Magnetic Bracelets: Do They Really Work?

Magnetic therapy is a type of alternative healing method that utilizes static magnets to manage pain or treat other health concerns. The idea seems novel, but this healing method dates back 2,000 years ago. In Asia and Europe, folk healers used magnets to treat various ailments. They believe that magnets have the ability to draw out diseases from the body.

How Magnetic Therapy Works

The concept behind magnetic therapy is that certain types of cells and tissues emit magnetic energy. Restoring the magnetic balance of these cells and tissues will restore health and well-being. The therapy works by using so-called “therapeutic magnets.” These are magnets embedded into bracelets, rings or shoe inserts. According to practitioners, static magnets are used because the magnetic field is stationary or stable.

As the body becomes exposed to these magnets, the balance between cells and tissues are restored. Those who practice magnetic therapy believe that this healing method is a great treatment for joint pain, migraine, headaches, and even cure cancer.

Possible Health Benefits of Magnetic Bracelets

Manage Acute to Chronic Pain

Those who use magnets to manage pain swear by the method. By exposing the affected area to the static magnet, pain is reduced significantly. However, there is no scientific evidence that magnets can help alleviate common aches and pains.

Boosts Circulation

Practitioners also believe that magnets boost circulation. They say magnets have influence over the blood flow of the wrist. Magnetism emitted from the bracelet boosts the electrical conductivity of the blood. When this happens, the amount of ion in the blood increases, improving the blood flow of the wrist.

Improves the Metabolic Rate

Some supporters of magnetic healing believe that the therapy can also boost their weight loss efforts. Magnetism stimulates the body’s metabolic rate, allowing it to process food and burn off calories at a faster, more efficient manner. Magnetism can also affect the nerve impulses, reducing fat deposits on the arterial wall.

Shrink Malignant Tumors

Proponents of magnetic healing also believe that this therapy is an effective treatment for cancer. Magnetism reduces the acidity in the body. When the body’s natural pH is restored, malignant cells cannot spread to other parts of the body. Instead, cancer cells start dying because they are deprived of nutrients.

… But is it effective?

Although the idea of using magnets to cure cancer seems promising, there is no scientific basis to this claim. In fact, there is no evidence that magnets can heal any type of ailment. According to the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA, magnets do not have medicinal value at all.

A study by University of York researchers found that magnetic and copper bracelet do not work as pain relief treatments. The study involved a randomized, placebo-controlled trial between two groups of arthritic subjects. One group was made to wear magnetic bracelets while the other wore demagnetized bands.

According to patients who wore magnetic bracelets, they did not experience pain relief from the magnetic bracelets than patients who wore demagnetized bands. The trial involved 70 arthritic individuals aged 50 to 65.