Magnet therapy is still an empirical study but is a rapidly growing field. Scientific research has shown that magnetic fields influence biological systems, attract and repel charged particles in the blood stream increasing circulation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and reduce pain. Magnets can be safe alternatives for: alleviating pain and stiffness related to sports activities like tennis or golf; promoting healing via the body's own internal mechanisms; increasing circulation; reducing inflammation; and for many specific ailments related to all systems of the body, even mental health.Caution: Do not use magnets if pregnant, or if you have a pacemaker or other electrical implant device. Not recommended to be worn with a watch or near magnetic data storage.
How Magnet Therapy Works
As acupuncture is considered to be an Empirical Science, relying on observation and experience, so is Magnet Therapy. While numerous studies have resulted in astoundingly positive results for pain relief, none can yet explain exactly how magnetic energy relieves pain.
The application of magnetic fields influences the bio-magnetic activity already occurring at cell level in the human body. It has been proven for instance that magnetic fields can increase circulation, increase the utilization of oxygen in our blood, and enhance tissue regeneration.
In 1954 Linus Pauling, received a Nobel Prize for his discovery of the magnetic properties of hemoglobin in the blood. He found that iron, in addition to its other functions, plays an important role in cell metabolism. Iron and many electrolytic salts in our blood circulate bio-magnetically. In light of these discoveries, it has been found that the remote effect of magnetic flux on the body involves the iron in the bloodstream and it's ability to be magnetized. This magnetization results in an acceleration of circulation and the transfer of negative (bio-north) energy to all areas of the body.
A Little Bit of Research
In 1939, the German physician Werner Hangarter, reported that Finnish copper miners were free of arthritis in spite of rheumatism being a widespread disease in Finland [Hangarter and Lübke 1952]. Dr Hangarter successfully treated patients suffering from rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, neck and back problems, as well as sciatica with copper compounds, but interest in copper became dormant after his retirement which coincided with the introduction of corticoids, initially hailed as "wonder drugs" [Dollwet 1985].
Jane Heimlich, wife of Dr. Henry Heimlich, inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver, poses the question in her book What Your Doctor Won't Tell You: "Is there any scientific validity to the belief that wearing a copper bracelet relieves arthritis pain?" She writes:
"An Australian Chemist, Dr W. Ray Walker of the University of Newcastle, decided to find answers for himself. He was aware that a copper-aspirin compound was known to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and that copper chelates were used as arthritis drugs from the 1940's to the 1950's in France and Germany. He knew that the world's oldest medical text, the Egyptian Ebers papyrus, recommends pulverized copper to treat various types of inflammation. Walker also knew that when copper is in contact with the skin, it forms chelates with components of human sweat and is thus absorbed through the skin."
"So, to find out if copper bracelet users knew something that scientists ought to know, Walker embarked on a study with 300 arthritis sufferers, half of whom had previously worn copper bracelets. Copper bracelet users were asked not to wear their bracelets for one month. Other subjects who had never worn a copper bracelet were given 2 bracelets - one made of copper, the other a placebo (aluminum) - and asked to wear each bracelet for one month. Subjects did not know which bracelet was copper and which the placebo. As a check on whether subjects wore their bracelets, each copper bracelet was weighed before and after a month's use. (A bracelet decreases in weight as it is worn owing to absorption of copper.)"
"During the course of the study, previous copper bracelet users reported they were significantly worse when not wearing their copper bracelets. The majority of the other subjects said that they felt their best during the month when they wore the copper bracelet. Said Walker, a copper bracelet may not release as much copper as a copper-aspirin chelate, but think of it as a "time-release" source of copper that desensitizes the individual to irritants associated with chronic inflammation" [Heimlich 1990]
Will I get green marks on my wrist?The green stains are caused by deposits of chelated copper, and their presence relates directly to the body chemistry of the wearer. "Chelated" means they are copper compounds in a soluble form assimilable by our bodies. Copper in its pure metallic form cannot be taken in by our bodies, while chelated copper compounds are easily absorbed by our skin. They become visible when the wearer's body dissolves the copper faster than it absorbs it. This happens when there is profuse perspiration (as when exercising on a hot day), or when our sweat becomes more acidic. The acidity of our sweat increases with physical, emotional or mental stress. It also increases with unhealthy diets.
Green marks are also believed to appear when the body is hungry for copper. The human body needs more minerals when growing, when pregnant, or when recovering from disease or surgery. A body starving for copper will even manage to dissolve the copper contained in gold alloys and leave marks under 14K gold rings. If you suspect having copper deficiency, please consult your holistic doctor, naturopath or dietician, who by ordering a simple blood test will know the mineral supplements you need to regain balance. As prevention, choose to eat organically grown produce whenever possible.
The green stains are normally absorbed overnight and, if needed, they wash off with soapy water. If wearers strongly dislike the green marks, they have two choices. They can choose to address the causes and make healthier choices or simply ignore the warning and wear no more copper.
METAL CONTENT:
All our designs are handcrafted the old fashioned way, starting from solid metal wires. We use no plating, no casting and no machine stamping, all industrial techniques that save time, but compromise meaning.
- The Red metal is 99.99% Pure Copper, lead free, the purest available. Copper is one of the friendliest elements, it combines with many others. To find copper this pure in nature is many times more difficult than finding pure gold.
- The Yellow metal is Jeweler's Brass, an alloy of 85% pure copper and 15% pure zinc, both essential minerals worn since prehistoric times by many non-related cultures around the world. Science has already proven that copper is absorbed through the skin, so our bracelets can now be considered a time release source of needed minerals.
- The White metal is German Silver, an alloy of 65% pure copper plus zinc, nickel and silver. Also used to make white gold. It is harder than Sterling and it got its name because, to have sharper knives, it was first used in the Kaiser's silverware.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Although magnetic therapy is a relatively new concept in the United States, it has been practiced in other cultures for centuries. In fact, the first reported therapeutic use of magnets involved the grinding up of magnetite, a naturally occurring material, and the application of this in a poultice to uncomfortable areas of the body.
Today magnets are used by many for pain relief, reduction of inflammation and improved circulation. Some also believe that the use of magnets promotes increased athletic endurance and performance. There are also many other benefits attributed to the use of magnets, but as we are not in the medical field we are not listing them here. For further information on the uses of magnets you might refer to your local library or the Internet.
In response to customer demand, Sergio Lub now uses two permanent rare earth magnets in some of his bracelets. They provide about 4400 to 6400 gauss, depending upon the width of the bracelet. (Magnetic strength is measured in gauss. Just to compare, the magnetic field at the earth’s surface is about .5 gauss.
The body’s magnetic field is one billionth of a gauss. A refrigerator magnet measures about 200 gauss.)
While magnets are generally safe, there are some times when they should not be used. The most frequent precautions we have read are:
DO NOT use magnets if you are pregnant.
DO NOT use magnets if you have a pacemaker or other electrical implant device.
DO NOT use magnets if you suspect you have a tumor, cancer, or any infection. It is not recommended to use magnets in these cases unless specifically instructed by a qualified health practitioner.
DO NOT use magnets right after an injury has occurred or if you have a bleeding wound.
DO NOT apply magnets to the head area.
MAGNETS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED to be worn with a watch or to be brought in contact with sensitive electronic devices. Remember these are very powerful magnets.
Also, if you have any concerns about wearing magnets, it would be wise to consult your physician before making a decision.
Finally, we are jewelers, not medical professionals, and we cannot make any medical claims about the therapeutic use of magnets. We are not in any way promoting them as medical devices. They are suggested by some for use to enhance the body’s own healing mechanisms.
#701
Copper Brass Inlay – medium $25.00,
large $25.00
#712
Golden Infinity –
small $20.00,
medium $20.00
#722
Copper Wrist Band - medium $20.00,
large $20.00
#728
Grapevine -
small $25.00,
medium $25.00
#748
Two Worlds –
small $30.00,
medium $30.00,
large $30.00
#744
Ayurvedic Bracelet -
small $40.00,
medium $40.00
#772
Ancient Oracle -
medium $50.00,
large $50.00
#799
Cheerful Passage -
small $40.00,
medium $40.00
Copper Brass Inlay – medium $25.00,
large $25.00
#712
Golden Infinity –
small $20.00,
medium $20.00
#722
Copper Wrist Band - medium $20.00,
large $20.00
#728
Grapevine -
small $25.00,
medium $25.00
#748
Two Worlds –
small $30.00,
medium $30.00,
large $30.00
#744
Ayurvedic Bracelet -
small $40.00,
medium $40.00
#772
Ancient Oracle -
medium $50.00,
large $50.00
#799
Cheerful Passage -
small $40.00,
medium $40.00