So what can magnets do about your headaches? We don’t have stacks of evidence on the effectiveness of magnets. However, some interesting scientific studies have been done on pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), which involves intermittently passing an electric current through a magnet and into the body:
• When eleven patients with chronic migraines were treated with PEMFs for two weeks, the frequency of headaches dropped from four per week to less than one.
• Nine headache patients were given either pulsed electromagnetic therapy or a placebo (a treatment that looked and felt like the real thing but wasn’t). Then the treatments were switched without the patients’ knowing when they were getting the real thing. Those who had been getting the “juice” were now getting the phony treatment, and vice versa. The results were impressive. When the patients were getting electromagnetic therapy, their headaches decreased from more than three per week to less than one.
• Hungarian researchers using magnetic therapy have reported an 88 percent success rate in treating tension headaches, a 68 percent response rate with cervical headaches, and a 60 percent positive response in patients suffering from migraines and headaches of psychogenic (emotional) origin.
Unfortunately, PEMF therapy is not approved for use in the United States. But it is currently being investigated at several prestigious universities and is used in Europe, Canada, the Bahamas, and Mexico.
You can also purchase stretchy wraps that contain magnets and can be wrapped around various body parts, or lie on a pillow or mattress cover that contains magnets. You can buy chair pads, jewelry, hats, and shoe insoles containing magnets. Remember though, the more wrapping or padding between the magnet and your painful area, the weaker the magnetic field and the more watered-down the effects.
Magnets designed for healing come in two types: bipolar and unipolar. We’re familiar with the bipolar ones: they have both the north and south ends. If you put such a magnet on your body, you’re applying both the north and south magnetic field. Unipolar magnets are constructed so that only one side (north or south) faces the body, and the other side faces away.
Some enthusiasts say unipolar magnets are better; others argue for bipolar. Some say the north side of the magnet is more medicinal; others champion the south. The truth is, nobody knows. My best advice: experiment to find what works best for you. If you do use a unipolar magnet and one side doesn’t appear to have effects, flip it over and try the other side.
• When eleven patients with chronic migraines were treated with PEMFs for two weeks, the frequency of headaches dropped from four per week to less than one.
• Nine headache patients were given either pulsed electromagnetic therapy or a placebo (a treatment that looked and felt like the real thing but wasn’t). Then the treatments were switched without the patients’ knowing when they were getting the real thing. Those who had been getting the “juice” were now getting the phony treatment, and vice versa. The results were impressive. When the patients were getting electromagnetic therapy, their headaches decreased from more than three per week to less than one.
• Hungarian researchers using magnetic therapy have reported an 88 percent success rate in treating tension headaches, a 68 percent response rate with cervical headaches, and a 60 percent positive response in patients suffering from migraines and headaches of psychogenic (emotional) origin.
Unfortunately, PEMF therapy is not approved for use in the United States. But it is currently being investigated at several prestigious universities and is used in Europe, Canada, the Bahamas, and Mexico.
How to Use Magnets
The simplest way to use magnets is to put them where it hurts. If your headache is pounding right above your right eyebrow, tape a magnet right over the area or wear a hat that has magnets sewn into it where they hit the right spots. Whenever possible, place the magnets directly on your skin. If you’re taping magnets to the pained area and want to increase the strength, you can simply stack the magnets, literally setting one on top of the other.
You can also purchase stretchy wraps that contain magnets and can be wrapped around various body parts, or lie on a pillow or mattress cover that contains magnets. You can buy chair pads, jewelry, hats, and shoe insoles containing magnets. Remember though, the more wrapping or padding between the magnet and your painful area, the weaker the magnetic field and the more watered-down the effects.
Headaches may be related to blockages of the meridians or energy pathways governing the bladder, gallbladder, and large intestine, so the proper placement of magnets to unblock these meridians may
help. Various healing arts therapists including acupuncturists, acupressurists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and KHT practitioners may use magnets this way. You can even drink magnetic water (water that has been treated with magnets). It is supposed to enhance overall health and increase energy.
help. Various healing arts therapists including acupuncturists, acupressurists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and KHT practitioners may use magnets this way. You can even drink magnetic water (water that has been treated with magnets). It is supposed to enhance overall health and increase energy.
Magnets designed for healing come in two types: bipolar and unipolar. We’re familiar with the bipolar ones: they have both the north and south ends. If you put such a magnet on your body, you’re applying both the north and south magnetic field. Unipolar magnets are constructed so that only one side (north or south) faces the body, and the other side faces away.
Some enthusiasts say unipolar magnets are better; others argue for bipolar. Some say the north side of the magnet is more medicinal; others champion the south. The truth is, nobody knows. My best advice: experiment to find what works best for you. If you do use a unipolar magnet and one side doesn’t appear to have effects, flip it over and try the other side.
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