Magnetic substances can be dated back to 2500-3000 years BC. The first recording of magnets originated in Asia Minor, in a place referred to as Magnesia. The land was saturated with great quantities of iron oxide causing the earth to exert a pull on any metal. The citizens appropriately called it Magnetite.
A different tale of a shepherd boy tending his flock on Mount Ida, 2500 years BC ago, he found it extremely difficult to walk up the mountainside. The boy’s feet were heavy and stuck to the rock. The sandals he wore were held together with metal rivets, the boys name was Magnes.
This mountain contained Lodestone, this rock contain the magnetism that held the boys shoes to the mountain. Although the name of the mineral has changed through out time from Lodestone Magnes in light of the boy who found and now its popular name is magnet.
Cleopatra was probably the first celebrity to use magnets. It is documented that she slept on a Lodestone to keep her skin youthful. The therapeutic knowledge was passed to the Greeks who have been using magnets for healing since 2500 BC Aristotle and Plato talked of the benefits of Lodestones in their work.
In the east, Chinese medical treatments have included magnets since 2000 BC. Reflexology and acupuncture are often used in conjunction with the healing properties of the magnets. With many ailments, magnets are still the first step even today.
3,500 years after they were first discovered, magnets have gained popularity in Europe and the USA. In the 15th century a Swiss physician Paracelsus recognised the therapeutic powers of magnets. He wrote medical papers on the influence of magnets on the inflammatory processes within the body.
In the 16th century an English doctor Dr William Gilbert made a scientific study of electricity and magnetism. He published one of the first books about magnetic therapy called “De Magnet”. Dr Gilbert was also Queens Elizabeth I personal physician and it is said that she used magnets under his direction.
In depth studies into the healing benefits of magnetic therapy were led by Michael Faraday in the 18th century. He later became known as the originator of biomagnetics. Even today his work provides a support structure to modern treatments using magnets. Leaders in the fields of Hypnotism and Homeopathy, Dr Mesmer and Dr Hahnemann also made extensive contributions to his studies.
20th century pioneers include Dr Kreft a German doctor who in 1905 studied the healing effects of magnets on rheumatic disease, sciatica and neuralgia. 1926 revealed Dr Criles work on the impact of magnets on cancer cells and this was followed 10 years later in 1936 with Albert Davis carrying out tests on the effects of the north and south poles of a magnet.
The amount of research done into magnetic treatments over the last fifteen years has been hugely increased. More than 57 studies have been completed in America on the topic of disease and magnets. Here are a handful of the most up to date studies;
1990 - University of Hawaii studied the presence of magnetic fields on osteoarthritis sufferers.
1992- Stiller et al a scientific study with a control testing the healing of leg wounds.
1999- New York Medical College tested magnetic insoles on diabetic patients.
2001- University of Virginia tested magnetised mattress covers Fibromyalgia patients.
2004- University of Exeter and Plymouth recorded the effects that magnetic bracelets had on osteoarthritis sufferers.
The Magnetic Therapy trend is increasing all over the world and has stars such as these swearing by them:
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi
Bill Clinton
HRH Prince Charles
HRH Prince Charles
HRH Prince William
Cherie Blair
Shirley MaClaine
Michael Jordon
Andre Agassi
Jack Niklaus and many more.
