field therapy nourish you?
The human body naturally produces a low-intensity magnetic field[1], and it has been speculated that magnetic healing therapy may interact with this field to relieve pain and support overall health. This non-invasive form of alternative medicine involves bringing permanent magnets in contact with or close to the skin[2], or using powered electromagnets to create magnetic pulses[3]. Another variety of this modality involves placing static magnets on acupuncture points[4].
Documents dating back at least 2,000 years indicate that natural magnets (or lodestones) were used by Chinese physicians[5] to treat their patients. The discovery of lodestones by other ancient cultures including the Greeks and Egyptians also inspired people to explore[6] their possible healing properties. In the 16th century, the Swiss alchemist and physician Paracelsus, best-known for his discoveries concerning the connection between chemistry and medicine, experimented with magnets for therapeutic purposes[7].
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Practitioners offering Magnetic Field Therapy
Benefits of magnetic field therapy
Static magnetic therapy involves using permanent magnets placed on your body or integrated into jewellery or insoles, and is most commonly intended for pain relief. Whether or not static magnets offer greater benefits than sham treatment is a controversial subject, although the results of one study suggest it may be effective for long-term pain relief in people with diabetic neuropathy[8].
It has also been reported that static magnetic fields may have statistically significant benefits[9] for arthritis pain relief, and research suggests medical-grade electromagnetic devices may provide lower back pain relief for people suffering from degenerative disc disease[10].
Trials of electromagnetic treatments such as pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy suggest that these artificially induced fields may reduce inflammation[11] and help bone fractures to heal[12]. PEMF may be beneficial for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as reducing neck pain[13] and supporting the healing of shoulder injuries[14], and there is evidence to suggest it may improve quality of sleep[15] for people suffering from insomnia.
A recently developed treatment for depression which involves stimulating specific regions of the brain using a rapidly pulsed magnetic field[16] is called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Clinical trials suggest rTMS may be as effective as electroconvulsive therapy[17] (ECT or electroshock treatment) in alleviating the symptoms of major depression.
Magnetic field therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a magnetic field therapy session
Using permanent magnets for pain relief is usually a self-administered treatment, although some therapists place magnets on acupuncture points instead of needles[18].
If you are undergoing rTMS therapy for depression, your therapist will start by explaining the treatment to you, providing support and answering any questions[19]. You will be asked to remove any items that might be affected by magnetic fields, such as jewellery, and given hearing protection[20].
The treatment takes place while you are fully conscious and seated in a comfortable chair, and your therapist will position an electromagnetic coil over a precise area [21]of your head. Most people report that the treatment produces a tapping sensation, and it typically lasts about 20-45 minutes[22]. Your ability to drive will not be affected, but some people feel more comfortable[23] about someone else taking them home after treatment.
Magnetic field therapy is not suitable for people with implanted medical devices such as a pacemaker or insulin pump, as even weak magnetic fields may interfere with their function[24]. It is often advised that you do not undergo magnetic field therapy if you are pregnant, or might be. Research suggests that TMS for depression is unlikely to pose a risk during pregnancy[25], but further trials are recommended.
As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing magnetic field therapy. If you have an injury or other health issue, or any concerns at all, also speak to your magnetic field therapist, who will be happy to address these and advise you on how suitable this treatment might be for you.
References
1. Cohen D, Palti Y, Cuffin BN, Schmid SJ. Magnetic fields produced by steady currents in the body. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; 1980.
2. What Is Magnetic Field Therapy? WebMD; 2023.
3. What is Electromagnetic Therapy? RWJ Barnabas Health; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
4. Magnetic Therapy. The Natural Group; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
5. Magnet Therapy. Winchester Hospital; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
6. Magnetic Healing Through the Ages. Neurologica Blog; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
7. Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus. Authors Calendar; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
8. Static magnetic field therapy for symptomatic diabetic neuropathy. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
9. Two Configurations of Static Magnetic Fields for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee. PubMed; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
10. Electromagnetic fields in the treatment of chronic lower back pain in patients with degenerative disc disease. PMC; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
11. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Increased the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of A2A and A3 Adenosine Receptors. PLOS ONE; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
12. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment for fracture healing. Current Orthopaedic Practic; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
13. Are SPA therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effective for chronic neck pain? Europe PMC; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
14. Role of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on tenocytes and myoblasts. Journal of Orthopaedic Research; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
15. Impulse Magnetic-Field Therapy for Insomnia. PubMed; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
16. Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
17. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Department of Health, Government of Western Australia; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
18. Japanese Acupuncture Techniques - Magnet Therapy. Yin Yang House; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
19. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Black Dog Institute;
20. Frequently Asked Questions About TMS. Johns Hopkins Medicine; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
21. What happens during rTMS treatment? Psychiatry Centre;
22. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Metro South Health, Queensland Government; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
23. rTMS Frequently Asked Questions.. Neurocare Group; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
24. What is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy? Pulse for Health; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
25. Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Pregnant Women With Major Depressive Disorder. Brain Stimulation; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
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