Anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness in the United States, even more prevalent than depression. About 40 million Americans are affected by anxiety. Magnetic therapy has become one increasingly popular method of relieving anxiety--but as you will learn here, its alleged health benefits are dubious.
More About Anxiety
Anxiety is a psychological and physiological condition that affects an individual's cognitive, somatic, emotional and behavioral conditions. People with anxiety tend to have an unpleasant feeling, typically manifested as fear, worry or even uneasiness, without an identifiable triggering stimulus. This means the person becomes scared, worried or uneasy for no apparent reason. Physical symptoms that are brought on by anxiety range from simple fatigue to being unable to breathe or sudden chest pains. Often panic attacks are confused with heart attacks, because the initial signs are very similar.
What Is Magnetic Therapy?
Magnetic therapy is an alternative medical practice that uses magnetic fields. The magnets usually take the form of bracelets and jewelry on the wrists, fingers, ankles or knees. The claim is that magnetic fields can help "re-align" particular ions in the body that might be out of line, which are said to cause everything from joint pains to metal chemical imbalances. Proponents claim that magnetic therapy helps to increase blood flow. These therapies are considered safe because the bracelet or jewelry only imitates a small magnetic field that should not harm you in any way.
Does Magnetic Therapy Work?
According to Dr. Stephen Barrett, magnetic therapy does not work. Two widely cited double-blind studies, including one at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, led many people to believe in magnetic therapy. But these studies weren't conducted correctly, Dr. Barrett says. There was a disproportionate ratio of women versus men, a significant age difference between the placebo and treatment group, and no objective measurements were taken. All three of these conditions invalidate the studies. Other studies that try to suggest that magnetic therapy has a significant effect have had similar or even more severe infractions of testing standards. Companies have been fined in several states for making false claims of magnetic therapy's ability to ease pain, increase blood flow or correct chemical imbalances. Put simply, there is no proof that magnetic therapy has health benefits for people.
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