Migraines and Magnets

There is a bit of a stir in the study of magnetic therapy of late, with Migraine treatments receiving particular attention.
Transcranial Mental Stimulation is a non invasive method whereby the neurons of the brain can be stimulated, monitored or treated through electromagnetic induction- that is, the application of a strong, pulsatîng magnetic device.
The theory was developed in the 80s in Sheffield, where it was noted that applying electromagnets to patients could help alleviate the symptoms of aura migraines, depresion, strokes and even hallucinations.
Initially, rTMS machines were restricted to testing facilities and specialised clinics. Machines were bulky, expensive and clinical results questioned:

In recent years, ENeura amongst others have developed a handheld version which has been getting very positive results from patients.Targetting aura migraines in particular the rTMS machine offers the chance at drug-free migraine treatment.
Here is a look at the machine:

Applied as and when the patient feels a migraine threatening, the machine promises to be extremely popular. As this machine indicates, exciting avenues of treatment are constantly being discovered in relation to magnets. Whilst oly avalable in north america and the australasia,the positive feedback from the product would indicate that TMS won't take much longer to get here...

Blood Flow and Magnets- a magnetic ice pack?

Following our last myth-busting blog, it seems appropriate to outline the evidence that does support the use of magnets.

As previously stated, the studies are far from conclusive and a continuing debate rages as to whether magnets "work" physiologically or are the work of placebo.
A lot of research has concentrated on the effect of static magnetic fields on blood vessel contraction and relaxation. 
In 1983, Dr. Ulrich Warnke conducted tests on both humans and horses, revealing that the application of a magnetic field dilated blood vessels, increasing blood flow and could be measured using thermographs.This suggested that the application of a magnet could have potential medicinal use in improving blood flow to a particular area.
More recently, Thomas Skalak of the University of Virginia conducted a trial on the effect of electromagnetic fields on laboratory rats. In the initial trial, magnets of 7 mTesla were placed near the rat’s blood vessel and quantative measures of the vessel diameter were taken before and after the magnet application. Morris and Skalak concluded that a strong magnetic field had a profound effect on blood vessels, causing them to relax. Clinically applied, Skalak used inflammatory agents in the hind paws of rats to stimulate the symptoms of tissue injury. When magnets were applied, this swelling went down.

If applied successfully to humans, these findings could have a whole range of uses. Skalak noted: “static magnetic therapy magnets could be used much the way ice packs and compression are now used for everyday sprains, bumps and bruises, but with more beneficial results”.

Think of the benefits magnetic dressings could have to recovery time of professional athletes or even on the school football pitch?

So there you have it, argument one: magnets and their effect on the blood.

The "Magnets and Iron in Blood" Myth

Magnetic Therapy has a long history, with: chinese emperors  egyptian rulers and aboriginal populations using iron ore for their medicinal properties. Yet, understandings of the mechanism by which it operates remains heavily debated. 

As magnetic therapy grows in popularity, more and more theories spring up as to how magnets improve health; improved blood circulation, the blocking of pain receptors and an interaction with the body's natural "biofield" have all received varying degrees of scientific substantiation. Yet by far the most popular theory extolled by some magnetic therapy advocates is that of magnets reacting with the iron in the blood to relieve pain and increase oxygen or nutrients to an affected area. For example, Tracey Allison Planinz writes in her article "How Magnetic Therapy Works" says that "when placed on the skin the magnetic fields attract the iron in the blood and increase circulation to that area of the body". Through this logic, iron in the blood (or haemoglobin) is attracted or repelled from the site of pain. Unfortunately, this remains a claim that is scientifically implausible.

As many opponents to magnetic therapy readily argue, iron in the blood is in such low a concentration (only four iron atoms are allocated to each hemoglobin molecule) and are thus separated by far to great a distance to react to the influence of a magnet. They highlight that even an extremely strong magnet would have no effect when placed next to a strong magnet. Moreover, if iron in the blood was pulled towards a magnet, then a MRI scan would be potentially fatal. 

This theory is used at large as an example of the scientific "horsechestnut" endemic of alternative therapy at large. Over the next few blogs, we'll highlight the peer-reviewed studies, blind studies that indicate a more real effect on blood flow and circulation that magnets have on the body.

Static and Permanent Magnets- unravelling the jargon

This entry is dedicated to answering some of the most common questions we are asked from our website and trying to unravel some of the jargon associated with magnets.

As many of our Magnetic Therapy regulars will know, magnetic therapy comes in two forms: static and  pulsating.

What, you may ask, is the difference?

Static (or permanent) magnets are the most common magnetic purchases- they are magnets placed onto the skin or hair in the form of jewellery, muscle supports or spot magnets. Static refers both to their position on the body (which is typically still or only slightly mobile) and the magnetic energy that permanently moves in the same direction and at the same strength (gauss/ mTesla).

 Typically, static magnets are advertised as "unipolar" or "bipolar"- so what do these mean? Simple- unipolar has one pole (north or south facing on a compass) whilst a bipolar magnet has two poles (north and south on a compass). Unipolar magnets are typically used in spot magnets, earring back and auricular magnets. Bipolar magnets tend to be stronger and designed for sports bandages, bracelets and necklaces. 

A Bipolar magnet: note the north and south pole

Pulsating magnetic devices (known as PEMF- pulsed electromagnetic fields) are those that pulsate different magnetic strengths across different distances to deliver much more powerful magnetic therapy. At its most advanced, pulsating electromagnetic field technology forms the basis of the multi-million pound MRI machines found in most western hospitals.

At a more affordable level, pulsating magnetic devices are small units that are placed over a troublesome area to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and reduce injury time. Pulsating fields can be up to 50 times stronger than static magnets and are typically used for conditions of chronic pain. PEMF devices have increased in popularity as more reputable peer-reviewed studies prove their effectiveness, with the NHS approving their use for convalescing patients. PEMF devices, such as the Medicur, sell for around £150-200 depending on the retailer.

The Medicur device- £158.95- Small but Mighty.

So, there you are. Static and Permanent magnets.