Magnetic therapy
is a type of alternative medicine that relies on magnets and magnetic fields to treat a variety of ailments. Magnetic therapy usually uses thin, metal magnets that may be attached to the body or placed in bracelets, necklaces, blankets or insoles.
Features
Most medical magnets claim strengths between 300 to 5,000 Gauss, according to The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Scientists hypothesize that magnets might change the function of nerve cells, increase the temperature of the treated area or increase blood flow.
Function
Magnetic therapy has been used to treat or prevent a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer, pain, inflammation, fatigue, stress and insomnia.
Evidence
Most scientific studies have not found a link between magnetic therapy and relief from medical conditions, according to NCCAM and The American Cancer Society. Many studies have struggled with eliminating the placebo effect, since most patients can determine whether their therapy involves magnets.
Safety
Magnets are generally safe, according to NCCAM. However, they may interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers. Do not use magnetic therapy instead of proven treatments. Always remove magnets before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.
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