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This is an interesting article featuring a list of specific ailments and their magnetic treatments.

Biomagnetic Therapy

Dr. Michael Tierra L.AC., O.M.D.

Magnetic energy is a structuring force of the universe. As such, it is a reflection of the order that causes the infinite stars and planets throughout the galaxies to revolve and spin at incredible velocities while remaining in their respective orbits. As one of the four fundamental forces of nature along with gravity, nuclear energy and radioactivity, electromagnetism is equivalent in definition to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of ‘Qi’, or the East Indian Ayurvedic definition of ‘Prana’. These concepts are what many in the West, regard as the ‘life force’.

Personally, I have had long occasion to experiment and use magnets beginning with myself and then extending to family, friends, students and patients. Two particular occasions on myself were most convincing. Both were soft tissue injuries, one to my elbow and the other, a ligament injury of my knee which I will describe further on.

The elbow pain stemmed from an unknown cause, perhaps an injury or strain. It had persisted for at least 2 weeks during that time I tried acupuncture and herbal treatments which offered only minor temporary relief. As is well known, soft tissue injuries can take some time for repair. It would be most helpful, however, if during that time, there was a simple, non-invasive method to hasten the healing and relieve the pain.

I decided to experiment using magnets to treat the problem. While I had previously heard of magnet therapy, basically that there was a difference therapeutically between the magnet’s North and South polarities, I had no previous experience or further knowledge of their use. When I taped a small 1000 Gauss acuband magnet directly on the skin over the ‘trigger’ point or center of the pain in my arm. I was amazed to find that the pain almost completely disappeared within 5 minutes. I decided to experiment further, first by removing and reapplying the magnet a few times. Each time the pain returned when the magnet was removed and all but completely disappeared again when reapplied. I then experimented by turning the magnet over to change its polarity from North, which is cooling and dispersing, to South, which is heating and building. I discovered that when the South side of the magnet was against the skin, the pain intensified and by reversing the magnet to North, it was alleviated.

Since that time, I have been intrigued with the therapeutic possibilities of bio-magnetic therapy. However, I still had no idea whether the magnet treatment to my arm was only symptomatic or could eventually promote complete healing. Further, I found that there was discrepancies both in print and from various distributors concerning the importance and definition of the North and South sides of a magnet. Despite my confusion, I tentatively began to use magnets on my patients. Because, however, I had such an unsure grasp of any basic theoretical or practical methodology, my results were inconclusive.

I say all this because there may be others who, like myself, felt or presently feel unsure about the value and results of an experience of biomagnetic therapy. Through my example they may appreciate a further corroboration by another who has become fully convinced that biomagnetic therapy may well be one of the safest and most powerful natural healing methods, especially for the relief of pain ever discovered by humankind.

My interest in magnets was rekindled a few years later when I had a crippling soft tissue injury to the medial aspect of my right knee. It was particularly debilitating because there were few positions either standing, sitting or reclining that could provide relief. Having nearly all but forgotten about my previous experience with the magnets on my elbow, I began by using acupuncture, moxabustion (heat applied to specific acupuncture points) and herbal poultices, fomentations and liniments. Everything helped but I still could barely walk or find a comfortable position to either sit or recline.

I certainly was not looking forward to having to stand and be present at a forthcoming natural products trade show that included a promised diversion to my excited young son to a nearby entertainment park. In desperation I remembered the all-but-forgotten magnets that I stored in a cupboard near my bed. I systematically applied the North magnets to the trigger points located near the site of pain around my knee. Estimating what meridians were involved, I positioned the South magnets further up the femur and hip on the Gall Bladder and Bladder Meridians. I found, however, that it was the local application of the North magnets around the knee that was most effective. Within two hours after their application, the pain was 95% gone.

Again, I decided to conduct the same experiments on my knee that I had done a few years previous on my elbow pain, by removing and reapplying them, changing the magnets to irrelevant locations and reversing their polarity. My previous findings were absolutely corroborated. I eventually discovered that I needed to wear the magnets on the trigger points around my knee nearly continuously for about two months before the problem became sufficiently stabilized and resolved.

After this second powerful experience with bio-magnetic therapy, I decided to apply magnets on all my patients along with the acupuncture, dietary and herbal therapy that was part of my normal practice. I wanted to discover for myself the range of their effectiveness for a wide variety of complaints. Since that time, I have found biomagnetic therapy to be around 90% effective for the relief of pains and conditions caused by inflammation. For examples, a woman with diagnosed symptoms of colitis, had tried many forms of conventional and non-conventional treatment over the year previous but was relieved with the application of magnets to her lower abdomen within a week. Another man with arthritis in his hands and fingers with only minimal response from acupuncture and herbal therapy used magnetic balls to relieve and eventually remedy his condition completely. Similarly, another man had encroaching stiffness in his fingers that was threatening to impair his main love, playing the guitar. He also found the results he was seeking with the use of magnetic balls. As a pianist, I can only imagine the benefit these simply magnetic balls could be to the many who have suffered injury from repetitive use or wrong playing.

Everyone, who had acute or chronic lower back, elbow or knee problems found relief and in many cases, complete recovery from the local application of magnets. Patients with asthma, found that the application of magnets to their upper back or chest would provide them the relief they desperately needed without any further external medication. The list goes on to include patients with upper respiratory allergies, gastro-intestinal and digestive complaints, migraine headaches -- all were relieved with the use of magnets -- and the list of conditions continues to expand. Now with the expanded methods of application using magnetized water, magnetized oils, magnetic mattresses and mattress pads, jewelry and so forth, I am convinced that there is no condition that bio-magnetic therapy would not be at least helpful.

Because of my experience with traditional Eastern systems of medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) and East Indian Ayurvedic medicine, I was able to tangibly experience the fundamental energetic basis of healing with magnets described in various traditional healing systems around the world. I could tangibly understand that the North facing side of a magnet was equivalent in energy to the definition in TCM of Yin, or in Ayurveda of Shakti energy. The South facing side was equivalent to TCM Yang, or Ayurvedic Shiva energy. I also understood that the relative strength of a magnet determined whether it was to be used as an important energetic nutrient when in low strength (under 1000 gauss), or a high powered therapeutic tool in high strength (over 3000 gauss) that should be used with due respect. Essentially, like other forms of natural healing energy, if reasonably used, magnets are very forgiving. Except for the obvious contraindications noted, it is rare that anyone would experience anything more than a minor discomfort or aggravation usually caused by using magnetics that are too strong, applying the wrong North-South polarity for a given area or generally an overexposure to a strong magnetic field. If, for instance, one misapplies them over a wrong area, uses the wrong polarity or uses magnets that are inappropriately too strong, there may be a period of minor aggravation and discomfort that is easily remedied as soon as they are appropriately changed or removed. As with herbs, acupuncture and all other systems of natural healing, trial and error is a valid approach to biomagnetic therapy.

Science recognizes a close relationship between electricity and magnetism. In 1820, Hans Oersted of Denmark discovered a direct relationship between electricity and magnetism by showing that an electric current flowing in a wire caused a nearby compass needle to be deflected. Following the discoveries of Oersted, Ampere, the 18th century physicist whose notable achievements were germinal to the harnessing of electrical energy, discovered a quantitative relationship between the strength of an electric current with the magnetic field it creates (Ampere’s theorem). Noting the close relationship between electricity and magnetism, he described magnetism as “electricity thrown into curves”.

Just as the stars and planets revolve in galactical orbits, each atom has a nucleus around which spins various positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons that in turn generate a magnetic field. To reiterate, health represents a balance of these positive and negative forces described in TCM as Yin and Yang, in Ayurvedic medicine as ‘Shiva’ and ‘Shakti’, and in Western physiology as the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

The current theory of ‘free radicals’ as the cause of degenerative diseases and aging, is based on the concept of a negatively charged electron spinning out of their orbit, invading another cell which in turn causes a cellular disruption that sends other subatomic particles off their respective orbits. This results in cellular chaos. Biomagnetic healing is able to passively provide a stimulus for the restoration of balance at a subatomic level and offset the devastating domino-effect of harmful free radicals.

Because every atom generates an electromagnetic (EM) field, we, along with all of nature, are imbued with the power of electromagnetism. It is also possible for us to channel our innate positive electromagnetic energy for healing both ourselves and others.

Stressing the importance of electromagnetism, Einstein said,

“we may therefore regard matter as being constituted by the regions of space in which the field is extremely intense .....There is no place in this new kind of physics both for the field and matter, for the field is the only reality.”

It is said that what may be described as matter, the nucleus of an atom, is so infinitesimal that if we were to gather all the nuclei of a human body, it would be no larger than a period at the end of a sentence. Thus, modern physics theorizes that what we call matter may not be particles at all, but the presence of an impenetrable electro-magnetic field.

Life, comprised of a complex chain of bio-chemical and physiological processes is activated and animated by an invisible bio-magnetic force. Apropos of this, Dr. F.K. Bellokossy of Denver Colorado, described life as an “infinitely intelligent interaction of electro-magnetic energies carried by chemical substances.”

Modern medicine has come to depend upon such high tech diagnostic procedures as the (ECG) electro-cardiogram, the (EEG) electroencephalogram, the (EMG) electromyogram to measure the electrical activity in the heart, the cerebral cortex and the skeletal muscles respectively. If there were no electrical energy in the body, such tests would not be possible.

From the perspective of bio-magnetics, health is based upon the individual cells of the body vibrating at a characteristic normal frequency. Disease, on the other hand, represents an abnormal change in cellular vibration. The therapeutic application of magnets and herbs, at the deepest level, is based on the principle of restoring normal cellular vibration.

This understanding should make magnetic therapy very accessible to those who have an energetic approach to treatment and it would include Traditional herbalism, TCM, Ayurveda and some Western ‘holistically’ oriented mind-body therapies.

MAGNETIC ENERGY: A FUNDAMENTAL EARTH NUTRIENT

The Earth’s magnetic field strength is about a half gauss.(1) While seemingly small, the magnetic field strength of gauss as a measurement is in proportion to the total mass of the magnet. With that, a half gauss in proportion to the size of the Earth becomes very significant. As a matter of fact, it is essential to life.

With the exploration of space in the 1960’s, there came increased awareness of the importance of magnetism in maintaining health, since it was found that astronauts, beyond the protective magnetic field of the Earth often returned with symptoms of psychiatric disturbances, calcium and mineral deficiencies along with other physiological disturbances. Conversely, companies who needed to conduct experiments or manufacture biological products outside of the magnetic field of the earth were, and continue to be major investors in the space program. Since that time, an integral aspect of space flight research involves studying the effects of magnetic fields on living organisms in space travel.

Part of the Earth’s magnetic field is created by the ‘ionosphere’-- a layer of air containing electrically-charged particles that extend from sixty to a hundred miles above the surface of the Earth. Extending some thousands of miles into space is the ‘magnetosphere’, sometimes called Van Allen Radiation Belt, after the scientist who discovered it. This is a huge swarm of radioactive particles that are threatening to life. If it were not for the fact that the harmful radiation particles are trapped by the Earth’s magnetic field, life on Earth would be impossible.

The half gauss strength of the Earth seems to be in a state of cyclic change so that over time, the Earth’s magnetic poles have repeatedly shifted and changed their location. Scientific research estimates that these reversals occur approximately every half to one million years. The most recent reversal occurred about 700,000 years ago. It has been documented that the Earth’s magnetic field has diminished about 50% of what it was 500-1000 years ago, with a full 5% decline recorded in the last 100 years. From this we can appreciate the vital importance of geomagnetic energy to life.

Drs. Barnwell and Brown of the Department of Biological Sciences, North Western University, USA, conducted a number of experiments exposing magnetic fields on living organisms and reported that, “There remains no reasonable doubt that all living organisms are extraordinarily sensitive to magnetic fields.” The effect of magnetic fields on living organisms continues in the USA and throughout the world but some of the most important medically is that done by the Japanese.

MAGNETIC FIELD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Dr. Kyoichi Nakagawa, MD, Director of Isuzu hospital, Tokyo, Japan, has described a pathological condition called Magnetic Deficiency Syndrome (MFDS) (2)that causes a variety of symptoms including stiff shoulders, back and neck, chest pains, habitual constipation and general fatigue.

He mailed questionnaires to 11,648 Japanese users of magnets 2.5 mm thick x 5 mm in diameter with external gauss strength of 590. Only the North magnetic side was in direct contact with the skin for treatment in these studies. Women represented 57% and men 43% of the total with a representative age group between 40 and 49 years.

Magnets were used for the following conditions: Stiff neck and shoulders 45.20 Lumbago 19.00% Neuralgia 13.90% Painful muscles 12.30% Rheumatism 1.30% Other 6.30% No reply 2.00%

Effects were usually noticed from the second to the fourth day. No adverse effects were reported, while over 90% of the users classified results as very efficacious, efficacious or fairly efficacious, and 105 as ineffective or not very effective.

A number of other studies were conducted with 400 subjects in 1976 by professors Akio Yamada and Shuwichi-Hirose of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo; professor Yamada, University, Juntendo, Tokyo; and Kyoshi Kurmskima, Kohnodai National hospital. Some tests were double-blind placebo using a variety of different magnetic devices. Symptoms addressed included pains in the back of the neck, shoulders, backs, arms, hands and legs. Effectiveness was in the range of 60 to 80% within a period of 7 to 14 days. No side effects were reported.

A double-blind study by Dr. Yoshio Oay treating 80 subjects with lumbar pain using strong magnetic belts containing magnets of 1,500 gauss. Fifty subjects were given the magnetic belts while 30 received placebos or less powerful belts of 200 gauss. All subjects using the full strength belts evidenced marked improvement while those using weaker magnets or placebos showed only slight or no marked improvement.

Some confuse the electro-magnetic energy generated by power lines, computer and TV monitors, electrical wiring in our homes and vehicles as equivalent. These, however, represent alternating current (AC) which is deranging to normal cellular metabolism. The earth and other metallic substances, in contrast represent a permanent magnetic field or direct current (DC) which when used appropriately can be integrative to the sub-atomic particles of cells.

Many factors, beside the natural cyclic waxing and waning of geomagnetic energy contribute to the diminishing of direct current (DC) magnetic energy to our body. Some of these are the result of interference from the AC current of man-made electromagnetic radiation which is incompatible with our bodies’ biomagnetic emanations which include television, radio, radar, household appliances, computers, electrical wiring in buildings, nearby power lines and other sources.

The effects of working and living in concrete and steel structures further cut us off from the Earth’s direct magnetic force. The automobile, train, jet plane, bus and other hi-tech modes of travel are other ways we are deprived of important natural magnetism from the Earth.

Shrinking open spaces, living high above sea level on ground covered with concrete and asphalt and the decreasing amount of ground water all contribute to lack of conductivity and Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome (MFDS).

The magnetic energy of our planet is responsible for the natural biorhythms of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine these biorhythms describe how Qi or bio-magnetic energy is concentrated in certain areas of the body according to cycles of each day and season. It may also be concentrated in certain areas on the Earth that inexplicably have been able to retain their magnetic strength. These are recognized earth healing areas such as Lourdes, France and Sedona, Arizona.

Symptoms of MFDS may be similar to a variety of chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, candida albicans and environmental allergies. MFDS typically is associated with a general malaise and low energy, frequent susceptibility to disease, tightness of the neck and shoulders, fibro-myalgic body pains, forgetfulness, headaches, digestive and circulatory problems and a general ‘foggy’ feeling.

At many healing retreats that I have both attended and conducted, we would hug a tree to experience the grounding of accumulated unnatural magnetic distortions. While this may be impossible to scientifically prove, anecdotally everyone who has ever hugged a tree will acknowledge a certain feeling of well-being afterwards, characterized by a lessening of mental and physical heaviness. Perhaps, this is another indication of an innate need for a certain type of natural energy that is lacking in our daily lives.

How do magnets work?

Magnetic energy has such all-encompassing, powerful effects that no one description of how they exert their positive therapeutic effects could adequately describe all the many complex ways it effects mind and body. However, one theory based on the concept of diseased cells losing their magnetic equilibrium, explains how topically applied magnets are able to support and encourage the normal functional relationship both within the molecular structure of each cell as well as positively influencing the relationships throughout the entire body-mind process.

Another theory is that magnets exert a powerful attraction to the iron content in the blood, penetrating the outer layers of skin, muscle and fatty tissue to the capillaries that feed directly into the bloodstream. By attracting iron and perhaps other inorganic molecules to a diseased area, circulation is increased. This is enhanced by the increase of oxygen and other vital nutrients to the affected site that assists in healing. The combined effect is regulating the pH of the cells and tissues, balancing, ionizing and oxygenating them and generally relieving congestion and pain by improving blood circulation.

Scientific research documents the following specific physiological effects of biomagnetic therapy:

  1. It effects increasing blood and oxygen circulation along with the nutrient carrying potential of the blood.
  2. It is able to effect pH balance (acid-alkaline) which is often imbalanced in disease tissues.
  3. It positively speeds up the migration of calcium ions to facilitate the healing of nervous tissue and bones (usually at least in half the time). Because of this it can also help remove the pathological buildup of calcium associated with arthritic joints.
  4. It can powerfully influence the production of certain hormones from the various endocrine glands.
  5. It stimulates and fosters enzyme activity and other related physiological processes .

If we consider that all functions of the body are essentially biomagnetic, we can understand how each body cell down to the DNA has a positive and negative biomagnetic field and that cell division, itself, is fundamentally a magnetic process that occurs throughout the various tissues and organs of the body. Physiological biochemistry that utilizes various amino acids requires biomagnetic energy to occur.

It has been found that the pineal gland, a tiny pine-cone shaped gland located directly in the center of the brain, responsible for the production of melatonin, enzymes, immune function, oxidation, carbohydrate metabolism, pigmentation by melanin and the cyclic patterns of sleep and awakening is regulated, according to Robert Becker in his book on biomagnetics called Cross Currents, “by exposure to steady magnetic fields of the same strength as the geomagnetic field”. Since the pineal gland and melatonin govern stress tolerance and the production of antioxidants that help control the harmful effects of free radicals that cause degenerative disease and aging, biomagnetics can have a very beneficial effect in helping to regulate the pineal gland to offset the natural and unnatural disruption of our exposure to natural geo-magnetic fields.

The following chart derived from Bengallineville’s book, Magnet Therapy: Theory and Practice outlines the various factors that are responsible for cellular magnetic disturbances:

Extrinsic Factors Intrinsic Factors
Natural Artificial Emotional stress
Solar flares X-rays Hormonal imbalances
Sunspot activity Cobalt-60 Infectious or pathogenic microorganisms
Eclipses Radium implants Deficiencies (iodine deficiency produces thyroid imbalances)
Moon phases

new and full moon

 Nuclear plants using radioactive substances like Strontium-90 and Plutonium Deficient or imbalanced diet
Thunderstorms Radiation from color televisions and computer monitors. Ovulation
Cosmic rays Radiations from microwave ovens. Injuries (serious)
X-rays Chemical additives in food Injurious habits like excessive intake of alcohol and drugs.
Subsoil radiations(geopathic zones) Radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. Pregnancy
Certain planetary configurations Irradiated wheat and other foods. Menopausal period
  High tension cables Sound vibrations
  Aluminum vessels used in cooking  

The safety of Biomagnetic Therapy

According to my personal experience and the experience of biomagnetic therapists and patients from around the world, magnets are corrective and regulating and therefore have little risk of either dependency or negative interaction with drugs. Magnets under 2500 gauss seem to be safe regardless of their North, South polarity (nevertheless, as a kind of energetic nutrient when used or worn daily in a mattress or shoe insole, I prefer using magnets no stronger that 1000 gauss strength). Over 3000 gauss strength, prolonged exposure to the wrong magnetic field polarity can create an minor imbalance in a small few. Therefore, exposure to high strength magnetic fields should be limited to a period of no long than 30 minutes at a time once or twice daily. This is generally not true, however, of high powered acuband magnets which can be left on the affected site for days providing the correct North-South magnetic field is in use.

I once met a women who was treating herself for a year for candida albicans and attendant symptoms, using very high strength magnets on a daily basis. She became frightened when she discovered that her hair began to fall out. This, despite the fact that most of her other symptoms were alleviated. and she even claimed to feel more energetic and vital than ever. Because the thought of losing her hair was so frightening to her, she resolved never to get near a magnet again. One day I was gratefully surprised to find a varied collection of high grade industrial strength magnets deposited in the waiting room of my clinic. I later asked her what she felt about the use of magnetic mattresses. She asserted that there was no comparison with her unfortunate experience and that their relatively low gauss strength made them virtually impossible to cause any significant harmful reaction.

Given the fact that it is impossible to predict what is otherwise known as an idiosyncratic reaction that an individual may have to practically any substance or thing, overwhelmingly the potential benefits of biomagnetic therapy makes them well worth a try for a wide variety of conditions.

A few positive experiences from my own clinical experience may serve to offset any concerns or negative impressions one may have to magnetic therapy. One was the prolonged use of high gauss magnets to completely eliminate and control the pain of a man diagnosed with incurable liver cancer. Because of the use of strong North facing magnets applied over the site of pain, he was able to spend his last days with a minimum amount of discomfort without the use of morphine or any other deadening pain medication. Two women, one with lung and another with breast cancer were able to minimize or completely eradicate any attendant pains in a similar way. Finally, A man with a diagnosed brain tumor, fastened a strong neodymium magnet on a cap which he wore for half to one hour periods twice each day. He was reexamined after a period of several months and doctors were amazed to find that his tumor had shrunk.

I must add, that all these patients were given adjunctive dietary and herbal therapy which I am sure contributed greatly to their response.

I hope that if for no other purpose than for simply the relief of pain, magnets should become either an adjunctive with other modalities or first therapeutic option.

Contraindications:

Despite the safety of magnets, there are some contraindications to be aware of. First, do not use magnets during pregnancy, on those who have a history of epilepsy, those wearing a pacemaker or other metal implants that might be dislodged by exposure to magnets. Strong magnets should be used with care on small infants and children, on the eyes, the brain or over the heart.

Healing Crisis Reaction:

Because magnets have such a positive effect on vascular circulation, some individuals may experience a temporary aggravation as a consequence of the increased discharge of toxins. Some healing crisis reactions may include symptoms such as light headedness, itching, allergic reaction, headache, sleepiness or a sensation of heat. When this occurs it is best to gradually ease into their use over a period of time.

Magnets

Materials used for magnets are those whose atoms can be permanently or semi-permanently lined up. Of all magnetic materials, an alloy comprised of one-fifth cobalt and four fifths platinum makes the most powerful magnet. Other materials used for magnets are Alnico magnets comprised of an alloy of aluminum, nickel, iron, cobalt and copper. These are about 10 times more powerful than steel magnets and 100 times more powerful than the Earth’s magnetic field. Ferrite magnets are comprised of carbonates of barium and iron. They are very powerful and significantly cheaper than alnico magnets but have the disadvantage of being very fragile.

MAGNETIC FIELDS

The magnetic field is the area where magnets exert their force. This is easily determined by holding a compass near the magnet to determine if the strength of the magnet overrides the magnetic force of the poles.

Magnetic Poles

Up until recently, scientific technical study of magnets describe the nature and effects of the two poles of a magnet as being the same. The years of research by Dr. Albert Roy Davis Ph.D., based on isolating and measuring the effects of the two poles has confirmed the different reactions they produce on living systems.

Dr. Davis was able to measure the direction of electron spin given off and transmitted from the two ends of magnet’s poles. From this, he was able to determine that the spin of the electrons were in reverse of each other. The electrons coming from the South pole of the magnet cycled and moved clockwise, to the right while those emanating from the North pole moved and cycled to the left or counterclockwise. (4)

This was confirmed from the use of complex technical magnetometers measuring the magnetic field of Earth from space. It was discovered that magnetic energy moves in an spiral forming the infinity pattern. Upon leaving either the North or South poles it travels halfway backward, clockwise or counterclockwise depending upon the exiting pole, to reenter and rephase itself inwards where it takes on the reverse spin in the opposite direction.

Dr. Davis was able to use a cathode ray vacuum to photograph in color the different North and South energies emitted from a long bar magnet. By a series of experiments first on animals and seeds and then on various fluids and foods, he was able to observe the physical effects on living systems. He confirmed the positive effects of the South pole energies in promoting rapid growth, fertility and a general metabolically heating effect as opposed to the inhibiting negative effects of the North pole that had a quieting, soothing and metabolically cooling effect.

Using untreated seeds as a comparison guide, Dr. Davis conducted a series of laboratory experiments on seeds and vegetables that were first exposed to the South pole magnet. An analysis of the end products of these plant products showed a noticeable increase in protein, sugars and oils as opposed to the control group. In contrast, those exposed to the North pole were lower in protein, sugars and oils than the control group.

He then studied the effect of South and North pole to the development and growth of Earthworms. Again, worms treated with South pole energy multiplied faster, grew more and larger than those treated with North pole energy. The protein of Earthworms is approximately 90% on the average but the effect of the South pole evidenced a marked increase of their protein content. He was also able to corroborate similar results on the growth of mice and rats.

As stated, the difference between magnetized and demagnetized material was that electrons in a magnetized object are aligned to go in a single rather than a seemingly randomized direction. The direction follows the magnetic poles of the Earth between the Southern and Northern hemispheres. (5)

Following the system described by Davis and Rawls, the bio-North (-) pole of a magnet has the same polarity as the true geographic North pole of the Earth. This bio-magnetic definition of North and South is in contradistinction to that of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS).

To determine the North-South direction of a magnet, tie a thread to the center of the magnet bar and the other end to a high place such as a ceiling or door frame. The suspended magnet will tend to spin and eventually position itself in the direction of geographical North and South as is determined by a compass. Permanently mark as South the side facing the South pole of the magnet with red paint or fingernail polish. With one marked magnet, it can be lined up and used to indicate the polarity of all other magnets.

Another method is to align the needle of a compass to point North. Bring one side or end of the magnet near the compass. The side of the magnet that is able to attract the North end of the compass needle is to be marked as North. All other magnets can be so marked and aligned to conform to one predetermined indicator magnet.

The gauss level employed is dependent upon the severity and duration of a complaint, together with the age and condition of the patient. It is always best to begin treatment with a low to medium gauss range and then increase to higher strength as necessary. On infants, young children, the frail and elderly, use only low strength magnets.

Finally, many biomagnetic therapists believe that magnets whose gauss measure less than 2500 can be used irrespective of their North or South polarity. It is my experience that the quickest and most dramatic results is when the North and South are appropriately applied according to an evaluation of the condition to be treated.

THE CARE AND HANDLING OF MAGNETS

To prevent them from losing their power or becoming totally broken and destroyed, magnets must be carefully handled. Dropping a magnet or subjecting it to a sharp blow may cause it to lose much of its strength. Furthermore, magnets subjected to temperatures in excess of 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit will lose all of their energy.

U-shaped magnets need to be placed on a flat bar or cylinder so that both ends of the magnet make contact with the metal. This is called a “Keeper” and prevents the dissipation of their magnetic power. For long, flat, wide surface magnets, bend a piece of iron, a tin can or a metal bar that can be fastened to both ends to provide a passage of energy between both poles and again prevent its lose into space. Try to keep different sizes and strengths of magnets away from each other to prevent them from bleeding off their charges.

All magnets can be stuck together but they should be positioned so that they are symmetrical in a single row and not balled up in any way with magnets of various sizes hanging off the ends. This is especially true of inferior quality magnets while with higher quality industrial strength magnets this is not a consideration.

Finally, magnets can be dangerous. The attractive force of even two 25 pound magnets is capable of inflicting serious injury to pinched fingers or other bodily parts that may get caught in their way. It is easier to handle strong magnets if they are wrapped in some kind of thin soft fiber such as a cotton wash towel.

Summary of Precautions in the Handling and Use of Magnets

a. Remove battery powered wristwatches and any other magnetic objects whose field can be altered by the presence of an externally applied magnet.

b. Avoid dropping, banging or heating magnets above 700 degrees Fahrenheit as this may dissipate their strength.

c. For U shaped magnets, use a “keeper” to connect the two ends when it is not in use.

d. Be careful in handling large heavy magnets as one can injure a body part if they were to suddenly slam together from a distance.

e. If possible, do not allow different sized magnets to remain together.

f. Keep magnets away from homeopathic remedies, computer hard drives, recording tape, credit cards, videos and CD’s to prevent their being damaged or erased. Magnets should also be kept away from battery operated watches, hearing aids and from individuals who have a pacemaker or any metallic parts placed in their body.

MAGNET THERAPY

Biomagnetic therapy is used for the control of pain, to stop infections, heal bones and scar tissue, rejuvenation of cells and balancing the body’s energy levels. It can also be effectively combined with most other therapeutic modalities. The strength of the magnetic field chosen is based on the magnetic strength, shape and size of the magnet selected based on the following considerations:

  1. duration of the ailment
  2. severity of the condition
  3. total area to be treated
  4. whether the diseased tissue is superficial or deep
  5. the patient’s sensitivity

THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION OF THE South and North poles

Understanding and utilizing the unique application of the North and South poles of a magnet is fundamental to any biomagnetic therapeutic application.

The North pole of the magnet is cooling, sedating and dispersing. This corresponds to Traditional Chinese medicine definition of Yin or negative polarity.

The South polarity is heating, stimulating and accumulating. This corresponds to the TCM Yang or positive polarity.

All descriptions of positive and negative are not qualitative definitions but express the relationship between the opposite poles to each other and outer phenomena.

Indications Contraindications
SOUTH Tonifying, strengthening, building, heating, Yang in nature. Can be used for pains caused by weakness, coldness and deficiency (usually of a more chronic and ‘achy’ nature), also for hypometabolic conditions associated with low energy, weak digestion and weak immune system. Not for acute inflammatory conditions, bacterial infections, cancers and tumors, excess and stagnation conditions, excess Yang
NORTH Clearing, eliminative, detoxifying, dispersing, cooling, Yin in nature. Can be used for acute pains (sharp or burning) caused by heat, inflammation, hyper metabolic conditions, hypertensive conditions, insomnia, nervousness, infections and inflammations. Not for deficiency conditions, coldness, low metabolism, weakness
SOUTH AND NORTH COMBINED When pain, infection or another condition has gotten to a point where the body apparently lacks both the positive and negative energies to fully recover, both poles should be applied. This can be done either by alternating the application of North and South every 15 minutes or by applying a number of both North and South acu-magnets simultaneously over an area. This approach can also be used if the site of pain encompasses a large area. This is equivalent to a deficiency of both Yin and Yang. This harmonizing approach is one of the most commonly used because conditions are seldom either/or. It is especially useful when a single center of the pain or disease extends over a larger area or cannot be discerned. The disadvantage is that if the particular site can be found and appropriately treated, positive results are quicker.

Therapeutic application of North

The North magnetic pole is inhibiting and sedating. It slows down cellular metabolism. Because of this, it is cooling, soothing and retarding and useful for painful or inflammatory conditions such as:

Arthritis, spondylitis, prostatitis, lumbago, chronic and acute headaches, bruises, injuries, and sharp pains, bacterial infections, dysentery, skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis and ringworm, tumors, mental retardation, epilepsy, cataract, glaucoma, neuralgia, nervousness, insomnia and initially on hernias.

It can be applied for the initial inflammatory response to any injury. When a condition assumes a more chronic state, however, one may need to switch to the more tonifying South pole to relieve symptoms.

North energies over 7000 gauss retard bacterial growth as well as cell and tissue regeneration. In the September 1990 “Journal of the National Medical Association”, it is clearly shown how the North magnetic pole inhibits the growth of lung carcinoma cells. In general, the North polarity tends to have a normalizing effect regardless of the length of exposure.

Therapeutic Application of the South

The South magnetic pole is heating, tonifying and augmenting and increases cellular metabolism. It can be used for the following conditions:

Paralysis, leucoderma, alopecia, hernia (later), asthma, tingling and numbness, to strengthen weak muscles and tissues, comatose conditions, after debilitating illness such as tuberculosis, gastroenteritis, scars, etc.

Because South promotes growth, it should never be directly applied on cancerous tumors, bacterial or viral infections or parasites. For regeneration of cells and tissues, magnets over 7000 gauss are extremely effective.

Applying Complete North and South Pole Magnetic Therapy

The bioelectrical force of the right side of the body is more Yin and inhibitory. If there is a lack of the Yin-inhibitory force, the left sided Yang-stimulating bioelectrical activity will appear to be in excess. This represents False Yang or Yin Deficiency. It can manifests as apparent hyperactivity with symptoms such as high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, palpitations, hyperacidity, etc., all within the overall context of Deficiency and wasting. For these conditions, apply a Yang South magnet to the inside of the right wrist to restore equilibrium and harmony.

If the Yang left-sided energies of the body are weaker than the right-sided Yin, there will be hypoactive or apparent excess Yin symptoms. These can include low blood pressure, hypothyroidism, sluggish bowel movements, general lethargy, fluid retention and edema and hypoglycemia. These conditions are treated by applying the South pole to the inside of the left wrist.

Chronic pains, including chronic arthritic and rheumatic pains may also require bipolar treatment. Treating large organs systems such as the Liver and Kidneys also seem to respond better to the use of bipolar treatment.

To speed the mending of fractures by at least half, dual poles are used. South should be applied to the upper side of the break and North applied to the lower side.

Magnets come in many shapes and forms. Following are some of the more common ones that are used therapeutically used:

BI-POLAR MAGNETS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

In an attempt to utilize the combined North-South poles various bipolar magnets have been used. In 1981, a Swiss scientist Arno Latske introduced an alternating polarity magnet. He observed that when these bipolar magnets were applied over areas of pain, relief and healing occurred as a result of charged articles (i.e. electrolytes in the blood) that passed perpendicular to the magnetic field as a result of what in physics is called the Hall Effect. The North-South poles of the magnet were arranged in perpendicular strips so that the optimal response occurred with blood vessels that directly crossed the bipolar North-South magnetic strips. However, those vessels did not cross the bipolar arrangement sufficiently had the least therapeutic effect.

Next, a German scientist Horst Baermann, in an attempt to improve the Hall Effect, developed a magnet with concentric North-South strips The problem is that if the blood vessels did not cross near the center of the circle, there was little benefit from the alternating current.

In an attempt to circumvent the shortcoming of the previous two designs, an American engineer, Vincent Ardizzone, of Nu-Magnetics, Inc., NY, developed a checkerboard design that accommodate the random design of blood vessels. While the previous two designs had only two sides per pole adjacent to opposite poles, the four-sided checkerboard pattern significantly increased the possibility of a blood vessel being exposed to cross alternating poles. This design also allowed for the magnet to be cut into various shapes and sized without intervening gaps.

Acu Band Magnets

These are usually 0.16’ dia x 0.06’ thick and come with 0.8” dia Band-Aids. They are available in varying Gauss strengths and different alloys, usually in packets of 12. The most effective in my experience are acuband magnets that range from 3000 to 9000 gauss. Some are marked with a grove to indicate the North side, while others have a tiny protrusion, indicating the South.

One or more are taped directly over or near the affected site or acupuncture points, using either the North or South polarity as appropriate. Magnets with opposite polarity can be applied directly opposite or distally along a line or acupuncture meridian located nearest the affected area. North or South polarity can be used over acupuncture points and/or centers diagnostically related to the primary symptom.

For instance:

For acute colds and flu tape North facing magnets to Large Intestine 4, Large Intestine 11, Triple Warmer 5 and Governor 14.

For chronic back ache that is not inflamed, tape South facing magnets over Bladder 23 and Kidney 3. One can apply a North directly over the acute ‘trigger’ points of pain and further down the Bladder meridian over Bladder 40 (aka 54) behind the knee.

For insomnia apply a North magnet to Yin Tang point between the eyebrows and two North magnets to one of the two Anmien points behind the ear.

For fatigue and low energy apply South magnets to stomach 36, conception vessel 6 or 4 and bladder 23 on the lower back. In addition, one can also apply a North magnet to large intestine four on the hand to help clear any Heat and toxicity.

For promoting the healing of fractures apply alternating South and North magnets directly along the affected area. These can be simultaneously used with North to reduce any inflammation in the area.

These are only a few of many possibilities based on a knowledge of acupuncture meridians and points. It is a good idea to have a razor available to shave off any hair that may prevent the Band-Aid from sticking. Acu-magnets can be left on for a week, taken off briefly and reapplied if they are still needed. If there is any prolonged aggravation or discomfort, they should be removed or reverse the North-South polarity.

Large Block Magnets

These are iron ferrite magnets which can be purchased from industrial magnet manufacturers and come in various sizes and very high Gauss. Since these are made of fragile ceramic, they are not easy to handle. In general one should learn the technique of sliding them apart or together when needed and keep delicate fingers out of the way in case they inevitably snap together.

Smaller ones can be ordered in various sizes and dimensions and are available in dual color to easily distinguish between the North and South polarity. The strength of these magnets may be deceptive. They are usually available from 1000 to 3600 gauss or higher. Because they cover a larger area, even a lower strength magnet can exert a powerful therapeutic effect. Two magnets can be used to attach to clothing, North or South as needed.

The highest Gauss magnets are Neodymium (NeoMax) magnets. They are composed of iron, boron and neodymium, one of the rarest metals on Earth and their strength range from 2000 to 3600 gauss. Their use was first promoted by the International Medical Research Center based on the discovery and work of Professor Goesta Wollin’s development of a Universal Cancer Spiral Theory. Professor Wollin discovered that spirals are found throughout nature, down to the basic shape and structure of DNA. In 1987, the Swedish press widely reported Professor Wollin’s discovery of the Universal Cancer Spiral. He claimed that when supermagnets are applied to cancerous tumors, the magnetic spirals, which are larger, would superimpose themselves and destroy the smaller cancerous cell spirals.

Professor Wollin’s round neodymium magnets were specifically developed to treat cancer. Usually they are sold in pairs. The North sided magnet is intended to be placed directly over the cancer or tumor while the South is worn over the thymus located on the sternum between the breasts. This is used to help stimulate the body’s immune system. While the North magnet directly over the site of the cancer can be left on for a prolonged period, the South over the thymus should only be applied twice daily for no longer than 30 minutes.

These larger magnets are available encased in plastic and color coded so the two polarities are easily determined. The large neodymium magnets or stronger ferrite magnets are indicated in prescriptions for treating most acute and chronic conditions.

Bio-magnetic therapy also consists of systematically laying strong magnetic bars over affected areas for a duration of approximately 30 minutes to an hour two or three times daily. For many conditions the application of several acu-magnets will be more convenient and often as effective, especially for less serious conditions.

Magnetic Mattresses and Mattress Pads

Magnetic mattresses, mattress pads and pillows are designed to provide a sound and restful sleep. The result is that we awaken with more energy, alertness and fewer aches and pains. For those who are bedridden, they powerfully help to prevent bedsores. The best  utilize 800 gauss which is safe for ongoing nightly use. They are firm and made with the finest quality patented rubberthane with a grid of nub-like protrusions that stimulate vital energy centers and aid in promoting better circulation and lymphatic flow while sleeping.

The pillow is firm and in addition to the magnets, has a strip of ceramic tiles that help to redistribute heat away from the head. This is because of the belief that it is best to have the head cool and the feet warm when sleeping. Many with chronic neck and shoulder aches and those who snore excessively or suffer from sleep apnea (stopped breathing while sleeping) have received significant benefit from the magnetic pillow.

Because the Japanese have had a long history of appreciation for natural health products it is estimated that one out of eight Japanese use a magnetic mattress sleep system.. This is further reflected in the lead the Japanese have taken in researching magnetic and other natural magnetic products.

A few individuals may experience temporary discomfort when first sleeping on a magnetic sleep system. This is because with greater circulation, more toxins are being flushed out at an increased rate. For these, it may take gradual periodic use over several days or weeks. The time spent acclimatizing to it is worth the investment to one’s personal health and wellness and provides a significant passive contribution long term health and wellness. In the resources section at the end of the book there is a list of distributors and suppliers of these and other magnet products.

Magnetized Water

The proclaimed healing powers of various naturally occurring baths at places such as Lourdes, France, Sedona, Arizona and Jesus Chahin’s well in Tlacote, Mexico, occurs in areas where there is reportedly higher naturally occurring magnetic energy. One way to naturally magnetize water is to run it through 30 feet of sand where it will emerge negatively poled because of the effect of minute quartz sand crystals. This water emerges saturated with oxygen that is able to kill germs, build bodily strength and support the immune system. Water so treated will show a change of temperature, surface tension, viscosity and electrical conductivity. Just as chemicals change weight after being subjected to magnetic fields, so does water. More hydroxyl (OH-) ions are generated to form calcium bicarbonate and other alkaline particles. Normal water has a pH level of around 7, while magnetized water can reach 9.2 pH after exposure to a 7000 gauss strength magnet. This has been shown to be enough to destroy cancer cells.(6)(Barefoot and Reich).

Cancer is practically unknown to the Hopi Indians of Arizona and the Hunza of Pakistan, so long as they drink from their local water supply which is rich in rubidium and potassium in the case of the Hopi water and rich in caesium and otassium for the Hunza people. The salts of these alkalinizing minerals have the effect of counteracting toxic acidity by raising body pH. Cancer cells are destroyed with an enriched oxygenated environment.

By standing a container of water on either the South or North pole of a magnet for a period of approximately 24 hours, one can imbue it with specific Yin, sedating and dispersing properties or Yang, tonifying and coalescing properties. This water can then be taken internally throughout the day. Water can also be potentized by tying or taping South and North pole magnets to opposite sides of a rectangular bottle or jug.

Herbal teas intended for tonification can be augmented by setting the cup of tea on a South Magnetized surface for an hour or so before drinking. If the tea consists of dispersing, anti-inflammatory or sedative herbs, then the North pole of the magnet should be used.

Special magnetic cups and containers for making magnetized water are available from various magnetic product suppliers and Japanese sources.

Magnetic Insoles

There are magnetic insoles that fit in the shoes. One side has small bumps to provide added foot reflexology stimulation to the feet and the other side is smooth. The bipolar magnets are not only in the bumps but throughout the entire surface.

The feet and legs are sometimes called the ‘second heart’ because return circulation from this area of the body is vital to health. Besides being highly effective for all foot problems (such as diabetic and other neuropathies) regular use of magnetic insoles increase energy and vitality throughout the day. Like the magnetic bed, wearing these insoles constitute an effective passive long term investment in one’s health.

Magnetic Balls

These are remarkable because while they have a very low gauss strength, when the balls are rapidly revolved or manipulated they shoot their electrons out for some distances.They can be rolled on the body to relieve injury and pains. They can also rolled in the palms to relieve stiffness and arthritic pains in the hands and fingers.

Electro magnets

These are used by practitioners and hospitals for chronic disease including bone and scar tissue healing, sciatica, arthritis, and sports injuries. Sports therapists were among the first to introduce the use of medical magnets. The combined use of electromagnetic machines with permanent magnets has been found to reduce by half the time required for healing injuries, sprains, tendon and muscle injuries. These machines are especially effective for treating large areas of pain.

Magnetic Jewelry

Necklaces can be used for diseases of the chest, throat, neck, shoulders, sore throat, asthma, irregular heart beat and angina. Bracelets and rings are worn for controlling blood pressure as well as hand and arm pain. They are available in many designs ranging from 1600 to 5000 gauss.

Magnetite or Lodestone

These are naturally occurring magnets associated with a type of iron ore. Generally the Gauss rating is low, from 300 to no more than 700 Gauss. Since ancient times, jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets and rings were worn for various therapeutic reasons. The Egyptians believed the magnet had a divine power and wore them to relieve headache, gout, dropsy and to maintain, vitality and health. Cleopatra (69-30 BC) supposedly wore a polished lodestone magnet on her forehead to maintain her beauty.

BIOMAGNETIC TREATMENT OF THE WHOLE BODY

Biomagnetics can be used to treat the body systemically as oposed to their use over specific acupuncture points or what are known as pain or ‘trigger” points.

There is a difference in the energy between the upper from the lower, the right from the left sides of the body. The area from the chest upwards tends to reflect the more positive, outgoing energy. With imbalance, this can manifest to extreme with symptoms ranging from skin eruptions, mental excitation, eye, ear, nose, throat and lung problems and hypertension. For this reason the North magnet is more frequently indicated in this area to disperse the excess. The lower area of the body, below the umbilicus, is often over extended upward and needs South or coalescing, grounding energy. The right side of the body is the more positive side and usually gets the North magnet while the left side which is more negative, receives the South magnet. Thus the following configurations have been adopted for systemic treatment:

Diseases above the navel: Place the right hand on the North magnet and the left hand on bio South for 15 to 30 minutes.

Diseases below the navel: Place the right foot on the North pole and the left foot on the South.

Diseases on the right side of the body: Right hand on the North pole and right foot on the South pole.

Diseases on the left side of the body: left hand on the North pole and left foot on the South.

Diseases of the digestive system: right hand on the North pole and left foot on the South.

Miscellaneous Use of Magnets

Negating the toxic effects of chemicals, sprays and preservatives from food and water.

  1. Using a strong neodymium magnet, pass it over the food or water 7 times with the North or negative facing downwards.
  2. Follow this by passing the positive South magnet 7 times to energize the food and water and make it easier to digest and absorb.

Purifying house water with 2 or 4 magnets

Fasten one or two (depending on the size of the pipe) negative, North magnets against the water pipe leading into the house. Approximately 2 inches higher, fasten one or two positive South magnets. These can be taped to the water pipes.

According to Dr. Albert Roy Davis, water treated in this way showed little appreciable difference in terms of mineral content, solids, pH or other factors. Testing for the relative amounts of hydrogen and oxygen it was found that the oxygen level was lower in the treated water as compared with the untreated. While hydrogen amounts were the same, the hydrogen ions were altered to present a much higher degree of activity. This was checked repeatedly with the same findings.

Water treated with either North or South magnetic field tended to reduce the nitrogen in the water, preventing it from going stale. This made it safer for both human consumption and for aquarium fish for a longer period.

Potentizing seeds

Dr. Davis discovered that seeds exposed to the magnetic force fields of the South pole for anywhere from 6 to 200 hours, when planted resulted in an improved germination and growth result, hardier plants with higher yield of fruit or vegetable products. Exposing seeds to the influence of the North magnetic polarity field resulted in thin, tall plants with poor yields. A simple method is to presoak seeds by placing them in a dish or cup with water on top of a South facing magnet for 24 hours or so before planting.

Bibliography

  • The Anatomy of Biomagnetism by Albert Roy Davis Ph.D.
  • Medical Magnets, Nature’s Healing Energy by Barbara Gordon
  • Magnet Therapy Theory and Practice by Dr. Neville S. Bengali
  • Discovery of Magnetic Health by George J. Washnis and Richard Z. Hricak,
  • Magnet Therapy by Holger Hannemann
  • Getting Started in Magnetic Healing and The Body Magnetic, both books by Dr. Burl Payne.
  • Healing Magnetism by Heinz Schiegl
  • Biomagnetic Handbook by Philpott, MD and Sharon Taplin
  • The Art of Magnetic Healing by Santwani
  • Magnetic Field Therapy Handbook by R. Allen Walls