How does magnetic jewellery relieve pain?
Practitioners of alternative medicine claim that by wearing magnetic jewellery, people can get relief from pain in joints, back, feet and hands. While conventional medicine practitioners do not support this type of pain therapy, there is reason to believe that pain therapy using magnetic jewellery is effective. This article explains how magnetic jewellery relieves pain.
How magnetic therapy works
Magnetic jewellery such as magnetic bangles, magnetic insoles, magnetic earrings and magnetic bracelets are worn at the affected part and it is believed that magnetic field produced by the jewellery increases blood flow and levels of endorphin, relaxes blood vessels and decreases tension in the muscles.
Magnetic therapy also helps to normalise metabolism. It is believed that magnetic therapy either blocks or alters pain impulses. The exact mechanism behind this therapy is not yet known. While it is difficult to do scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of magnetic therapy, proponents of the therapy swear by its efficacy.
Magnetic jewellery for chronic conditions
While there are some claims that wearing magnetic jewellery can help treat serious health issues such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, most of them are unfounded. However, there is some evidence to show that people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain in the pelvis and fibromyalgia can get relief from pain with the help of magnetic therapy.
Even neck and foot pain due to diabetes and post-polio pain can be alleviated with magnetic therapy. Some studies show that pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic back pain can be reduced with the help of magnetic jewellery.
Risks of magnetic jewellery
People with pacemakers, insulin pumps and other surgically implanted devices should refrain from using magnetic jewellery as it can have an adverse effect on the functioning of these devices.
Also, pregnant women should not use magnetic jewellery to alleviate pain. Magnetic jewellery can hinder healing of open wounds and hence, those with such wounds should not use magnetic jewellery or magnetic therapy.
If you are suffering from pain, it is best to consult a qualified GP to get the correct reason for the pain rather than using magnetic jewellery. If you are suffering from serious health condition, it could worsen without the right treatment. Let your GP suggest magnetic therapy as a way to alleviate pain.
