Magnetotherapy is a system in which diseases are treated through the application of magnets to the human body. No drugs are administered under this therapy.

Development of Magnetotherapy

Magnets in the form of lodestones were known in ancient times and their properties were considered to be magical. They were, however, never considered as instruments of healing till the beginning of the sixteenth century when a Swiss alchemist and physician P.A. Paracelsus studied and stated that magnets could heal inflammations, ulcerations, and many diseases of the bowel and uterus, and that they could also be useful both in internal as well as external ailments. It was his contention that any diseased part of the body, when exposed to the magnetic force, would be cured better and more speedily than with a drug. Father Hall, an Austrian professor of astronomy in the eighteenth century, treated nervous men, and women by applying magnets to their bodies.

The magnetic treatment given by Hall was closely watched by Dr Mesmer (1734-1815) of Mesmerism fame (see Hypnosis). He was deeply influenced and started applying magnets to his patients. The work of Hall and Mesmer was witnessed by their contemporary Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), the Father of Homoeopathy. The latter was fully convinced of the powers of the magnet and recommended its use as a healer in these words: ‘A magnetic rod can quickly and permanently cure the most severe disease, for which it is a suitable medicine, when it is brought near the body for but a short time.’

How Magnetotherapy Works

Biomagnetists believe that living beings are sensitive to magnetic fields and every cell in the body is affected by their highly pervasive character of magnetism. The magnetic field rejuvenates cells and tissues. The central nervous system is affected by it and the function of the autonomic nerves is normalised and strengthened, thus improving the functions of all the internal organs.

No medicines need to be prescribed under magnetotherapy. However, a person undergoing magnetotherapy is not barred from using medicines or techniques of other systems of medicine such as ayurveda, homoeopathy, or allopathy.

Types of Magnets in Treatment

Magnetotherapy seeks to cure the ailments of the body by applying magnets to the body or its diseased part, supplemented by prescribed doses of magnetised water.

Local treatment consists in applying the selected pole to the affected part of the body, touching the bare or even the covered skin without exercising any pressure on the spot of the body. If the disease is diagnosed to be due to bacterial cause, the north pole is applied, and if bacterial infection is not suspected, then the south pole is used. If the diseased part has become very sensitive to touch due to pain, swelling, or injury, as in the case of a boil or wound, the magnet is placed on the nearest spot where the touch can be tolerated. If it is considered necessary to use both the poles, the two poles are placed on the part with a convenient distance between them, or the appropriate magnet is applied on the part concerned, and the other magnet is put in contact with the palm or the sole on the side of the diseased part.

General treatment becomes necessary when the illness is not a localised one and is of such a nature that the whole or an extensive part of the body is affected. In this case, both the poles are brought in touch with the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. It is through the palms and the soles that magnetism is instantly carried to every nook and corner of the body. If the illness is centred in the upper half of the body, the magnets are to be placed under the palms, but if the lower half of the body is diseased, then the soles are to be exposed to magnetism. In case the entire or major part of the body is in the grip of illness, then magnets are to be put under the palms one day, and under the soles the next, for equal duration. If magnets are applied twice a day, they should be put under the palms in the morning and under the soles in the evening. In aggravated states, magnets can be applied to the palms and the soles one after the other in succession.

There is no hard and fast rule for adopting any method of applying magnets. The method to be used always depends upon the requirements of the case. The diagonal application of magnets covers afflictions of the liver, stomach, spleen, and abdomen.

Every magnet, irrespective of its size, shape, or potency, is in itself, basically fit for therapeutic use but the magnetotherapist has to choose his magnet keeping in view the requirements of the disease and the part. Normally the magnets have to be applied to the palms and soles, limbs, and parts of the torso. Disc-shaped magnets encased in steel covers, prove more suitable for such application, as they are convenient to use and also cover the maximum space. However, disc-shaped magnets have not proved to be convenient for uneven parts, namely the forehead, eyes, ears, nose, cheeks, and the throat. For these parts, crescent-shaped magnets are most suitable.

Since both the poles of a magnet have to be applied individually and usually concurrently, two magnets of the same size and strength are invariably needed.

Palms, soles, limbs, and the back need magnets of considerable potency to be effective, but on the temples, forehead, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and chest, only low or medium-potency magnets need to be applied as these parts are either delicate and near the brain or heart, where high potency magnets should not be applied. Hence, stronger disc-shaped magnets in varying potencies are used on the palms, soles, and limbs, while weak ceramic crescents are applied to the head, face, chest, and wrist. Under these two broad categories, different potencies can be selected in relation to the nature of the disease and its state, spot, and extent of aggravation.

Magnetic bands, belts, chains, and necklaces have also been devised for longer or constant use. In these curative-cum-ornamental devices, are fitted weak and small magnets in requisite numbers. These devices are effective in cases of blood pressure, chest troubles, and treatment of particular parts of the body for which they are made.

When magnets have to be applied to several parts of the body, for example, under the palms, on the back, knees, and under the soles, treatment should be started from the upper parts and proceed towards the lower parts.

The duration of the magnetic application cannot be fixed as a general rule; it can only be decided in relation to the specific disease, the individual patient, his susceptibility, and the magnet selected for application. In common seasonal ailments, the duration is normally short, but in chronic cases like arthritis, paralysis, or eczema, it is longer. Normally a magnet is applied only once a day, but in chronic cases, it may have to be applied twice a day. At the start, a magnet should be applied for not more than five minutes with a gradual increase in duration. Magnetic treatment can be continued for any number of time, till the disease is completely cured. Generally, no harmful effect or unpleasant sensations are witnessed.

Use of Magnetised Water: Contact with the magnet is said to transform simple water into a miraculous liquid. Magnetised water is said to support the effect of the magnets being applied to the various parts of the body.

Magnetised water is said to help in the treatment of almost all diseases. It is especially beneficial in digestive, nervous, and urinary disorders. It reduces the excess of acidity and bile in the digestive system and regulates the movement of the bowels, expelling all accumulation of poisonous matter. In this way, it cleans the system thoroughly, improves digestion, increases the appetite, roots out morbidity, and imparts health and energy to the person who takes it regularly.

Magnetised water is also beneficial in nervous upsets and blood pressure, especially low blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, and all types of fevers.

Magnetised water may be used as an aid in washing swollen and sore eyes, wounds, and eczema. For the maintenance of normal eyesight, daily washing of the eyes with magnetised water is most beneficial.

Precautions and Prospects

As with any other therapy, magnetotherapy also has its limitations. It should not be used in highly infectious diseases, problems that require surgery, and in venereal diseases. The use of magnets is best avoided on the heart, aorta region, or the eyes, neck, and head. This therapy should be avoided during pregnancy.
Magnetotherapy is being increasingly used by practitioners and patients. This simple method is an effective addition when a large part of the body is affected.

Now You Know

Magnetotherapy advocates that since human beings are sensitive to the magnetic field around them, applying magnets or magnet-shaped devices to the affected part of the body rejuvenates the cells and tissues. Magnetotherapy does not diagnose or prevent disease; it is a safe form of treatment which does not rely on drugs.

Magnetised water can be used to complement the use of magnets. Mostly suggested as an adjunct to other forms of treatment, magnetotherapy is affordable and stated to cure some chronic problems even on its own. However, its use is avoidable in infectious diseases, surgical cases, and pregnancy.