What is magnetic field therapy?

Magnetic field therapy uses magnets to maintain health and treat illness.

The human body and the earth naturally produce electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields also can be technologically produced, such as radio and television waves. Practitioners of magnetic field therapy believe that interactions between the body, the earth, and other electromagnetic fields cause physical and emotional changes in humans. They also believe that the body's electromagnetic field must be in balance to maintain good health.

Practitioners apply magnetic field therapy to the outside of the body.

The magnets may be:

• Electrically charged, to deliver an electrical pulse to the treated area
• Used with acupuncture needles, to treat energy pathways in the body
• Static (not electrically charged) and stationary on the treated area for periods of time, to deliver continuous treatment

What is magnetic field therapy used for?

• Pain, including mild to moderate pain after surgery as well as long-term (chronic) pain
• Depression
• Cancer
• Overstretched muscles or injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons (strains and sprains)

Research has not proven magnetic field therapy to be an effective treatment for any illness.

Is magnetic field therapy safe?

Young children and pregnant women should not use magnetic field therapy, because the safety of this therapy is not proven. People who have medical devices or implants with a magnetic field, such as a pacemaker, should not use magnet therapy, because it could interfere with the function of the implant. Magnet therapy is not thought to have negative side effects or complications when it is combined with conventional medical treatment, but its effects remain unproven.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

Authors: Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS; Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Last Updated: October 1, 2007

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

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