Magnetic Therapy is a 'non-traditional' method of pain relief, as well as a holistic tool for increased health and vitality. The use of magnets for their healing properties has been documented by a wide variety of cultures for thousands of years, and in recent years, magnetic therapy has begun to gain acceptance and credibility among a growing number of doctors as more successes are reported of patients treated with therapy magnets.

Many of the great ancient civilizations recognized the health benefits of magnets. The earliest written medical record, the Yellow Emperors Book of Internal Medicine, a Chinese text dating back to 2000BC, describes how the application of magnetic stones could correct imbalances in the 'Qi' or lifeforce. Egyptian writings document that ancient Egyptian physicians attributed a variety of therapeutic effects to magnetism - a well known story even states that Cleopatra regularly adorned herself with magnetic jewelry or wore a magnetic stone around her forehead to preserve her youthfulness. Other ancient civilizations known to utilize magnets for health reasons are the Indians, Arabs, and Hebrews.

The ancient Greeks are also known to have used magnets for therapeutic purposes. Both Aristotle and Hippocrates, the father of medicine, spoke of the therapeutic properties of lodestone, a naturally occurring magnetic substance. Around 200BC, it is recorded that the famous Greek physician Galen found that applying natural magnets could alleviate pain caused by many different types of illnesses.

There is a variety of documentation from the early years of the common era regarding the healing powers of magnets. During the first century AD, chinese physicians began recording the effects on health and disease related to variations in the earth's magnetic field using very sensitive compasses to monitor these subtle variations. A document by an unknown author from 752AD, entitled "Thousand Ducat Prescription" states: "Put the powder of magnet on injury for painkiller and to stop bleeding." Later records indicate that magnets were used for a variety of health reasons: to strengthen muscles and bones, smooth joint articulation, nourish the kidneys, and improve impaired eyesight. Around 1000AD a Persian physician documented the use of magnets to relieve disorders including muscle spasms and gout.

Starting in the 16th century, the number of studies by European physicians and scientists of the therapeutic use of magnets increased greatly, as more and more reports of positive results were recorded. In 1530, the renowned Swiss physician Paracelsus reported successes of treatments using magnetic fields. Paracelsus was removed from his position as Professor of Medicine at Basle University because of his determination to replace religious dogma and superstition with science. In the 1600's the respected English physician Gilbert wrote of the benefits of magnetism. Maximililan Hell, a Jesuit priest, devoted himself to the study of mathematics and astronomy. He became a professor of mathematics at Klausenberg and was appointed director of the imperial observatory at Vienna in 1755. By this time, production of powerful carbon steel magnets had begun and these were thoroughly investigated by the highly respected Hell. He treated patients with magnets made into a variety of shapes corresponding to the area of the body where healing was required. In the 1700's a physician named Mesmer wrote a dissertation on magnetism that eventually became the foundation for magnetic healing in Western coulter.

The number of studies continued to increase, including the first in-depth study of the history of magnetic treatment of diseases undertaken in 1777 by Abbot Lenoble of France's Royal Society of Medicine. He made and tested therapeutic magnets, recommending the application of magnetic bracelets and crosses to the wrist and chess. Lenoble also replicated results in 48 cases of magnetic therapy including treatment of toothaches, rheumatoid arthritis, tension, stomach spasms, convulsions, among other disorders. Additional studies included reports by Eydam in 1843, Charot and Renard in 1878, Westphal and Gangee in 1878, Mueller in 1879, Benedict and Drozdoz in 1879, Benedict in 1885, and Quinan in 1886.

Since the 1950's, there have been many studies in Japan which have demonstrated how effective magnetic fields are for treating various problems and a number of medical papers have also been published on the subject. Magnetic necklaces and bracelets are sold in Japan, Europe, and China for the relief of neck, shoulder, and back pain as well as for stiffness and to improve circulation. Magnetic back and knee supports are also sold to help relieve pain and stiffness. Many users report relief of arthritis pain and stiffness. In fact, many magnetic devices sold in Japan are registered with the Japan Welfare Ministry as medical devices. To obtain this registration, devices must undergo clinical testing at accredited medical institutions to verify their effectiveness. Most of these Japanese products are 'bipolar' - when they are used, they apply both north and south pole magnetic energies to the body.

Both European and American physicians are obtaining results using electromagnetic fields to treat damage ranging from ulcers to severe burns. Soft tissue, bone, and joint injuries have all been reported to respond well to the treatment. In Russia, doctors routinely use magnets to speed healing after surgery, to improve circulation, and to mend and strengthen bones. Dr. Jack Prince, an American dentist, has successfully applied magnets to acupuncture points to reduce bleeding, gagging, and pain. He found that magnets can bring immediate relief of chronic pain from jaw dislocations as well as from TMJ syndrome, headaches, and teeth grinding.

Technology has moved ahead considerably and it is possible to manufacture powerful magnets that retain their properties for over a hundred years. A one-time investment can lead to a lifetime of benefit, making biomagnetic therapy an attractive and cost effective treatment.