Pain Relief Solutions

by Linda Van Fleet

It’s not a new concept. Thousands of years ago ancient civilizations used this therapy but it wasn’t until recently that modern medicine began conducting tests to see if this is a viable option for pain relief. So, how does it work, you ask. Magnets emit energy which is referred to as magnetic fields that have the power to pass magnetic energy through objects. This process is referred to as polarity.

Magnets can be found in many forms, some of which are as simple as the magnet you stick to a refrigerator door to hold that special picture. Much more complex is the magnetic technology found in MRI machines. These highly sophisticated machines use magnetic fields which penetrate the body to diagnose various medical conditions.

Magnets for pain relief have been used by people for centuries as a type of alternative medicine. There are reports of magnets being used to treat arthritis, baldness, poisoning, and gout. Because magnets attract iron they have often been used to find and remove objects from the body that contain iron. Many people used magnets for medical treatment after the Civil War because of the lack of medical treatment available to them.

There are a couple of cautionary considerations if you are contemplating using magnets to alleviate your pain. One, pregnant women are advised not to use magnets for pain relief because it is not known if there are any side effects to the fetus. And, secondly, people who use pacemakers or defibrillators should avoid magnetic fields.

Pain Types Which Might Be Treated

If you’re of the mind that any medicine or treatment that is of worth must be endorsed by the FDA, then you won’t want to use magnets to relieve your pain. In fact, the FDA and modern medicine will often snub their noses at it because it is considered “alternative” treatment. Alternative medicine is generally not recognized by the FDA as being a viable option for treatment. Also, in obese patients, the results have not been favorable because fat tends to be too dense for magnetic energy to pass through.

Yet, many people continue to report relief from a wide variety of illnesses. Some of the illnesses with reported success are respiratory distress, arthritis, and high blood pressure. The most common use is magnets for pain relief. Many people who have undergone chemotherapy for cancer complain of bone pain which is hard to treat. Mattress pads which contain magnets are now available which reportedly will help relieve this type pain.

Where to Find Magnets for Pain Relief

You can find them in lots of places – even at your local flea market. Many of these dealers make fantastic (although often unsubstantiated) claims for everything from increased blood flow to relief of pain due to migraines, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Many will claim increased energy when worn as insoles in the shoes. Some dealers will offer testimonials from people who have successfully used magnets for pain relief. You can also find pain relief magnets in our online health store.

So, Should You Try Magnets?

I say (as my mom often said) “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” Even though the FDA does not officially recognize magnets for pain relief you should not automatically discount their ability. Truth is, it won’t hurt you. There are no known side effects except for the people who have implanted electronic devices. And, who knows? You just might find that you can achieve pain relief by using magnets and avoiding the use of the ever popular narcotics.

~Linda