List of Questions (in order of appearance below with answers in full):

1. In brief summary, what is magnet therapy?
2. Since we are human beings, and not refrigerator magnets, how can magnets affect us?
3. How do bio-magnets work?
4. What are the benefits of magnet therapy?
5. What studies have been done on magnet therapy?
6. Why is magnet therapy controversial?
7. What is the evolution of magnet therapy?
8. How do I apply bio-magnets?
9. What are noteworthy precautions for magnet therapy?
10. What are the differences between positive and negative magnetic fields?

Each & Every Question Listed Above with Full ANSWERS below as follows:

1. Question:  In brief summary, what is magnet therapy?

ANSWER:  Magnet therapy is the application of specially-designed magnets to your body for various reasons, such as relieving pain, improving sleep, and even reversing some degenerative diseases. This scientific health practice has evolved from electrical stimulation methods, such as electroconvulsive treatment (ECT), energy reflexology methods, such as acupuncture, as well as medical magnetic instruments, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Correct magnet therapy, as practiced in some hospitals, medical clinics, and right at home, currently involves the adequately-prolonged use of pure negative magnetic fields from static field, permanent magnets of sufficient gauss strength. You wear these bio-magnets locally over injured bodily areas, such as arthritic joints or broken bones, or you can expose your entire body by sleeping on a magnet bed pad. All of this negative magnetic field exposure counteracts many acute and chronic health problems, mainly because your body responds to these magnetic stimuli with an anti-stressful, healing mode characterized by enhanced biophysics and biochemistry. Fortunately, thanks to ten years of toxicity studies on the MRI machine, there are no known side effects to negative magnetic fields, and the FDA has classified this exposure as "not essentially harmful" to humans. Furthermore, people now have the right to try magnet therapy as a self-care measure, although physician consultation is advised in more serious cases, such as cancer. Dr. William Philpott notes that after 40 years of medical practice, he has never witnessed anything that comes close to the safe, wide effectiveness of bio-magnets.

2. Question:  Since we are human beings, not refrigerator magnets, how can magnets affect us?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's explanation is among the most scientific: first and foremost, although nobody is like the superhero IronMan, scientists have confirmed that the human body is electromagnetic. This means that your atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and systems are internally outfitted with moving electric charges and their coexisting magnetic fields. Microscopic electrons, the main carriers of magnetism, move within your nervous system's direct current (DC) circuit, spinning either clockwise to form positive magnetic fields or counterclockwise to form negative magnetic fields. Scientific measurements indicate that positive electromagnetism is found mainly in our spinal cord and brain neurons, whereas negative electromagnetism is predominantly in peripheral (outer body) extensions. Since there is a near balance between your positive and negative electromagnetism, and since your body contains only traces of magnetic substances such as iron, your whole body amounts to only an extremely weak magnet. Thus, the only significant connection we have with refrigerator magnets are our electric charges in motion, particularly electrons, each of which gives rise to circular magnetic fields and electromagnetic forces. Electromagnetic forces guide all changes in your body, such as muscle contraction, tissue growth, digestion, and the generation of nerve impulses. For example, your nervous system function is based on the electrochemical transmission across synaptic gaps between nerve cells. In particular, electromagnetic fields and electric currents influence each cell membrane's decision to absorb, reject, or dispense various ions. Scientists have also confirmed that nearly all bodily tissues, such as muscles and bones, either produce or carry some kind of electric charge. The following electromagnetic instruments have enabled scientists to explore our bodies and detect some of our magnetic properties: the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Superconducting Quantum Interference (SQUID), magnetoencephalogram (MEG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), magnetometer, and electron microscope. For example, Livingston explains in Driving Force how the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machine has detected our faint but systemically-measurable "animal magnetism." Furthermore, the SQUID technology has shown that your heart generates the strongest electromagnetic fields in and about your body, followed by your brain. Your brain's low-frequency, pulsed magnetic fields resonate with Earth's magnetic fields in accordance with the tuning fork principle, and this magnetic resonance normally provides up to 30% of your body's energy. The human brain's electromagnetism is currently being studied in great detail with the MEG and EEG. The MEG measures the weak magnetic fields generated by brain activity, whereas the EEG detects electrical activity moving either parallel or perpendicular to the skull. Although the MEG is more precise than the EEG, the MEG is sensitive primarily to the parallel electric currents. Thus, the combined use of the MEG and EEG enables greater distinction of various components of the brain's electrical activity. More specifically, the MEG and EEG together can pinpoint the locations in the cortex of the electrical currents accompanying various brain functions. Since the EEG/MEG duo keeps pace with the speedy motions of brain activities around the cortex, scientists can study the dynamics of the brain. In addition to heart and brain activity, other bodily processes produce measurable but even weaker magnetic fields. For example, various aspects of muscle activity have been studied with the EMG. Muscle and nerve activities in the body invoke the motion of ions, which are atoms or molecules charged by an imbalance between protons and electrons. Magnetic poles do not form in the case of positive and negative ions. However, the tiny electric currents created by the motion of these charged atoms, as well as other charged particles such as electrons, give rise to magnetic fields. Dr. Robert O. Becker detected that acupuncture meridians conduct electrical current. He also discovered how electrical currents arise in the body through semiconduction. Only materials with an orderly molecular structure, such as crystals and many parts of the cell, can support semiconduction. Furthermore, our human DC system supports current flow and produces electric potentials on the outside of the brain, brachial plexus, and base of the spinal cord. Our electromagnetism functions mostly as static field permanent magnetism as well as paramagnetism in cellular DNA. Microscopic permanent magnetic fields are found in every atom of your body. Permanent magnetic fields also exist in your bones and cartilage. However, this magnetism slowly disappears after death. Interestingly, DNA magnetism also disappears after death. DNA, the genetic blueprint of life, is contained in every cell of your body. Each day, through an oxidative process called "chemical remanent magnetization," you produce necessary magnetism and magnetite crystals. These iron-containing, permanently-magnetized crystals are deposited in your adrenal glands, pineal gland, neurons, and ethmoid magnetic organ. Furthermore, your body's oxidative, chemical processing of food, water, and oxygen generates temporary magnetic fields (paramagnetism) which occupy your cellular DNA yet also travel through your blood. Linus Pauling won a Nobel Prize for discovering the magnetic properties of hemoglobin, an iron-containing, oxygen-carrying substance in your blood. Oxygen and water themselves are paramagnetic, meaning they carry limited magnetic fields through your blood. Thus, through paramagnetic oxygen and water, each of us absorbs electromagnetic energy from earth's magnetic fields. All living creatures are connected to earth's magnetic fields. In order to survive, we need both internal and external magnetic fields. Until modern space exploration, we hardly noticed that the earth's magnetic force maintains our health. As some astronauts discovered, people become ill, often lose bone mass, and can even die in the absence of earth's magnetic field. Furthermore, in the late 1950's, Dr. Nakagawa identified "magnetic field deficiency syndrome" in Japan. This syndrome is marked by a set of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, aches and pains, insomnia, fatigue, and others. Aging and stress, including trauma and lack of oxygen, all decrease your body's ability to generate low frequency, pulsed magnetic fields for health. External factors, particularly the earth's radically diminishing magnetic fields, further contribute to this deficiency syndrome. Fortunately, you can now use bio-magnets to reinforce your biomagnetic fields, as your body understands this common electromagnetic language, so to speak.

3. Question:  How do bio-magnets work?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's explanation is among the most thorough and accurate: Dr. Robert O. Becker discovered that any injury to your body, such as a broken bone, always registers as a positive magnetic field. This positive electromagnetic signal goes to your brain, which responds by sending a negative electromagnetic signal to the injured area through your body's communication circuit. Your body then concentrates the necessary negative magnetic field at the injured site for healing. As healing begins, the affected area switches from electromagnetic positive to electromagnetic negative. It is a fact of medical science that negative magnetic fields govern healing in your body, theoretically through these mechanisms: 1) control of cell division and DNA and cellular repair; 2) reduction of edema and inflammation; 3) local pH normalization to alkalinity; 4) optimum oxidation for ATP production; 5) availability of oxygen for protein synthesis; 6) increased secretion of growth hormone and melatonin; 7) elimination of microorganisms; 8) inhibition of fermentation; 9) detoxification; and 10) enhancement of enzyme activity. Your body generates its own anti-stressful, self-healing negative magnetic fields largely through oxidative remanent magnetization. If your body succeeds in sending enough negative magnetic energy to the site of injury, then it will heal itself. However, in many cases, your brain simply does not supply enough of this energy at the injured area for sufficient healing. This is because your body has a limited energy capacity for generating negative magnetic fields. Your body often cannot come up with the necessary gauss strength to heal certain disorders. In these cases of restricted internal healing, it is now possible to expose your body to specially-designed bio-magnets to facilitate healing. These external magnets are composed of hard materials that encase oxides of magnetic metals. They have separate poles on opposite sides of flat surfaces, so you can expose your body to the negative magnetic field only. Applying the negative magnetic field from an external static field, permanent magnet produces the same healing effects as do your internal negative magnetic fields. Either way, it is necessary to maintain negative magnetic energy at any injured area for healing to occur. Thus, consistent exposure to bio-magnets reinforces your body's natural negative magnetic fields, so your body does not have to be the sole provider. Usually, your internal magnetism couples with earth's magnetic fields to provide essential magnetic resonance in your bodily tissues. Magnetic resonance is when a secondary magnetic field pulsates in a primary magnetic field. Since our natural magnetic resonance is fading due to earth's radically diminishing magnetic fields, it is wise to use bio-magnets even if your body is not injured. Exposing your body to static negative magnetic fields from permanent magnets is magnetic resonance because of your central nervous system's pulsing response to these fields. Thus, bio-magnets also serve as external sources of magnetism that can enhance your body's energy system beyond what is available from our environment. The following analogy of tuning forks can help you understand the magnetic resonance between external magnetic energy from a permanent magnet and the internal magnetic energy of your body. Imagine two tuning forks designed to vibrate at a similar pitch. When one fork is struck, its sound causes the other fork to vibrate and produce the same sound, as if the second fork was physically struck. Actually, it is the series of advancing impulses, or sound waves, created by the first vibrating fork which reach the second fork, causing the second to resonate to the tune of the first. This sympathetic resonance between the two forks allows the energy dynamics of one fork to influence the other. In this manner, the two tuning forks form a resonant system. B. Beleney pointed out that electric and magnetic poles have the same sign and the same magnetism. Therefore, he concluded that the electrical definition of positive and negative also applies to magnetic fields. Thus, rather than using the confusing compass needle, navigational definitions of north- and south-seeking, it is better to apply the electric definition for the purposes of magnet therapy. There is a "universal language" between the electromagnetism found in both bio-magnets and our bodies. For example, the electron flow in a negative pole D.C. circuit, as found in your body, is the same as that in a static negative magnetic field, as found in a magnet. Bio-magnets generate permanent, static magnetic fields that move electrons, thereby qualifying as energy fields. Electron movement is the basis of energy. Furthermore, the direction of electron movement differs according to polarity. In other words, the positive and negative poles of D.C. circuits or magnets give rise to opposite electron actions. More specifically, positive magnetic field exposure pushes electrons clockwise, which consistently causes stressful biological responses. In contrast, negative magnetic field exposure pulls electrons counterclockwise, which consistently results in desirable, anti-stressful biological responses. These bio-responses are attributable to the magnetic fields formed at the electric poles. Therefore, magnet therapy eliminates the need for electrical stimulation methods. Magnet therapy works as follows: first, you strategically expose your body to the negative magnetic fields from static field, permanent magnets of sufficient gauss strength. Then, in response to these magnets on or close to your body, many of your tiny electrons speed up in the desired counterclockwise direction. This increased electron velocity causes atoms to wobble (precession) and move in a corkscrew motion (cyclotron resonance). These complex dynamics enhance biophysical electron transfer, which is the key action in all biochemical reactions. For example, when your body extracts energy from food, electrons are transferred along the "electron-transport chain" between cytochromes, which are iron-protein electron carriers. Enhanced electron transfer from negative magnetic field exposure consistently causes anti-stressful changes in most, if not all, electrical and chemical processes in your body. These favorable, "magnetic" responses come under the following four main areas: 1) repair of cells and tissues; 2) relief of stress symptoms; 3) return of bodily pH to a vital alkaline state; and 4) enzyme conversion of free radicals to oxygen and water. Negative magnetic field exposure supports your oxidoreductase enzymatic reversal of reduction end-products, namely acids, alcohols, aldehydes, peroxides, and free radicals. In particular, the counterclockwise electron spin of a negative magnetic field counters and reverses the hazardous, clockwise electron spin of free radicals. Pulling the unstable electrons back toward the nucleus, the negative magnetic field converts harmful free radicals to helpful molecular oxygen and water. In addition to releasing this useful oxygen needed for oxidation, sustained negative magnetic field exposure restores vital alkalinity. This alkalinity enables enzyme activity and counteracts the opposing acidity and hypoxia (low oxygen) characteristic of acute stress symptoms, chronic degenerative diseases, and reduction processes. Clinical observations confirm that positive magnetic field exposure above 100 gauss drives reduction, stress responses, and energy expressions. When extended beyond physiological limits, this positive magnetic field exposure toxifies your body, often resulting in physical and mental disorders or sometimes collapse. In contrast, clinical observations confirm that negative magnetic field exposure supports your body's oxidative processes, including oxidative remanent magnetism and ATP energy production. The following is a summary list of anti-stressful biological responses to negative magnetic field exposure from bio-magnets above at least 100 gauss: 1) Counterclockwise electron spin; 2) Normalization of body pH to alkalinity; 3) Oxygenation; 4) Relief of stress symptoms including pain; 5) Relaxation or sleep; 6) Deceleration of electrical brain activity; 7) Production of melatonin and growth hormone; 8) Neutralization of free radicals; 9) Antibiotic effect; 10) Detoxification; 11) Decreased swelling and inflammation.

4. Question:  What are the benefits of magnet therapy?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's answer is among the most complete: Self-help magnet therapy is a safe, non-invasive, inexpensive, and effective way for you to reverse and prevent numerous kinds of health problems. Benefits from proper magnet therapy have been observed and reported for the following health conditions: allergies; Alzheimer's disease; arthritis; asthma; atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis; athlete's foot; backaches; bacterial infections; behavioral disorders; brain allergies; breast lumps; broken bones; bronchitis; burns; bursitis; calcium deposits; cancer; candidiasis; carpal tunnel syndrome; cataracts; chemical exposure reactions; chronic fatigue syndrome; colds (upper respiratory infections); colitis; conjunctivitis; constipation; coughing; cramps; cuts; diabetes; diverticulitis; dizziness; drug addictions and addictive withdrawal symptoms; edema (swelling); electromagnetic radiation exposure; emphysema; encephalitis; fever blisters; fibroid tumors; fibromyalgia; food addictions & maladaptive reactions; foot pain; fungal infections; gastrointestinal parasites; genital herpes; glaucoma; gout; hair, skin, and nail problems; headaches; heart arrhythmia; hemorrhoids; hernia; hiccups; high cholesterol levels; hormone deficiencies; hot flashes; hyperactivity; hyperinsulinism; hypoglycemia; hypertension; hypotension; hypothyroidism; indigestion; local and systemic infections; inflammation; influenza (flu); insect stings and bites; irritable bowel syndrome; joint pain; knee disorders; laryngitis; learning disorders; leg vein problems; liver disorders; low energy states; lumbar spine problems; lupus; lymph node problems; macular degeneration; magnetic field deficiency syndrome; major mental disorders; minor emotional reactions; manic-depression; menopausal discomforts and menstrual irregularity; mental fogginess; mitral valve prolapse; moles; motion sickness; multiple sclerosis; muscle spasms; nausea; neck problems; nervousness; neuritis and neuralgia; neurosis; obesity; osteoarthritis; osteoporosis; pain; pancreatitis; pleurisy; premenstrual symptoms; psychotic depression; reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome; rheumatoid diseases; scars; sciatica; seizures; sex drive problems; shingles; shoulder problems; sinus problems; sleep disorders; soft tissue injuries; spinal disc syndrome; stress symptoms; tennis elbow; thoracic spine problems; thymus problems; tinnitis; toothaches and gum infections; warts; weight problems; whiplash; miscellaneous additional conditions, including organ dysfunctions. In addition to the patients with the aforementioned conditions, many professional athletes have achieved success with bio-magnets. For example, Jim Colbert, Donna Andrews, and Bob Murphy, all professional golfers, relieved their lower back pain by wearing localized magnets and sleeping on a magnetic bed pad. Furthermore, Dan Marino, Steve Atwater, and Henry Ellard, all professional football players, have experienced the healing benefits of magnets. Hideki Irabu, professional baseball player, and 30 million other Japanese practice magnet therapy. Thus, magnet therapy has helped millions of people live better and longer. The common uses of magnet therapy include pain relief, improved sleep, and energetic healing of all kinds. In the face of today's electromagnetic radiation and earth's dwindling magnetic fields, it is also wise to practice magnet therapy for basic health maintenance. Listen to the voices of some health experts:

"Magnetic energy has a beneficial effect an blood circulation, lymph flow, hormone production, nerves and muscles." Dr. Ulrich Warnke, M.D. Magnets to Overcome Pain: The New Healing Method
"This is a revolution in the therapy for muscle injuries, joint pain and posture problems. We have treated 4,000 patients with whiplash injuries by means of the magnets and cured 80 percent." Dr. J.B. Baron, M.D. at a Medical Convention at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas
"I can't say anything officially yet, but let's face it: this treatment (magnetic therapy) is a Godsend. It's good for almost anything." Dr. Kenneth S. Mclean, M.D. Bioenergy Newsletter, Feb. 1986
"Every family should have a couple of magnets and know how to apply them in minor ailments and infections." Dr. A.K. Battacharya, M.D. Healing by Magnets
"The application of a magnetic field has the virtues of simplicity, freedom from danger and low cost. It offers the layman or woman a suitable form of self treatment for the minor ills of everyday life." Dr. Evelyne Holzapfel. Magnetic Therapy
"Besides being easy, efficient and inexpensive, magnet therapy holds, furthermore, a total guarantee of safety." Dr. Louis Donnet, M.D. Magnets for Your Health
"Magnetic therapy in Japan and elsewhere in parts of Europe and Asia has become a kind of folk medicine, a reliable form of medical self-care." Richard Leviton, Former Executive Editor of Future Medicine Publishing. "Healing with Nature's Energy," East-West Journal, June 1986
"This is the most exciting thing I have seen since I discovered chiropractic for the first time. All chiropractors should know about magnet therapy." Dr. George A. Rolfs, D.C. Energy Therapy
"We now stand on the verge of a great new age in magnetic science and its applications -- a tool that has been provided by Mother Nature herself." Dr. Ralph U. Sierra. Power in a Magnet to Heal
“It is hoped that the use of magnetic energy can be kept non-prescriptive for easy availability for home and self use.” Dr. William H. Philpott, M.D. NEW HOPE: Magnet Therapy

5. Question:  What studies have been done on magnet therapy?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's response is among the most respectful: Many studies confirm magnets relieve pain, largely because of decreased acidity and increased oxygen circulation in your blood. For example, a study at Baylor College of Medicine found that 19% of patients experiencing pain reported relief after they received inactive placebos, whereas 76% in the magnet therapy group reported significant pain relief after 45 minutes of exposure to low gauss strength magnets. Furthermore, Dr. J.B. Baron stated at a Baylor College medical convention that they have treated 4,000 whiplash patients with bio-magnets and have cured 80% of these painful injuries. Dr. S. Arichi's double-blind study of 121 people with chronic, severe shoulder pain showed that 82% of those who used high gauss strength magnets improved significantly within four days. After a 12-month, double-blind study, Dr. Kazuo Shimodaira of Tokyo Communications Hospital concluded that exposure to negative-magnetized bed pads under 1,000 gauss safely and effectively relieved pain in the back, neck, and shoulder muscles in 78% of 431 participants, most of whom noticed these effects within three days. Another Japanese study noted significant reduction in acute and chronic pain in the joints and muscles of 90% of participants. On the largest scale, Dr. N. Nakagawa, Head of Isuzu Hospital in Tokyo, used bio-magnets to relieve pain in 90% of over 11,000 patients (approx. 10,000) whose main problems were muscle spasms in their shoulders and neck. Dr. Dean Bonlie, another magnet therapy expert, has collected many detailed performance records of professional athletes, each of whom slept regularly on a magnetic bed pad. These records collectively present up to a 30% increase in oxygen efficiency, up to an 80% reduction in post-workout muscle soreness, and major increases in strength and endurance because of the magnet bed. Dr. Bonlie's red blood cell studies and pulse oximeter tests also reveal significant increases in oxygen-carrying capacity and oxygen content in the blood of those who rested for just 20 minutes on a magnet bed pad. Dr. Bonlie's survey indicates 41% of magnet bed users noticed significant increases in energy, and 46% of insomniacs solved their sleep problems with magnets. Many also reported increased oxygenation and circulation as well as improved resistance to disease. Several other "pro-magnet" studies have been published in Japanese medical journals and some American ones, such as the Journal of Electro- and Magnetobiology. Dr. William Philpott notes that the ongoing, definitive FDA studies on magnet therapy will be completed in several years. To date, he has successfully treated over 7,000 patients with bio-magnets in the past several years. Numerous additional studies are underway at various health institutions in several countries, including the United States. Below is a partial reference list of magnetotherapy studies:

J.T. Rya, et al., "Combine Magnetic Fields Stimulate Insulin-Like Growth Factor Production Potential Transcription Factor-Dependent Mechanism(s)," Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, 8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
A. Bassett, "Therapeutic Uses of Electric and Magnetic Fields in Orthopedics," in D.O. Carpenter & S. Ayrapetyan, (eds.), Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields. Volume II: Beneficial and Harmful Effects, San Diego: Academic Press, 1994, pp. 13-48.
G.B. Gromak & G.A. Lacis, "Evaluations of the Efficacy of Using a Constant Magnetic Field in Treatment of Patients with Traumas," in I. Detlav, (ed.), Electromagnetic Therapy of Injuries and Diseases of the Support-Motor Apparatus. International Collection of Papers, Riga, Latvia: Riga Medical Institute, 1987, pp. 88-95.
R.R. Raylman, et al., "Exposure to Strong Static Magnetic Field Slows the Growth of Human Cancer Cells in Vitro," Bioelectromagnetics, 17(5), 1996, pp. 358-363.
L.S. Ogorodnikova, et al., "Morphological Criteria of Lung Cancer Regression Under the Effect of Magnetotherapy," Vopr Onkol, 26(1), 1980, pp. 28-34.
V.G. Andreev, et al., "Radiomodifying Effect of a Constant Magnetic Field in Radiation Therapy of Patients with Cancer of the Throat," Fizicheskaia Meditzina, 4(1-2), 1994, p.92.
N.G. Bakhmutskii, et al., "A Case of Successful Treatment of a Patient with Breast Cancer Using a Rotating Electromagnetic Field," Soviet Medicine, 8, 1991, pp. 86-87.
S.G. Ivanov, et al., "Use of Magnetic Fields in the Treatment of Hypertensive Disease," Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, (3), 1993, pp. 67-69.
V.V. Orzheshovski, et al., "Efficacy of Decimeter-Band Waves and Magnetophore Therapy in Patients with Hypertension," Vrach Delo, (1), 1982, pp. 65-67.
S.G. Ivanov, "The Comparative Efficacy of Nondrug and Drug Methods of Treating Hypertension," Ter Arkh, 65(1), 1993, pp. 44-49. (double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving magnetotherapy)
A. Breunig & T. Rakosi, "The Treatment of Open Bite Using Magnets," Fortschr Kieferorthop, 53(3), June 1992, pp. 179-186.
R. Sandyk, et al., "Magnetic Fields and Seasonality of Affective Illness: Implications for Therapy," International Journal of Neurosci, 58(3-4), June 1991, pp. 261-267.
P.A. Anninos, et al., "Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Partial Seizures," International Journal of Neurosci, 60(3-4), October 1991, pp. 141-171.
M.J. McLean, et al., "Therapeutic Efficacy of a Static Magnetic Device in Three Animal Seizure Models: Summary of Experience," Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, 8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
I.A. Il'inskii, et al., "Experience with the Use of Glucocorticosteroids and Magnetic Fields in the Intensive Therapy of Severe Forms of Viral Hepatitis," Soviet Medicine, 9, 1978, pp. 72-74.
K. Perjes, et al., "Effect of Magnetotherapy on Recovery After Herniated Disk Surgery," Hungarian Symposium on Magnetotherapy, 2nd Symposium, May 16-17, 1987, Szekesfehervar, Hungary, pp. 159-162.
R. Sandyk, "Successful Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis with Magnetic Fields," International Journal Neurosci, 66(3-4), October 1992, pp. 237-250.
R. Sandyk, & K. Derpapas, "Successful Treatment of an Acute Exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis by External Magnetic Fields," International Journal of Neurosci, 70(1-2), May 1993, pp. 97-105.
I.E. Detlav, "The Influence of Constant and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Oxidation Processes in Muscle," in I.E. Detlav, (ed.), Electromagnetic Therapy of Injuries and Diseases of the Support-Motor Apparatus. International Collection of Papers, Riga, Latvia: Riga Medical Institute, 1987, pp. 12-16.
R. Sandyk, "Magnetic Fields in the Therapy of Parkinsonism," International Journal of Neurosci, 66(3-4), October 1992, pp. 209-235.
R. Sandyk, "Reversal of a Visuoconstructional Deficit in Parkinson's Disease Application of External Magnetic Fields: A Report of Five Cases," International Journal of Neurosci, 75(3-4), April 1994, pp. 213-228.
T. Zyss, "Deep Magnetic Brain Stimulation -- The End of Psychiatric Electroshock Therapy?" Medical Hypotheses, 43(2), 1994, pp. 69-74.
E.V. Tkach, et al., "Characteristics of the Effect of a Constant Electromagnetic Field on Reparative Processes in Spinal Cord Injuries," Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr, 89(5), 1989, pp. 41-44.
N.Y. Gilinskaia, "Magnetic Fields in Treatment of Vascular Diseases of the Brain," Magnitologiia, 1, 1991, pp. 13-17.
A. Weinberger, et al., "Treatment of Experimental Inflammatory Synovitis with Continuous Magnetic Field," Isr Journal of Med Sci, 32(12), December 1996, pp. 1197-1201.
A.S. Solov'ena, et al., "Use of Constant Magnetic Field for Increasing the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis," Probl Tuberk, 8, 1987, pp. 53-56.
D. Man, et al., "Effect of Permanent Magnetic Field on Postoperative Pain and Wound Healing in Plastic Surgery," Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, 8-13 June 1997, Bologna, Italy.
M.J. McLean, et al., "Treatment of Wrist Pain in the Workplace with a Static Magnetic Device -- Interim Report of a Clinical Trial," Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, June 8-13, Bologna, Italy.
Vallbona, Carlos, MD, et al., "Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: A Double-Blind Pilot Study," Arch Phys Med Rehabil, Vol. 78, Nov. 1997.
Adams, Frank, MD, FRCPC, DAAPM. "Magnetic Neuromedicine: An 'Attractive' Promise," American Journal of Pain Management, 1998; 8: 17-18.
Varcaccio-Garofalo, G., et al., " Analgesic Properties of Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain," Clin Exp Obst Gyn, XXII, 4, 1995.

Here is a summary example of a 12-month, double-blind, clinical test of magnetic mattress pads carried out by San-Ikukai Hospital, Tokyo Communications Hospital, and Kouseikai Suzuki Hospital by Dr. Kazuo Shimodaira:
The mattress pads used in this study were typical full-size pads containing 124 permanent ferrite magnets with magnetic field strengths of 750-950 gauss each. The pads themselves were made of two sheets of felt with the magnets sandwiched between them. The felt sheets were then wrapped in a cloth cover. The total number of subjects in this double-blind clinical experiment was 431 (216 male, 215 female). 375 subjects were given magnetic pads, 56 were given non-magnetic pads. None of the 431 subjects knew which pad they were sleeping on. Subjects selected for the experiment were those with chief complaints related to: neck and shoulder pain, back and lower back pain, back pain (general), lower limb pain, insomnia and fatigue. To determine the presence of any side effects, blood pressure, hemoglobin, number of erythrocytes and number of leucocytes were examined before and after the use of the mattress pads. Besides blood sedimentation, and TP, COL, ALT, GOT, GPT, Na, and K were also examined, as were functions of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and the entire circulatory system.
Out of 375 total subjects with symptoms, 301 (80.27%) reported positive results. 74 cases (19.73%) reported no results. Time of response: the percentage of subjects who realized the effect of the magnetic mattress pad within 3 days: neck and shoulder pain 46.9%, back and lower back pain 50%, back pain (general) 8.7%, lower limb pain 54.4%, insomnia 64.3% and fatigue 57.8%. Out of 375 total subjects who slept on magnetic mattress pads, 200 (53.3%) the effects within 3 days. Over 70% realized the effects within 5 days. Testing for side effects was conducted at the conclusion of the experiment. Symptoms such as tinnitus, headache, hearing problems, visual disturbances, vertigo, palpitation, perceptive abnormality, motor disturbance, fever, digestive disturbance, cutaneous symptoms, and other clinical symptoms to suggest any side effects were found to be totally absent. Extensive testing was also done before and after the experiment to check functions of the kidney, liver, pancreas, blood pressure, and circulatory system. No clinical symptoms were found to indicate any side effects whatsoever. Conclusion: Dr. Shimodaira's conclusion of this year-long study conducted in 3 of Japan's foremost hospitals: "The magnetized health mattress (pad) is proved to be effective on neck and shoulder pain, back and lower back pain, back pain, lower limb pain, insomnia and fatigue, and to have no side effects."

6. Question:  Why is magnet therapy controversial?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's explanation is among the most honest and realistic: The controversy arises from several factors. One is that our electromagnetic nature has been grossly overlooked by most, and so many people are reluctant to believe that a magnet could actually help heal us. Interestingly, most people have also overlooked the fact that most of our modern technology is also electromagnetic, including lighting systems, computers, TV's, radios, satellites, phone systems, and cars and other motor vehicles. For example, electromagnetism is required just to start the engine under the hood of your car. Also, cellular phones and satellites communicate via the radio waves and microwaves within the electromagnetic spectrum. This knowledge of physics and electrical engineering is not easily obtained, and the electromagnetic nature of machines is largely invisible and well-hidden from the public. The biophysical knowledge of magnet therapy has been emerging only in the last couple of decades thanks to advances in several areas, such as the development of the MRI as well as "materials science" breakthroughs in industrial production of bio-magnets. Since scientifically correct magnet therapy is relatively new to health and medicine, more controversy concerns the limited amount of scientific studies on bio-magnets. Thus, many critics are skeptical of the observed and reported benefits of magnet therapy, as they say that the "placebo effect" may be at work rather than the magnets. Unfortunately, this denial of magnet therapy will continue until the ongoing, definitive FDA studies on bio-magnets are done, thus showing the conclusive effectiveness and limitations of magnet therapy for various, specific applications, such as pain relief or cancer reversal. Fortunately, these magnet therapy studies have FDA clearance, as the FDA has classified this kind of magnetic field exposure as "not essentially harmful" to humans, based on the 10 years of toxicity studies on the MRI. Thus, although the technology industry rarely bears the burden of doing toxicity studies on their potentially harmful electromagnetic inventions, such as terrestrial and satellite-based microwave beaming systems, the health and medical industry must scientifically prove beyond all doubt that bio-magnets can actually help us. Meanwhile, all the misinformation prevents some sufferers from pursuing potential help from proper magnet therapy. Luckily, after learning about some of the tens of thousands of documented magnet therapy success stories, including several professional athletes, large numbers of people have decided to try therapeutic magnets. Here is another interesting conflict: since many conservative people, particularly those in the health arena, are now aware that proper magnet therapy actually does work on many injuries, these competing industrialists are doing their best to suppress the accurate knowledge and correct practice of magnet therapy. After all, if a bio-magnet can replace all the functions of pain killers and so many other health products and services, then what will happen to all the people behind these businesses? Most references to magnet therapy thus far are not favorable, as they either mock it or say it doesn't work, without examining how a bio-magnet can either work or fail. Unfortunately, many magnet therapy enthusiasts are practicing it incorrectly, thus creating even more controversy. For instance, since Nikken Inc. claimed over $1.5 billion worldwide sales of their so-called biomagnets in 1994, their network of 60,000 money-making magnet distributors continues to expand, along with the spread of unscientific magnet therapy. (Furthermore, people are already wary of slick salesmen in this age of mass production profiteering.) These distributors have not taken the time nor made the effort to study and learn the true science of magnet therapy, and therefore are unaware that they are trying to sell you slightly stronger refrigerator magnets rather than real bio-magnets that have safe, lasting benefits. More specifically, it is important to realize that most bio-magnets on the market are designed improperly with mixed negative and positive magnetic fields facing the body. Therefore, it is important to first make sure that you use magnetic products that expose your body to the negative magnetic field only. It is clear that your body responds to the positive magnetic field as a stressful stimulus. Consequently, your body counters this stressful exposure with a temporary "counterirritant reflex response." Unfortunately, this superficial anti-stress response wears off usually within two months, leaving you fatigued from depleted energy reserves. Therefore, you should avoid the stressful electrical and chemical overdrive of positive magnetic field exposure. You should also avoid wasting your time and money on weak bio-magnets, such as those below 3,950 gauss. Many people have failed to achieve benefits from bio-magnets due to insufficient gauss strength. Other mistakes that make some people give up prematurely on magnet therapy include improper application of magnets, insufficient exposure time, or general impatience with wearing magnets.

7. Question:  What is the evolution of magnet therapy?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's response is among the most cognizant: Primitive magnet therapy dates back to 2000 B.C. when the use of magnetism in conjunction with acupuncture was first described in the Chinese book, "Yellow Emperor's Book of Internal Medicine." Most civilizations throughout the world have used magnetism for healing, such as the lodestones described in ancient Hindu, Egyptian, Persian, and Tibetan histories. After Dr. Nakagawa identified "magnetic field deficiency syndrome," the Japanese Minister of Health and Welfare approved the manufacturing and marketing of bio-magnetic devices in 1961. Thus, modern magnet therapy was born. For the most part, this magnet therapy has been practiced as a "counter-irritant reflex response," similar to acupuncture, foot reflexology, and other related methods. More specifically, when you wear or otherwise apply a magnet with mixed positive and negative fields, your body mobilizes its negative magnetic fields to counteract the weak positive magnetic field stressor, which thereby temporarily relieves your symptoms. However, it is much safer and better to use the non-reflex method of pure negative magnetic field exposure, as this results in consistent, long-term healing, without the risk of elevated endorphins and addictive overdrive. This ideal, non-reflex method has been in effect only since the 1980's. Dr. Robert O. Becker's findings laid the groundwork for this breakthrough of static negative magnetic field exposure from permanent magnets. More specifically, Dr. Becker discovered that when a person breaks a bone, the two broken ends register electromagnetic positive for several hours. This nonunion starts healing together only when sufficient negative magnetic energy is concentrated at the injured site. Becker observed that "positive potentials appeared to inhibit constructive cellular activity while negative ones fostered it." He found that with the proper electromagnetic and chemical processes, the body could heal itself significantly, even regenerating to some degree. Thanks to Dr. Becker's pioneering discoveries, biophysics has since been making inroads into our biochemistry-focused Western medical system. More and more medical doctors are now using medical magnetic instruments for diagnosis or treatment. The MRI, MEG, and magnetocardiogram are quickly replacing X-rays, EEG, and the electrocardiogram, respectively. Dozens of references to the diagnostic use of magnetic fields over electrical stimulation have been published in neurology journals. Furthermore, orthopedic surgeons are now using magnets to heal broken bones. The first contribution of biophysics was the bodily application of electrical currents with their accompanying magnetic fields. Since we now know that the healing effects are attributable to the negative magnetic fields, electric currents and positive magnetic fields can be avoided. A static field permanent magnet moves electrons, thereby covering the essential actions of other "energy medicine" techniques. Therefore, more and more people throughout the world are now using static negative magnetic field exposure from permanent magnets as a self-care practice. Although one cannot promise symptom relief nor claim a cure from practicing magnet therapy, anyone can purchase and use bio-magnets. Proper negative magnetic field exposure has no side effects, and the benefits of magnet therapy continue to be backed by thousands of clinical case studies, all of which are contributing to the eventual definitive, statistical publication of the values and limitations of modern magnet therapy. Currently, several magnet therapy experts have followed Dr. Becker's lead. Dr. Dean Bonlie in Canada has studied the details of the physiological effects of bio-magnets, and he has a book in-progress which is sure to be a valuable source of information on this topic. He also has a patent pending on his magnet bed. Dr. William Philpott in Oklahoma is head of the ongoing, definitive FDA studies on magnet therapy, which he started several years ago after retiring from a 40-year medical career. He also has a forthcoming book, tentatively titled The Secrets of Magnetic Health and Healing, which will be published by Future Medicine. You can find a good summary chapter on Magnetic Field Therapy in Future Medicine's big book, Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide on pages 330 to 338. Future Medicine's Burton Goldberg also recently published a practical chapter on magnet therapy at the end of his book, The Definitive Guide to Cancer. Other sources of information on magnet therapy include: George Washnis's book, Discovery of Magnetic Health: A Health Care Alternative; Holger Hanneman's book, Magnet Therapy. Balancing Your Body's Energy Flow for Self-Healing; and Albert Roy Davis and Waiter C. Rawls Jr.'s three books on magnetics, namely The Magnetic Effect, The Magnetic Blueprint of Life, and Magnetism and its Effect on the Living System. Many medical journals have published articles on magnet therapy, such as Dr. Nakagawa's report "Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome and Magnetic Treatment" in Japanese Medical Journal #2745, December 4, 1976. Furthermore, most major health and fitness magazines have summarized magnet therapy as a new, controversial treatment that has reported benefits. Some of these articles are accurate and informative, such as those found in Healthy & Natural Journal and Current Medical News. You can find my authoritative articles on magnet therapy in Exercise for Men Only, Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness, Exercise for Men Only, American Survival Guide, and Preparedness Journal. Thanks largely to my thorough editing and ghostwriting of Dr. William Philpott's forthcoming medical book on magnet therapy, as well as my further research and personal experience with magnetic healing, I believe Healthmagnet's information is among the best available on bio-magnets.

8. Question:  How do I apply bio-magnets?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's summary is among the most practical: Bio-magnets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, strengths, and materials. Some of these magnets are applied directly to the skin and worn with ventilated, velcro-tipped wraps or even hypo-allergenic tape. For example, acupuncture point magnets have this band-aid type of self-adhesive tape. However, most magnets are embedded into comfortable fabrics designed for various body regions. For example, you can slip magnetic insoles right into your shoes and wear them under your feet all day to alleviate pain or kill infections. You can fasten flexible magnetic wraps around your joints, such as your ankles, knees, wrists, or elbows, in order to help heal any kinds of injuries. Healthmagnet also offers magnetic gloves for your hands as well as magnetic carpal tunnel wristbands. You can also wear magnetic flex wraps around your arm muscles, forearms, calves, thighs, neck, or lower back, such as for relief of muscle soreness. Magnetic seat and back cushions are good for lower back problems and even spinal disc repair. You can wrap individual block magnets around specific organs, such as a cancerous pancreas. It is also wise to wear a magnet over your heart, such as while sleeping, as this will magnetize the oxygen and water flowing through your heart. Thus, negative magnetic fields will travel throughout your body with this treatment. Healthmagnet also offers strong neodymium magnet pendants you can wear to protect yourself against electromagnetic radiation, such as from computer screens. Vests with straps and adhesive magnets are available for treating the chest or breasts, as well as your shoulder joints. If you have any sinus or other facially-related discomfort including eye problems, you can wear the magnetic face mask during your beauty sleep. Sleep is greatly improved when you rest your head on a magnetic pillow insert or sleep on a magnet bed pad, or preferably combine these methods. In this way, your entire body is exposed to soothing, healing negative magnetic fields for long periods of time. Nightly magnetic bed pad treatment counteracts sleep disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), electromagnetic radiation, and many other health conditions too numerous to list. The combined use of this bed pad and a magnetic pillow insert is perhaps the best form of magnet therapy to date, as this treatment is systemic. Many people feel the benefits of the magnet bed within the first few days of exposure, yet it commonly takes anywhere from one to two months to notice that much of your chronic stress has faded away. If your bed pad has fewer magnets and thus greater spacing between each magnet, you should take a two-week break from sleeping on the magnet bed after every two-month period to assure safety in case it exposes your body to some stressful positive magnetic fields, such as from the edges of the magnets. It is wise to choose magnetic products that supply greater negative magnetic field penetration throughout your body, such as those containing a greater number of magnets. This negative magnetic field exposure should be continued as much as possible for optimal healing and health enhancement. With this correct magnet therapy, you can safely expose your body to higher gauss strength magnets indefinitely. More specifically, bio-magnets should be no less than 800 gauss, preferably at least 3,950 and optimally up to 12,300 gauss. You can stack magnets together if you want to increase the gauss strength and penetration of the negative magnetic fields. Bio-magnets should be placed properly over the specific area of injury. The magnets should be slightly larger than the lesion in order to completely cover or blanket the affected area with a negative magnetic field. Healing times vary according to the disorder, but treatment usually ranges anywhere from 30 minutes to eight months. Fortunately, you can comfortably wear the inexpensive, flexible magnets under your clothing during the day. Furthermore, you can sleep deeply at night on a magnet bed pad. In addition to these self-help magnetic applications, it is wise to consult your physician.

9. Question:  What are noteworthy precautions for magnet therapy?

ANSWER:  Healthmagnet's response is among the safest: It is wise to avoid using improperly-designed magnets. Several companies, particularly Nikken Incorporated, are still making refrigerator-type magnets which expose the body to positive magnetic fields. In contrast, Healthmagnet's bio-magnets are designed correctly with the negative magnetic field separated onto the one side of the magnet that faces your body. When handling magnets, be careful not to drop them onto a hard surface, as they often will break. Also, watch out for your fingers, as magnets can snap together quickly. It also wise to remember to keep magnets away from magnetically-sensitive objects, as the magnetic fields will "zap" them. Keep a 3 to 5 foot distance from the following: music and tapes, computer software, credit and bank teller cards, CRT screens, color TV's, watches, aircraft flight instrumentation, and pacemakers and electrical implants of any kind. People with pacemakers or other electrical devices should not use bio-magnets. Also, these magnets are not recommended for pregnant women nor infants. Lastly, people with serious health conditions should first consult their physicians. Magnet therapy information and products are not substitutes for medical evaluation and physician care. Self-help application of bio-magnets is the responsibility of the user of this information. Healthmagnet's information is for educational purposes only, so it does not constitute prescribed medical treatment. Healthmagnet makes no medical claims of cures for health conditions through the use of bio-magnets. Furthermore, Healthmagnet does not promise symptom relief from using bio-magnets.

10. Question:  What are the Differences between Positive and Negative Magnetic Fields?

ANSWER:  In terms of therapy, the negative magnetic field has the desirable effects on your body. Furthermore, a sufficiently-strong (3950 to 12,300 gauss) negative magnetic field should be placed properly on your body for an extended period of time. Positive and Negative Magnetic Fields have Opposite Effects on Human Metabolism.

The Negative Magnetic Field (Biomagnetic North):

* attracts oxygen * arrests bacteria * relieves pain * reduces inflammation * calms overactive organs * sedates nerve tissue * directs alkaline reactions * reduces acidity (hydrogen ion concentration) * dissolves insoluble deposits (calcium, etc.) * reverses effects of electromagnetic pollution. * causes many other anti-stressful changes in your body

In contrast, The Positive Magnetic Field:

* overdrives the body * stimulates microorganism growth, thus should not be used over an infection. * increases activity of organs * attracts hydrogen * decreases alkalinity * reduces oxygen * dilates blood vessels * causes other stressful reactions in your body

(Consult your health care professional before applying any positive magnetic fields).

Magnet Therapy VARIABLES Include:

1) Negative versus positive magnetic polarity from a magnet with poles on opposite sides of a flat surface; 2) Proper Placement; 3) Duration of exposure; 4) Intensity of exposure (Gauss strength rating)