Why do Indian customs dictate that we sleep with our head to the north and why do we fast on full moon days? Most of these ancient customs have a scientific basis: The earth of huge magnet with its magnetic lines of force has a direct impact on us. Our body is also invested with magnetism and enveloped in a magnetic filed. The strongest magnetic field is created by the brain while we sleep and sleeping with our head to the north facilitates the easy flow of the earth’s magnetism through our body thus inducing sound sleep. The age-long custom of fasting on full moon days can also probably be explained. During a full moon our body fluids flow with greater ease and so fasting on these days helps maintain an equilibrium of liquids in the body. We are affected by the dark and bright phases of the moon because every planet through its magnetism exercises some influence on other planets.
The story of magnetism goes back a long way to many centuries before Christ. The earliest mention of the magnet as a healing agent, however, is one of the four Vedas on the treatise of medicine – the Atharvaveda. The ancient Egyptians were also apparently familiar with the properties of magnetic forces as they utilized it to preserve mummies. Their legendary beauty, Cleopatra, was said to have worn a tiny magnet on her forehead- probably to preserve her charms. Most civilizations, however, invested the magnet with magical powers. They wore magnets as amulets or charms to relieve aches and pains – its healing properties were used unwittingly.
It was not until the beginning of the 16th century that magnets became an object of scientific research. A Swiss alchemist and physician, Paracelsus, discovered its healing powers. Other researchers took the cue from him. Dr. Samuel Hahneman, the father of homeopathy, was fully convinced of the magnet’s healing powers and recommended its use but magnetotherapy is now widely recognized and has scientific support.
Magnetotherapy is very effective in drawing out pain and relieving stiffness as when the body comes into contact with magnets the magnetic waves pass through the tissues and induce secondary currents which produce impacting heats thus reducing pains and swellings. It also revives and promotes the growth of cells and increases the number of healthy red blood corpuscles. The red corpuscles contain haemoglobin which contain iron. The magnets influence the iron in the blood through which it reaches every part of the body removing calcium, cholesterol and other deposits- it cleans, purifies and ionizes the blood, lonised blood flows easily thus there is no clotting, eases the activity of the heart and normalizes blood pressure. The secretion of hormones is also regulated and this improves the luster of the skin.
Magnetotherapy requires no medicines, no injections, no tonics. Just magnets! Magnets of various shapes, sizes and strengths are used to regulate and strengthen the natural system and preserve the balance of magnetic field in the body. Two types of artificial magnets are used: Electro-magnets and permanent magnets. Electro-magnets work only when connected to electricity. Permanent magnets are fully charged with electric current and remain permanently magnetized. They are made of an alloy called alnico composed of aluminium, nickel, iron and cobalt in different proportions. For most treatments disc shaped magnets of medium or high potency (1500-3000 gauss power) are generally used. These discs are usually sold in pairs – north pole and south pole. The two poles possess different therapeutic properties. The north pole magnet is effective in diseases caused by bacterial infection and the south pole is used to treat all kinds of pains, swellings and weakness. Treatment is either local or general. In local treatment the selected pole is applied directly on the affected area or placed nearest to the spot if it is sensitive or painful. If both poles are required, the main magnet is placed on the ailing sport and the second under the palm or sole on the same side. When the whole body is affected general treatment is necessary.
Both poles are placed under the palms or soles. The north pole is applied to right side and the south pole to the left. The north is also generally applied to the upper and front side. For uneven parts – forehead, eyes, ears, cheeks, throat, wrists etc. – ceramic, crescent shaped magnets of a lower potency (400-500 gauss power) are available.
Each session in magnetotherapy lasts for 20-30 minutes. Initially, magnets are applied for 5 minutes just once a day and gradually increasing to 20-30 minutes twice a day depending upon the individual. Treatment can continue even after complete cure to preserve general health. In fact, even normal, healthy people are advised to apply magnets for 10 minutes daily to keep fit. Magnetized water is also strongly recommended. This is the only prescribed medication and acts as a tonic. Besides water, other liquids – milk, fruit juice, hair and skin oils- can also be magnetized. All one has to do is place two-litre jugs of water on the two poles of disc magnets of 3000 gauss power for twelve to twenty four hours. Four regular use 5-6 hours is adequate. The water can be stored in separate bottles labeled north and south and some of it can be mixed and labeled bio-polar. Two ounces twice a day is prescribed for adults and one ounce for children. The dose can be diluted with water if it causes dryness. Magnetotherapy has proved especially effective in curing digestive and nervous disorders and relieving aches and pains especially rheumatism, migraines, arthritis etc. There are no side effects but nevertheless there are some guidelines to be considered:
1. Immediately after magnetic treatment no cold baths or meals should be taken.
2. Watches should be removed during treatment.
3. Magnets must be kept away from children.
4. When not in use magnets must be kept joined with a keeper in a wooden box.
5. High powered magnets should not be applied to pregnant woman.
6. Opposite poles of high power magnets must not be near each other face to face.
7. All bio-magnetic aids must be kept away from fire.
