Contraindications
Magnetic therapy should not be used:
- where there is an infection (the therapy may have a beneficial effect
on the causative micro-organisms, too)
- in someone who has recently had chicken pox
- on open wounds (except under medical supervision in the case of
persistent, non-healing wounds)
- on someone who has recently undergone surgery
- on someone with haemophilia
- on people fitted with a heart pace-maker
- on people undergoing dialysis
- on people using an insulin pump or drug patch
- on people with surgically implanted metal screws
- during pregnancy or while trying to conceive
- on young infants
- if irritation occurs.
The copper component of the magnet may cause slight discoloration on some skin types, but this is harmless and will naturally wear off over a few days.
KEEP AWAY FROM COMPUTER DISCS AND OTHER MAGNETIC MEDIA
Magnetic therapy, acupuncture
and Meridians
Many complementary treatments are based on the theory that the body’s
energy flows through channels known as meridians, which lie between
nerves and muscles. In China, this vital energy is known as Ch’i
or Qi (pronounced chee), while in Japan it is known as Ki.
The flow of Qi depends on the balance of two opposing forces: the Yin and the Yang. There are twelve main meridians – six of which are said to have a Yang polarity and are related to hollow organs (eg stomach), and six which are said to have a Yin relating mainly to solid organs (eg liver). Eight further meridians control the other twelve.
Along each meridian a number of acupoints have been identified where Ch’i energy is concentrated and can enter or leave the body. Three hundred and sixty five classic acupoints were traditionally sited on the meridians but around 2000 acupoints have now been discovered and are depicted on modern charts. Acupoints have a lower electrical resistance than surrounding areas and can be pinpointed with great accuracy with a simple, hand held device that measures electrical potentials across the skin.
The flow of energy through meridians of different polarity can be compared with the currents that exist in a magnetic field. Some ancient Chinese writings have even suggested that the life force, or qi, was generated by the Earth’s magnetic field.
In health, energy flows through the meridians in a balanced way. This balance is easily disrupted through factors such as stress, emotions, poor diet and spiritual neglect however. The symptoms of illness are believed to be caused by blockage of energy flow through these channels. Ill health is thought to be associated with imbalances or blockages in energy flow through the body.
Chakras
The Chakras are seven energy distribution centres that are believed
to exist along the midline of the body. Each chakra is associated
with a particular colour and is believed to generate or distribute
energy to different parts of the body. According to ancient yogic
beliefs, meditation, yoga postures and breathing exercises help to
encourage a type of energy known as kundalini to move from the lowest
to the highest chakra to promote spirituality, higher awareness and
divine knowledge. Blockage in an underactive or overactive chakra
or along a meridian (energy pathways used in acupuncture) results
in pranic depletion or congestion.
Acupoints
Energy flowing through the meridians can be accessed through classic
acupuncture points – known as acupoints - on the skin surface.
Complementary techniques such as Shiatsu, Acupressure and Acupuncture
are designed to stimulate particular acupoints and to allow energy
to enter or leave the body at these points, to achieve balance and
harmony.
When energy flow becomes abnormal, acupoints on the surrounding skin often become tender and painful to touch. These are known as tsubos. In acupuncture, these points are stimulated with fine needles to generate electrical impulses and restore energy balance.
Magnetic therapy
Magnetic therapy can also be used to access the body’s electric
and magnetic fields by stimulating acupoints with tiny pulses of electromagnetic
energy. This is most easily achieved using rare earth magnets made
from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron. These are coated with
purified zinc and surrounded with tiny copper spheres which generate
an electric field when connected by sweat on the skin surface. These
therapeutic electromagnets are pre-attached to adhesive patches and
can be stuck to the skin over particular acupuncture points –
or areas of tenderness (tsubos) to relieve pain and stiffness associated
with conditions as diverse as arthritis, rheumatic condition, headache,
menstrual pain, insomnia and lack of energy. Patches are left undisturbed
for 5 to 7 days. Magnetic therapy acts on nerve and muscle cells to
relieve pain, relax tense muscles, improve the circulation, boost
immunity and energy levels.
How does magnetic therapy differ from acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves stimulating acupoints by inserting and manipulating
fine needles to generate electromagnetic impulses. Treatment is usually
limited to short sessions spread out over a period of time. Magnetic
therapy produces a similar effect, but is less invasive. Treatment
is also continuous over a period of 5-7 days depending on how long
the patches are worn.
How does magnetic therapy differ from T.E.N.S?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (T.E.N.S.) delivers strong
electro-magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve endings in the skin. This
sends pain-blocking signals to the brain and temporarily numbs surrounding
tissues. TENS is used to relieve musculoskeletal pain (eg back ache,
sports injuries, sciatica, arthritis, tennis elbow) and is also used
during childbirth.
In many ways, Acumed patches are a battery-free, smaller version of T.E.N.S. Acumed can be used continuously over 5-7 days however - for as long as the patches are worn - and it emits three different electromagnetic fields. This may be more efficient in stimulating the production of natural pain-relieving substances (endorphins).
D.Jay Ltd 113 Pope Street Birmingham B1 3AG Tel: +44 (0) 121 236 2073 Fax: +44 (0) 121 233 4516 Mail us Email: info@acumed.co.uk
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