February 2008

BIO-MAGNETIC
THERAPY

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT UNIT

MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

002/08

Prepared by:
Puan Noormah Darus
Principal Assisstant Director
Health Technology Assessment Unit
Medical Development Division
Ministry of Health Malaysia

Reviewed by:
Datin Dr. Rugayah Bakri
Deputy Director
Health Technology Assessment Unit
Medical Development Division
Ministry of Health Malaysia
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF BIO-MAGNETIC THERAPY

INTRODUCTION

Bio-magnetic healing is the therapy that helps the body heals itself. Magnetic healing is
nothing new. Early records in scientifically advanced civilizations, tell us that magnetic forces
have long been prized for their restorative properties. Chinese manuscripts dating back
thousands of years describe the Eastern belief that the life force, termed "qi", is generated by
the earth's magnetic field.

Bio-magnetic therapy is the art and science of application and removal of magnetic fields for
therapeutic benefit. Magnetic field is an invisible region of space around a magnet or electric
current in which a detectable force is exerted from the body of the magnet.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

It is important to distinguish between static magnet therapy and electromagnetic therapy

which is not the same. Research into magnet therapy is divided into two distinct areas: pulsed
bioelectric magnetic therapy and fixed magnetic therapy.

Static magnet therapy: A fixed magnet emits a magnetic field which is caused by electrical
charges in motion. Static magnet therapy is a form of alternative medicine claiming that
certain medical disorders can be effectively treated by exposure to static magnetic fields,
produced by permanent magnets. Static magnet generates a field which penetrates the skin,
tissues and bones, increasing the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients which in turn promotes
healing.

Electromagnetic therapy: It involves the application of electromagnetic waves to the patient

to diagnose or treat disease. An electromagnetic apparatus gives off an electric and magnetic
field. Practitioners claim that when electromagnetic frequencies or energy fields within the
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body go out of balance, disease and illness occurs. By applying electromagnetic energy from
outside the body, usually with electronic devices, practitioners claim they can correct the
imbalances in the body. Practitioners claim that these methods can treat ulcers, headaches,
burns, chronic pain, nerve disorders, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, gum infections, asthma,
bronchitis, arthritis, cerebral palsy, heart disease, and cancer.

CONCLUSION

Bio-magnetic therapy such as in the form of band or bracelet is not a registered medical
device with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The review showed that there were evidences of no effectiveness when using bio-magnetic
therapy to treat chronic low back pain and pressure ulcers. However poor quality evidences
showed that there was some pain reduction in the treatment of knee pain and improved leg
ulcer healing.

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the above review, biomagnetic therapy in the form of band or bracelet cannot be
recommended. It is not a replacement for standard medical treatment.

More clinical research is warranted to provide evidence of effectiveness for its use in treating
any medical condition.

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TITLE: BIO MAGNETIC THERAPY

1.

INTRODUCTION

Bio-magnetic therapy is the art and science of application and removal of magnetic fields for
therapeutic benefit. Magnetic field is an invisible region of space around a magnet or electric
current in which a detectable force is exerted from the body of the magnet [1] level III.

Bio-magnetic healing is the therapy that helps the body heals itself. Previously it was used in
ancient Egypt, rediscovered by NASA and is now accessible to all. Take the fact that iron makes
up about 4 percent of our blood content and then imagine magnets attracting metal and you have
the basis of the therapy. Magnets placed on the body increase blood flow in a specific area, much
as exercising does; indeed often giving a similar feeling of euphoria. Early astronauts returned
from brief bursts into gravity-free space with diminished bone density and compromised
immunity. Nowadays space suits are lined with magnetic material and astronauts suffer no ill
effects after months aloft [2] level III.

Magnetic healing is nothing new and can be seen by looking at early records of scientifically
advanced civilizations, which tell us that magnetic forces have long been prized for their
restorative properties. Ancient Greece discovered the very first natural magnet in the form of the
lodestone, and Hippocrates, the father of medicine, noted its healing powers. Chinese
manuscripts dating back thousands of years describe the Eastern belief that the life force, termed
"qi", is generated by the earth's magnetic field. Today, many believe that certain places on earth,
such as Lourdes, France, and Sedona, Arizona, owe their healing powers to naturally high levels
of this qi, or bio-magnetic energy [3] level III.

2.

OJECTIVE/ OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety, adverse events and effectiveness of the Bio Magnetic therapy

3.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

It is important to distinguish between static magnet therapy and electromagnetic therapy which is
not the same. Research into magnet therapy is divided into two distinct areas: pulsed bioelectric
magnetic therapy and fixed magnetic therapy [4] level III.

Static magnet therapy: A fixed magnet emits a magnetic field; and a magnetic field is caused by
electrical charges in motion, as opposed to an electric field, which is produced by electrical
charges in different concentrations, more in one place than the other, regardless of whether or not
they are moving. In a static magnet, the electrical current moves in terms of electrons orbiting
around the atomic nuclei. An iron body is magnetized when the electrons become aligned to a
greater degree. Static magnet therapy is a form of alternative medicine claiming that certain
medical disorders can be effectively treated by exposure to static magnetic fields, produced by
permanent magnets. Static magnet generates a field which penetrates the skin, tissues and bones,
increasing the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients which in turn promotes healing.

Electromagnetic therapy: It involves the application of electromagnetic waves to the patient to

diagnose or treat disease. An electromagnetic apparatus gives off an electric and magnetic field.
Electric fields are associated with the displacement of charged particles, usually electrons, but
sometimes charged particles called ions. Electromagnetic therapy, which includes several
different approaches, is claimed to use electromagnetic, microwave, or infrared energy to
diagnose or treat an illness by detecting imbalances in the body's energy fields and then
correcting them. Electronic devices, which emit some form of low-voltage electrical current or
radio frequency, are often involved. Magnets and other unconventional treatments may also be a
part of electromagnetic and energy field therapy [2] level III.

The effectiveness of magnetic treatment depends largely on four factors, according to Dr. John
Zimmerman: strength, thickness, number of magnets used, and spacing. Magnets vary in
strength, and it's important to remember that stronger magnets penetrate more deeply than do
weak ones and that the reading at the surface of the magnet is different from the reading at its
core. In other words, a magnet that is a 2000 gauss at its core may only be 200 gauss at its
surface [3] level III.

Practitioners claim that when electromagnetic frequencies or energy fields within the body go
out of balance, disease and illness occurs. They claim that these imbalances disrupt the body's
chemical makeup. By applying electromagnetic energy from outside the body, usually with
electronic devices, practitioners claim they can correct the imbalances in the body. Practitioners
claim that these methods can treat ulcers, headaches, burns, chronic pain, nerve disorders, spinal
cord injuries, diabetes, gum infections, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, cerebral palsy, heart disease,
and cancer [2-4] level III.

4.

METHODOLOGY

4.1 SEARCH METHODS

PUBMED, PROQUEST and MEDLINE via EBSCO were searched using the keywords
magnetic therapy, bio-magnetic therapy, electromagnetic therapy, static magnet therapy,
magnetic therapy safety, magnetic therapy effectiveness and efficacy, magnetic therapy adverse
events either singly or in combination, with the limits to human study, year of publication from
2000 2008. In addition websites for existing HTA agency, society websites and crossreferencing of the articles retrieved were also carried out accordingly to the topic.

5.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

While very little research on magnet therapy has been done in the United States, there has been a
lot of work in this field in Russia, Czechoslovakia, and the Western European nations over the
past 30 years. In the 1980s and 1990s a lot of research has been done by the Russians, but the
studies were mostly case reports, case series and testimonials. This review focuses on the latest
scientific evidence from year 2000 until 2008.

From the search, 39 articles were retrieved. Only eighteen studies were relevant and taken as
references. However, only one systematic review, five randomized control trials and one
experimental study were reviewed.

A systematic review of all relevant literature was done and the evidence graded according to the
US/Canadian Preventive Services Task Force (Appendix)

5.1

EFFECTIVENESS

In a systematic review by Olyaee Manesh A et al, two randomized controlled trials were
identified for inclusion in the original review (total of 60 participants). Neither study found a
statistically significant difference between the healing rates of pressure ulcers in people treated
with electromagnetic therapy compared with those in the control group. The results provide no
evidence of benefit in using electromagnetic therapy to treat pressure ulcers [5]

level I

. In a

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study in an ambulatory care

physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic at a Veterans Affairs hospital, application of 1 variety
of permanent magnet had no effect on the group of subjects with chronic low back pain [6] level I.
Hence, the retrieved evidence above showed that using electromagnetic therapy for pressure
ulcers and static magnet therapy for chronic back pain were not effective as a magnetic therapy.

In a randomized controlled trial by Kenkre JE et al on nineteen patients with leg ulcers, patients
treated with electromagnetic therapy at 800 Hz were found at day 50 to have significantly greater
healing (P < 0.05) and pain control (P < 0.05) than placebo therapy or treatment with 600 Hz
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[7]

level I

. In another randomized controlled trial, by Jerry I Jacobsob et al, exposure to low

Amplitude, extremely low frequency magnetic fields for the treatment of osteoarthritis knee,
showed the magnet-on group (n=171) on average, reported experiencing a 46% reduction in
level of pain. The magnet-off group (n=75) on average, reported experiencing an 8% reduction in
level of pain [8] Level I. Hence the retrieved articles showed that electromagnetic therapy at 800
Hz did improved leg ulcer healing and low frequency magnetic fields reduced pain of patients
with osteoarthritis knee pain. However both studies had small sample sizes and the study by
Jerry I Jacobsob et al had more than double the amount of patients on the electromagnet therapy
compared to placebo.

In randomized control trials by Martha et al and Peter Wolsko et al on the effects of static
magnet on chronic knee pain and physical function, the application of static magnet over painful
knee joint appears to reduce pain and enhance functional movement. However the sample size
was small to determine efficacy and pain reduction was not sustained when not using the static
magnet [9-10] level I.

Most magnets are distributed to the public without any indications of field flux density. In a
study done by Abraham M Blechman et al, to test the discrepancy between claimed field flux
density of some commercially available magnets and actual gaussmeter measurement, the 5
commercial magnets studied showed lower field flux density than the values claimed by
manufacturers [11]

level II-3

. The field flux density measured on the magnets surface can be

regarded as the primary measurement of dosage and contributes to the determination of the depth
of tissue penetration of the magnetic field and therefore the effective dosage. Over the counter
magnets, suppliers are not providing reliable information and therefore clinical replication of
published reports is difficult. In this study, the field flux of the tested magnet decreased
significantly at a distance of 2.5 cm from the magnet suggesting minimal tissue penetration

Hence, it is important that people treat magnets with caution. They can be very powerful and one
do need to know what you are doing, knowing what is needed, where and of what intensity

5.2

SAFETY

In randomized control trials by Kenkre JE et al and Jerry I Jacobsob et al using electromagnetic

therapy for the treatment of venous leg ulcers and osteoarhritic knee, electromagnet therapy was
well tolerated by patients, with no adverse events reported [7,8]

level I

In randomized control trials by Martha et al and Peter Wolsko on the effects of static magnet on
chronic knee pain and physical function, the application of static magnetic field appears to be
safe with no adverse events reported [9,10] level I.

While magnets are generally safe, there are times when they should not be used. Pregnant
women should not wear magnets; particularly over the abdominal area. Individuals wearing heart
pacemakers or other electronic implanted devices should not use magnets near the apparatus.
Magnets lessen the stickiness of platelets, blood components that make a scab after one cut
oneself. So, if one uses a magnet when one have an active bleeding wound, one may actually
increase the amount of bleeding in the wound. Do not use magnets if one is on anticoagulants or
if one has a condition, called polycythemia that increases the likelihood of bleeding. People with
cancer or any sort of infection, like candida, fungi, viruses, or bacteria, should avoid exposure to
bipolar magnets. Many believe from their observations and clinical experiences that the South
Pole accelerates the growth of cancer cells, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Not all practitioners and
manufacturers agree, but until the research proves otherwise, it is prudent to err on the side of
caution, and only use products with north-facing magnetic fields [3] level III.

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5.3

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

Legal and Regulatory Actions

Since 1998 until 2002, several companies in USA

such as Magnetherapy Inc, Magnetic

Therapeutic Technologies, Tectonic Magnets, Pain Stops Here! Inc., Florham, Bio-Magnetic
Treatment Systems and European Health Concepts Inc., are barred from making the following
claims [12-18] level III:

that wearing its magnetic device near areas of pain and inflammation will relieve pain
due to arthritis, migraine headaches, sciatica or heel spurs and to stop making claims that
its magnets can cure, treat, or mitigate any disease or can affect any change in the human
body, unless its devices are FDA-approved for those purposes

magnetic sleep pads or other products: (a) are effective against cancers, diabetic ulcers,
arthritis, degenerative joint conditions, or high blood pressure; (b) could stabilize or
increase the T-cell count of HIV patients; (c) could reduce muscle spasms in persons with
multiple sclerosis; (d) could reduce nerve spasms associated with diabetic neuropathy; (e)
could increase bone density, immunity, or circulation; or (f) are comparable or superior to
prescription pain medicine.

"magnetized water" or other products are useful against cancer, diseases of the liver or
other internal organs, gallstones, kidney stones, urinary infection, gastric ulcers,
dysentery, diarrhea, skin ulcers, bed sores, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, sprains, strains,
sciatica, heart disease, circulatory disease, arthritis, auto-immune illness, neurodegenerative disease, and allergies, and could stimulate the growth of plants.

MagneForce shoes can a) correct "magnetic deficiency," (b) "generate a deep-penetrating

magnetic field which increases blood circulation; reduces leg and back fatigue; and
provides natural pain relief and improved energy level."; and (c) their claims are
established and proven by scientific studies
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6.

CONCLUSION

Bio-magnetic therapy such as in the form of band or bracelet is not a registered medical device
with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The review showed that there were evidences of no effectiveness when using bio-magnetic
therapy to treat chronic low back pain and pressure ulcers. However poor quality evidences
showed that there was some pain reduction in the treatment of knee pain and improved leg ulcer
healing.

7.

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the above review, bio-magnetic therapy in the form of band or bracelet cannot be
recommended. It is not a replacement for standard medical treatment.

More clinical research is warranted to provide evidence of effectiveness for its use in treating
any medical condition.

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8. REFERENCES

1. http://www.biomagnetic.org/magnetic%20vocabulary.html
2. Lilias Curtin What is Bio-Magnetic Therapy? Alternative Medicine, Complementary
Health Directory & Resources 07 March 2007
3. http://www.garynull.com/Documents/magnets.htm
4. Anonymous Magnet therapy attracts interest--but does it work? nHealth News; Aug/Sep
2001; 19, 4; Health Module pg. 1
5. Olyaee Manesh A, Flemming K, Cullum NA, Ravaghi H. Electromagnetic therapy for
treating pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art.
No.: CD002930. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002930.pub3.
6. Edward A. Collacott, MD, John T. Zimmerman, PhD, Donald W. White, PT Joseph P.
Rindone, PharmD . Bipolar Permanent Magnets for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back
Pain A Pilot Study JAMA, March 8, 2000Vol 283, No. 10
7. Kenkre JE, Hobbs FDR, Carter YH, Holder RL and Holmes EP. A randomized controlled
trial of electromagnetic therapy in the primary care management of venous leg ulceration.
Family Practice 1996; 13: 236-241.
8. Jerry I Jacobsob, Roger Gorman et al. Low Amplitude, extremely low frequency
magnetic fields for the treatment of osteoarhritic knee: a double blind clinical
study.Altern. Ther. Health Med2001;7(5): 54-69.
9. Martha R.Hinman, Jeniffer Ford and Heather Hyel.Effects of statinc magnet on chronic
knee pain and physical function: A double-blind study. Alternative therapies July/Aug
2002Vol 8. No 4
10. Peter Wolsko, David M Eisenburg et al. Double blind placebo controlled trial n static
magnets for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee : results of a pilot study. Altern.
Ther. Health Med2004;10(2): 36-43
11. Abraham M Blechman; Mehmet C Oz; Vijaya Nair; Windsor Ting Discrepancy between
claimed field flux density of some commercially available magnets and actual gaussmeter
measurement Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine; Sep/Oct 2001; 7, 5; Health
Module pg. 92
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12. Morales halt unproven claims for magnet therapy. News release, April 9, 1998.
13. Gill LJ. Letter to William L. Roper, Feb 3, 1997.
14. Jeff Wynton and the Consumer Justice Center v. Florsheim Group, Inc., Shoe Emporium.
Superior Court of California, Orange County, Case #00CC09419, filed Aug 8, 2000.
15. Burns EB. Omnibus ruling on defendants' motion to strike and motions to dismiss. United
States of America v Richard Markoll, Ernestine Binder Markoll, and Bio-Magnetic
Systems, Inc. U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut, No. 3:00cr133(EBB), Jan
2001.
16. Defense Criminal Investigative Service press release, Aug, 2001.
17. Defense Criminal Investigative Service press release, June, 2001.
18. Barrett S. California Attorney General sues magnetic mattress pad sellers. Quackwatch,
Sept 24, 2002.

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9.

APPENDICES

9.1.

Appendix I- Levels of evidence scale

Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

II-I

Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization..

II-2

Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies, preferably

from more than one center or research group.

II-3

Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention. Dramatic
results in uncontrolled experiments (such as the results of the introduction of penicillin
treatment in the 1940s) could also be regarded as this type of evidence.

III

Opinions or respected authorities, based on clinical experience; descriptive studies and

case reports; or reports of expert committees.

SOURCE:

US/CANADIAN PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE(Harris 2001)

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