The Basics of Magnetic Therapy

Bioelectromagnetic (BEM) and electromagnetic principles were virtual realities in the past when we had witnessed them at play only in sci-fi movies like Frankenstein.
Today, this dream has become a reality as researchers discovered that magnetic therapy can be an effective alternative to conventional therapy.

Magnetic therapy employs the principle that opposite poles attract each other. The polar attracts non polar substances and vice versa. The cationic substances (positive ions) are attracted to the cathode, the negative electrode. On the other hand, the anionic substances, (negative ions) are attracted to the anode, the positive electrode. It has further been incorporated with alternative therapy and called bioelectromagnetic therapy.

Bioelectromagnetic therapy can be classified as:

1. Thermal (heat producing)

Included in the thermal aspect are laser surgery, hyperthermia and diathermy

2. Non-thermal (non-heat producing)

The non-thermal, on the other hand, is methods that utilize procedures that are done "below the thermal noise of physiologic occurrence.

These are the non-thermal applications:

2.1. Pain management

This is based on the fact that electromagnetic signals distract the pain stimulus. Sometimes needles of acupuncture are used simultaneously with the EM treatment. Back pains are commonly treated this way.

2.2. Auto-immune mechanisms

In this treatment, magnetic fields are utilized to control any inflammatory process in the cell membrane itself thereby initiating autoimmune mechanism.

2.3. Bone repair

There are three electromagnetic methods (EM) used in bone repair; these are Pulsed EM fields, DC fields, and combined AC-DC fields.
These 3 promote and hastens healing of bone fractures because of the action of the non-thermal, non-ionizing effect of BEM.

2.4. Stimulation and measurement of nerve activity

There are 7 categories and 2 examples are the following:

2.4.1 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Two electrodes are applied to distract the activity of neurotransmitters which is responsible for the release of endorphin.

2.4.2. Neuromagnetic stimulation

This is used in the treatment of patients with seizures. This is done by placing a magnetic pulse in the patient's body thereby stimulating nerve function.

2.5. Microwave resonance therapy

This utilizes low-intensity radiation for several conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, hypertension, cerebral palsy and many more.

2.6. Regeneration

This method makes use of low intensity microwave which divides the stem cells in the bone marrow, thereby enhancing hematopoiesis (blood cell formation).

2.7. Soft tissue wound healing

The application of electromagnetic therapy to affected areas promoted wound healing. Examples of tissues treated were atherosclerotic lesions. (Blood clots)

2.8. Immune system restoration

It boosts the immune system and restores its proper function and integrity.

Magnetic therapy came a long way since the time that electromagnetic medicine has been discovered. What seemed to be impossibility has now become a reality. There were reported cases of psychological disturbances, so just like with any alternative therapy, patients are encouraged to consult experts or their attending physicians before treatment could be initiated.

References:

Lawlis et at, Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based Approach

http://www.solidresource.com/~ brain/electrothera.html