Journal of Longevity

The Benefits of Magnetic Therapy
Buryl Payne, Ph.D.
PsychoPhysics Labs
Soquel, California, U.S.A.

Because magnetic treatments increase blood flow and oxygen adsorbed by the tissues they are helpful for a wide range of ailments, injuries, and conditions. These include most acute injuries, some chronic degenerative diseases, including possibly even aging, and some bacterial and viral infections (but not the common cold).

This sounds impressive, and it is, but of course, every person responds differently. The general health and vitality of the person is important as well as the mind set or intention to become well.

Magnetic therapy maybe analogous to jump-starting a car. Once improved a person needs to add good nutrition, exercise, and standard medical treatments if necessary. Magnetic therapy harmonizes well with any other treatment modality, including surgery. Magnetic forces help wounds to heal more quickly. They often stop toothaches, ease aching muscles in minutes, dramatically help some forms of arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimers, and Parkinson’s disease. Magnetic forces also help broken bones heal twice as fast as they otherwise would, and reduce the formation of scar tissue (see references).

There are three methods of magnetic application: 

1. Tiny disc magnets may be taped on specific acupuncture points related to the relevant glands, organs, or condition being treated, or to other reflex points such as those on the feet and hands.

2. Larger magnets may be placed directly over sites of injury, glands, or organs that are not-working properly.

3. Magnetic pads or beds can treat the whole body.

There are two types of magnetic forces:

A. Permanent or sometimes called ‘static’.

B. Pulsed, generated by electronics and applied by coils.

The directions of a magnetic force (polarity) are commonly called ‘north’ or ‘south’ to distinguish them from traditional physics, which uses a reversed definition. Polarity is a misleading term because the direction of the force continuously changes, defining a semicircle around a permanent magnet. Note that the force does not change; only the direction changes (derivative in mathematical terms). A few inches above a typical magnet or an inch to the side, the magnetic force direction becomes horizontal and begins to reverse. Therefore magnetic polarity is defined at the surface of a magnet. In practical applications, polarity (i.e. force direction) varies all around the magnet.

Magnets are usually shaped so as to accentuate the north and south pole directions. Definite chemical/biological differences are associated with polarity. This can be easily verified by placing glasses of wine, cans of beer or soda pop on large strong magnetic pads of different polarities and comparing the taste differences.

Some permanent magnets are magnetized so as to produce two or more poles on one face. Iron imbedded in artificial rubber is often magnetized in strips, circles, or other patterns. Users claim greater biological effectiveness for alternating patterns.

Frequently the terms ‘magnetic energy,’ magnetic current’ and ‘magnetic waves’ are used, but these terms do not correspond to physical reality and muddy clear thinking about the nature of magnetic forces. The terms ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ are also used for magnetic poles. Use of these terms, borrowed from electrical terminology, leads some people to assume that there are magnetic currents or otherwise identify magnetic properties with electrical ones.

Intensity, or magnetic strength, is usually measured in units called gauss, or Tesla (10,000 gauss). Since magnetic force diminishes rapidly with distance, gauss is only measured right at the surface of a magnet. This too, is a misleading term, as tiny magnets can have a high gauss strength, but lack the penetrating power of a larger, but lower gauss magnet. A better term might be gauss x weight, since most magnets have about the same density.

Earth’s field of one gauss is usually considered small, but if it were measured at the surface of Earth’s magnetic pole it would probably be millions of gauss. Ills all-pervasive, compared with small magnets used for therapy whose force diminishes to less than one gauss a few inches away from them. And the minute continuously variable changes in Earth’s field have large effects on human psychophysiology, often triggering wars, crimes, accidents, and illness. (See the writer’s books for more information on this topic.)

Electronically generated magnetic fields may be pulsed or static and produced in thousands of waveforms, pulse rates, and intensities. Coils applied to the body may be tiny enough to stimulate acupuncture points or large enough to surround the whole body. Most of the research reported in mainstream journals has used electronically generated pulsed magnetic fields.

How Do Magnets Work? 

At the most fundamental level they alter the movements of protons in hydrogen atoms and a few other elements which have an unpaired proton. This ‘gyroscopic wobble’ results in the emission of minute radio waves when they return to their original positions. The same effect forms the basis of MRI technology, though the magnetic forces are much larger than those typically used for magnetic therapy so the radio waves are of higher frequency.

Carleton Hazleton and others have found a relationship between degrees of healthy tissue (benign breast tumors to cancer) and spin relaxation times from MRI diagnosis. This appears to be an important area for further research. Modified MRI devices can probably be made to help the body’s healing process as well as perform diagnostic pictures.

Magnetic forces can also influence electrons in transitory molecular reactions, especially enzymes. Charles Grissom at the University of Utah and Jan Wallaczek, at the Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory at Stanford has published papers in this area. Blood flow and absorbed oxygen are significant processes influenced by magnetic treatments. Two physicians, Dr Ulrich Warnke in Germany, and Dr. Benjamin Lau at Loma Linda University in California both found increases by a factor of two in blood flow and oxygen absorption.

Since increased blood flow and oxygen are fundamental to health and healing this mechanism alone may account for the excellent results of magnetic therapy for so many different ailments and conditions. In one person I observed that a twenty minute treatment in the kidney area with a pulsed magnetic field completely opened red corpuscles that formerly were initially clumped together. This could be one mechanism by which oxygen absorption is increased.

Research Literature

There are thousands of anecdotal reports, fewer informal studies, and even fewer careful double blind, statistically evaluated studies published in peer reviewed journals. Naturally formal studies take time, money, and care to properly prepare. Nevertheless there are now more published studies than most people would care to read. Dr. W. Pawluck has coauthored a book summarizing 343 studies on magnetic healing in Eastern Europe. The Journal of Bioelectromagnetics contains only articles on biomagnetism and related topics. New books are coming out every few months, and yearly conferences are being held. The University of Virginia received a million -dollar grant to study biomagnetism, and successful companies are funding their own research programs.

An exciting paper was recently published by Betty Sisken, Jan Wolker, and others at the University of Kentucky. They found the spinal cord in rats could be regenerated by the application of pulsed magnetic fields. Richard Hopkins, a magnetic therapist in San Diego has been treating spinal injuries in humans with remarkable success, helping people regain limb control formerly thought to be impossible of healing.

Healing of fractures has been well researched. Positive results made by Dr. Basett and others have been reported in traditional medical journals for many years. Arthritis research has also been a common topic for careful research, and MS studies are underway at the University of Washington.

What About Cancer?

Again there are many anecdotal reports and few formal studies. More research has been done outside of the U.S. and magnetic treatments are routinely used in clinics in Mexico, Europe, India, and Japan. Recently it was reported that a clinic in the Dominican Republic uses a focused magnetic field generator with excellent results, although no formal study has been published. Most magnetic therapists agree that only the north pole should be used on cancer tumors although the writer has not seen any formal reports. As with most conditions, early detection and treatment is important and the discovery of a new test for cancer (reported in Science News, April 18, 1998) by Jonathan Uhr at the University of Texas, should help get treatment started earlier.

As with most conditions or diseases, prevention is easier, and prevention of cancer has been reported for laboratory rats, in an informal study.

Whatever the mechanism magnetic forces clearly work on intractable ailments or conditions not always amenable to treatment by other modalities. One anecdotal case deserves mention. A 34 year old woman was admitted to the hospital (April, 98) with colon cancer that had been undiagnosed and untreated for several years. She was comatose and the cancer had spread to bones and other places in the body. She was not expected to survive. She wore a magnetic vest 24 hours a day produced by Richard Hopkins, a San Diego magnetic therapist. Within 7 days she was out of the hospital and doing household chores. This case can be multiplied many times. The connection between magnetism and proton spin relaxation times could provide a measurable clue to determining the optimum magnetic parameters to reduce cancer.

Furthermore all types of static magnets and pulsing magnetic fields seem to work, regardless of polarity and intensity. Harmful side effects are rare and usually disappear when magnetic therapy is discontinued or the other polarity is applied. It is only a question of what magnetic intensities, waveforms, or shapes of permanent magnets work best. And that has not yet been addressed in any systematic research.

The Future of Magnetic Therapy

General Health

A method has been developed for magnetically testing the activity of every gland and organ. Once an analysis has been made, magnetic and other means of treatment specific to each gland and organ can be applied. This is a powerful way to improve general health. (The method is fully described in the writer’s book: The Body Magnetic.) The present method uses the technique called ‘applied kinesiology.’ An Electronic Muscle Tester has been designed for this purpose which is more objective and in the future it may be possible to modify an MRI instrument to show areas of delayed spin relaxation times so that magnetic and other treatments can be appropriately applied. The MRI instrument could easily be changed to provide this function.

Improved Sports Performance

Magnetic forces increase flexibility, increase oxygen adsorption, blood flow, and may even increase strength. One Los Angles weight trainer uses them for just this purpose. In the near future people engaging in competitive sports will routinely use magnets along with vitamins, minerals, etc. Other people who wish to be optimally healthy will soon follow the athletic leaders. A magnetic pill will probably be added to the 125 pills currently recommended for our ‘breakfasts for champions’.

Increased Life Span

At least 5 researchers have reported increased life span of laboratory animals from the application of magnetic treatments. Typical increase is about 1/3 above normal. Since it works on animals it probably will work on people. Harmful effects are unlikely; it is only a matter of how well it works beyond improving general health and vitality. In order to explore this topic plans for a research institute are underway. Called the Magnetism and Youthing Foundation, it is located in Santa Cruz, California, with a satellite branch in Florida. Guidelines for self treatment for possible life span increase have been established to coordinate the work of people enrolled in the project. Magnetic devices for whole body treatments are now being designed. The possibility of resetting the aging clocks magnetically, as well as altering DNA is being investigated. Readers who are experiencing signs of aging (one gray hair’?) or who have specific ideas or knowledge are invited to participate.

REFERENCES

Books

Energy Therapy, R & M Broeringmeyer, BioHealth Enterprises, P. 0. Box 628, Murray, KY 42071. About magnetic interactions with glands and organs.

Magnetic Therapy, Balancing Your Body’s Energy Flow for Self Healing, Hannermann, Holger, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY. 1990. An acupuncturist gives specific points for where to apply magnets for different conditions. A Summary of 343 Magnetic Therapy Studies in Eastern Europe, Pawiuck, W. et al. available from the author at 3530 N. Lake Shore Dr. Unit 8A, Chicago, III 60657, 1997. FDA restrictions in the U.S. have retarded the use of magnetic therapy.

The Body Magnetic, Payne, Buryl, PsychoPhysics Press, 1803 Mission St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Revised edition 1995. General information on magnetism, geomagnetism, and the unique technique for testing every gland and organ. Getting Started in Magnetic Healing, Payne Buryl, op cit, 1998. Use of permanent magnets for healing. Clear diagrams and explanations of polarity and intensity for common magnets.

Discovery of Magnetic Health, Washnis, G. and Hricak, R. NOVA Publishing Co. Rockville, MD 20852. A collection of research abstracts and case studies. Advanced Magnetic Therapy, Payne, Buryl, Lotus Light Publications, P. 0. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181, 1998. Details on use of pulsed magnetic fields and treatments for many ailments.

Biomagnetic & Herbal Therapy, Tierra, Michael, Lotus Light Publications, P. 0. Box 325, Twin Lake, WI 53181, 1997. An acupuncturist and herbalist shares specific knowledge for magnetic applications.

The Therapy with Pulsating Magnetic Fields Used in Combination with Other Treatment Methods, Weber, M. Biophysics and Medicine Report. Lehnenweingarten 2, Ch-8598 Uttwil, Switzerland. 1992. Description of European Instrumentation and uses for a wide variety of ailments covering thousands of patients; 104 references make this a useful resource.

Articles (listed by categories)

Multiple Sclerosis

Guseo, A. Pulsing Electromagnetic Field Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis by the Gyuling-Bordacs Device: Double-Blind, Cross-Over and Open Studies. Jo. Bioelec.6(l), 23-35, 1987.

Acosta, Juan. University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195. ongoing research on Multiple Sclerosis.

Parkinson’s Disease

Sandyk, R. Reversal Of Vasoconstrictive Deficits In Parkinson’s Disease By Application Of External Magnetic Fields: A Report Of Five Cases. Int. Jo. of Neuroscience, 75, 213-228.  1994. one of several articles on Parkinson’s by Sandyk in this journal.

Arthritis

Trock, D.H. et al, A Double-Blind Trial of the Clinical Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Osteoarthritis. Journal of Rheumatology, 1996.

Lau, B. Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Blood Circulation: Treatment of Sports Injuries and Osteoarthritis. Unpublished, but available from: Dept. of Microbiology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

Subrahmahyam, S. Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and spondylosis. Jo. Madras Institute of Magnetobiology 9 Jagannathan Rd. Madras, India 60034 O’Brien, Jim, Revolutionary New Magnetic Therapy KO’s Arthritis Pan, Your Health, April 6, 1993.

Cancer

Short, W.O. et al, Alteration of Human Tumor Cell Adhesion By High-Strength Static Magnetic Fields. Invest. Radiol. V.27, pp.836-840.

Leviton, R. Killing Cancer Cells with Magnetic Energy, Alternative Medicine Digest, Nov. 1997. Clinic located in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, San Francisco contact: Mike Reynolds.

Haziewood, C.F. et al, A Comparative Analysis of the NMR Relaxation Times of Two Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines, Physio. Chem. and Physics Med.

Hazlewood, C.F. et al, Relationship Between Hydration and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Times in Tissues of Tumor-Bearing and Non-Tumor Bearing Mice: Implications for Cancer Detection, Jo. Nat. Cancer Inst., V.52, No.6, June 1974.

Webb, T., & Gearilli, J. Inhibition of Tumor Growth by the Use of Non-Homogeneous Magnetic Fields, Cancer, 28, 2, 340-343, 1971.

Wollin, G. Healing Cancer With Magnetism, Magnets In Your Future, V. 3, No. 4, April, 1998.1997.

Mechanisms 

Walleczek, J. and Eichwald, C. Low-frequency-dependent effects of oscillating magnetic fields on radical pair recombination in enzyme kinetics, Jo. Chemical Physics, V. 107, No. 13, pp. 4943-4950, October 1, 1997.

Maslova, A.F. Exposure to Permanent Magnetic Fields and the Reticular Effects on the Adrenergic and Cholinergic Systems. Kosm. Biol. Aviakosm. Med. 15:74-6, 1981.

Grissom, C.B. Magnetic Field Effects in Biology: A Survey of Possible Mechanisms with Emphasis on Radical-Pair Recombination, Chem. Review, V.95, pp.3-24, 1995.

Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.

Surgalla, L. A. Molecular Mechanisms of Magnetic Medicine. Magnets in Your Future, V. 3, no. 4, April, 1988.

General

Basset, A. et al. Results of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Ununited Fractures After External Skeletal Fixation. Clinical Orthopedics, Nov. 27, 190, 1984. This one of many articles written by Dr. Bassett on this topic; look in other years of this journal.

Ohno, Y. The Effects of Magnetized Mineral Water on Memory Loss Delay in Alzheimer’s Disease. Corinne Dolan, Alzheimer Center, Chardon, OH 44024, 1998.

Eto, H. & A. Basset. 1983, Effect of Weak Pulsing Magnetic Fields on Neural Regeneration in the Rat. Clinical Orthopedics, no. 181 ;283-290.

Jafary-ASL, A. 1983 Pulsing electromagnetic fields Induce Cellular Transcription, Science. No 220; 1293,1983.

Mooney, V. 1990. A Randomized Double Blind Prospective Study of the Efficacy of PEMF for Interbody lumbar Fusions. Spine, No. 15; 708-711.

Sisken, et al. Enhancement of Functional Recovery Following a Crushed Lesion to the Rat Sciatic Nerve. Exp. Neuro. V. 125, pp 302-305, 1994.