Magnetic Bracelets

Although it is not yet available in hospitals, magnetic therapy gadgets have been available to the public for many years, and simple magnetic therapy machines have been used by alternative/complementary therapists and even some doctors in their clinics.

The simplest gadgets available are bracelets, wristwatches, pendants and even rings which are impregnated with magnets. These are claimed to improve arthritis, rheumatism, joint and muscle pains, headaches, inflammation, insomnia, stress, and even constipation!

The list of potential health benefits is very long, and is plausible if you know that every cell will respond to external magnetic fields. These are supposed to happen through improvements in blood circulation, body metabolism, and energy production. And there are many users over many years who have benefited, especially in improving the aches and pain.

I have allowed myself to be tested on these magnetic bracelets. Testing is usually done by using applied kinesiology, and some of the tests are convincing enough. When wearing the bracelet, my strength was indeed improved.

There are also magnetic discs that are used in pairs or sets of four to eliminate severe pain and headaches. These are attached to the affected areas using adhesive, and have indeed been shown to be effective. The powerful magnetic signals from the discs interfere with the pain signals coming from the problem areas, preventing them from getting transmitted to the pain-centres in the brain.

While TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) directly interfere with the pain sensation by sending external electrical pulses, magnetic disc therapy instead interferes with their transmission.

Another novel method is to send a magnetic pulse, instead of an electrical pulse. A recent placebo-controlled study at Ohio State University Medical Centre showed that more than two-thirds of patients with severe migraine treated with the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device had complete or near-complete cessation of headaches. TMS is able to stop the prodromal or aura stage of migraine during which sufferers often experience seeing flashing lights, loss of vision, tingling or confusion. This phase precedes the actual intense throbbing headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Magnetic pulse therapy actually triggers electrical pulses in the nerves that would then interfere with the electrical signals already present. However, to achieve the same effect with direct electrical stimulation would cause discomfort, whereas doing it indirectly with magnetic pulses is painless.

I hope scientists will progress quickly to make this magnetic therapy useful for treating certain psychiatric disorders. As a young doctor over 25 years ago, one of the pitiful sights I had to endure was that of such patients being treated with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). As the name implies, patients convulse as they receive electric shocks meant to make their brains work normally. I am sure a magnetic alternative can achieve the same or better results with no trauma to the patients (and observers).