Magnetic therapy that is also known as bio energy therapy is a type of therapy in which various magnets are used for pain relief and for managing a number of diseases. Other names are bioelectricity and magnetic healing.
Principle of Magnetic therapy:
Electromagnetic fields are generated by every cell, atom and chemical. These bio electromagnetic fields are very specific for the organs that generate them. Specific magnetic fields are produced by the body and all communication in the cells of the body occurs through these electromagnetic frequencies. Electromagnetic exchange is necessary for the body, when this stops, life stops.
The concept behind the electromagnetic therapy is that whenever there is some imbalance in the electromagnetic frequencies, it can lead to cause a disease. This type of therapy simply corrects this imbalance and thus cause the relief of the symptoms. There is current induction in the area being exposed to magnetic field causing ions to move across cell membrane and in this way, stimulate transcription of DNA.
Another concept that is also described regarding its mechanism of action is that, It induces the formation of nitrogen monoxide that causes an increase in the blood circulation and thus causes the oxygenation of the cells. In this way, cells start detoxification, regeneration and reproduction thus increase the immunity of the body against infections. However, there is limited evidence available about the exact mechanism by which this electromagnetic therapy works.
Types of Application:
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF)
- Stationary Magnets
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF):
These are frequency based that can be used for the treatment of the entire body or body parts. PEMF can be applied for relatively shorter time periods but their effect can remain for many hours. Body does not develop resistance if used for relatively longer periods than stationary magnets.
Stationary Magnets:
Stationary magnets lack variation. Those magnetic fields that are obtained from magnets have strengths that are usually fixed. They can be used in many different things like necklace, bracelet, mattress and knee wraps etc. These magnets do not have deeper penetrations, thus having little effects on these tissues and unable to treat all cells at one time.
Physiological Effects Of Magnetic Therapy:
It causes analgesia along with the reduction of the inflammation and spasm and thus causes the regeneration and relaxation. The effects produced by this therapy are:
- Reduction of Pain.
- Reduction of spasticity.
- Increases the movement along with coordination.
- Enhances the control of bladder.
- Enhances energy levels.
- Alter the mood and increases the sense of well being.
- Increases the sleep.
- It enhances the body immunity against infections.
- Decreases the stress levels.
- It decreases cholesterol and BP.
- Decreases lactic acid level in muscles.
- Increases the recovery after the stroke.
Clinical Uses of Magnetic therapy:
It can help to treat:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle pain neropathy
- Pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Stress
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Epilepsy
- Phantom pain
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Headaches
- Tennis elbow
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Dosage:
The treatment parameters range with delivery of pulses at 100 Hz with power up till 300 gauss. Treatment should be carried out for about 20-45 minutes for the first session, later on follow up should be carried out with time reduced to 10-30 minutes on the basis of the condition of the patient.
Contraindication Of Magnetic therapy:
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Persons with pacemaker
- Myasthenia gravis
- Active bleeding
- Hyperthyroidism, adrenal gland, hypothalamic and hypophyseal/pituitary dysfunctions
- Active tuberculosis, acute viral diseases
- Malignancies
Side Effects Of Magnetic Therapy:
It is a safe therapy with relatively few side effects. Some effects that can occur are tingling, Numbness, burning, irritation, concentration deficits and sleep problems for shorter periods. Severe hypotension can occur causing vertigo, dizziness and fainting, so it should be used with extreme caution in patients that are predisposed to it. Precautions should be taken with patients having hypertension. These effects on blood pressure usually subside after 30 minutes.
