Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Alternating current (AC) sinusoidal waveform, bioelectromagnetics, bioenergy informatics principles, bioenergy therapy, bipolar permanent magnets, chronobiology, constant magnets, dermagen, direct current (DC), electromagnetic field therapy, electromagnetism, gauss (G) units, ideastimulator, lodestones, MagnaBloc®, magnetic field therapy, magnetic fields, magnetopuncture, magnetostimulation, magnetotherapy, magnitopuncture, magnopulse, neural therapy, neurofeedback, PEMF, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, pulsed electromagnetic fields, pulsed signal therapy (PST^TM), pulsing electromagnetic fields, pulsing magnets, scintigraphy, static magnets, tai ki biomagnets, Tesla, Teslar units, UlcerCare leg wrap.
• Note: This monograph does not include therapies involving electrical stimulation, neural therapy, or neurofeedback. This monograph also does not include any review of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which has been studied as a technique to diagnosis or treat Parkinson's disease.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Magnets have long been believed to have medicinal value and their therapeutic use has been described historically in a number of civilizations. Early examples include prescribed treatment by ancient Egyptian priests, as well as Hippocrates in the 4th Century BC. Later, the 15th Century Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus theorized that magnets may be able to attract diseases and leach them from the body. In contemporary times, magnetic fields are employed in modern medicine for a variety of purposes including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
• Many different types, sizes, and strengths of magnets are available. Magnet therapy may be administered by an alternative healthcare practitioner or used independently by individuals. Constant (static) magnets or pulsed electromagnetic fields may be applied to areas of the body affected by illness or injury, or to the entire body. Devices exist that can be implanted in the body or used externally to deliver pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Self-adhesive magnetic strips, foils, belts, and bracelets are available for self-treatment. Magnetic jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces, shoe inserts, mattress pads, and magnet-conditioned water for consumption are commercially sold. Magnet wraps are available for thumbs, wrists, knees, thighs, ankles, elbows, shoulders, shins, back, and head, as well as for animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. Lodestones are rocks that possess natural magnetic properties and are sometimes sold as healthcare products for use as 'charms'.
• A small body of scientific evidence suggests that pulsed electromagnetic fields may be useful in the symptoms of neuropathy. Other areas of study include the healing of non-union tibia fractures, urinary incontinence, and pain management for arthritis, neck and back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Medical uses of static magnetic or electromagnetic fields have not been sufficiently studied, and benefits for any specific condition have not been proven scientifically. Well-designed studies on both safety and efficacy are still required in all areas of therapy.

Dosing/Toxicology

• Content available for subscribers only.

Precautions/Contraindications

• Content available for subscribers only.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

• Content available for subscribers only.

Mechanism of Action

• Content available for subscribers only.

History

• Content available for subscribers only.

Evidence Table

• Content available for subscribers only.

Evidence Discussion

• Content available for subscribers only.

Products Studied

• Content available for subscribers only.

Author Information

• Content available for subscribers only.

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

• Content available for subscribers only.