The world of Biomagnetic magnets is fascinating and exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Some of the most common question I am asked are, what type of magnet should I use? What is gauss and why does it matter? Can a magnet be too strong? What is up with the different shapes and sizes? How do I care for my magnets? Let's go down the magnet rabbit hole and by the end of this post, you will have all the knowledge needed to confidently buy and use Biomagnets.
Types of Biomagnets
There are two types of magnets used for Biomagnetism, ferrite and neodymium. Both are considered permanent magnets, meaning they will only lose 10% of their magnetism every 100 years. Ferrite magnets are made from a mixture of ceramic materials and iron oxide. These are the most common magnets produced, think refrigerator magnets. Neodymium magnets are considered rare earth magnets and are made from a combination of neodymium, iron, and boron. Either type is suitable for Biomagnetism and choosing one over the other comes down to personal preference and budget.
Ferrite Magnets
Pros: 1) Lower price point. 2) Heat tolerant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons: 1) Bulky. Their size makes them uncomfortable for clients to lay on and they take up a lot of space when transporting. 2) Extremely brittle and break easily, even from being dropped.
Neodymium Magnets
Pros: 1) Significantly thinner compared to the same strength ferrite magnet. 2) Extremely resistant to demagnetization by outside forces. 3) The most powerful of all permanent magnets.
Cons: 1) Higher price point. 2) Heat tolerant up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. 3) Less Brittle then Ferrite but can still easily crack under stress
Understanding Magnetic Strength
The strength of magnets is measured in two ways. 1) Pull Force – the amount of force required to pull a magnet free from a flat steel plate using force perpendicular to the surface, IE how hard it is to pull a magnet from a metal surface or pull two magnets apart. Pull force is not relevant to Biomagnetism. 2) Gauss – the unit of magnetic induction, IE how strong of a magnetic field produced by a magnet. Gauss is the measurement of magnetic strength applicable to Biomagnetism. For a magnet to be considered Biomagnetism-grade they must have a minimum surface gauss of 1,000. That is the force needed to move hydrogen molecules and alter pH.
Surface Gauss versus Core Gauss
The difference between these measurements is in the name. Surface gauss is the measurement of the magnetic field on the surface of the magnet. Core gauss is the measurement of the magnetic field at the core of a magnet. Core gauss are approximately 10x greater than surface gauss. It is common to see Biomagnetism magnets being advertised as having 10,000-20,000 gauss. Magnet producers will advertise the core gauss as a technique to make their magnets seem more powerful. Always check to see if the gauss listed are surface or core gauss.
Are stronger magnets better for Biomagnetism?
There are several things to consider. 1) The surface gauss only need to be 1,000 to be effective. Do not be seduced by the marketing of magnets with high core gauss. 2) It is important to understanding the relationship between gauss and pull force. As gauss increases so does pull force, meaning magnets with very high gauss are very strong and difficult to pull apart. Magnets can become so strong that injury can occur if fingers or other body parts are pinched by the magnets. In some cases, the magnets are so powerful the only way to release the trapped body part is by breaking the magnets. 3) Both neodymium and ferrite magnets can shatter and break. If you have extremely strong magnets the force of attraction between them can cause the magnets to snap together so violently that they shatter. When it comes to Biomagnetism there is no need for excessively strong magnets. Stay safe and choose magnets with surface gauss between 1,000-3,000.
Biomagnet Shapes and Sizes
There are two common shapes of magnets produced, circular and rectangular. These are then encased in leather or a synthetic material making them easier to separate and distinguish the north and south pole. The encasing material is cut into three main shapes, round with a tab, round, and rectangular. There is no correct answer to which shape is better. It is a matter of personal preference. These have been my experience with each shape.
Round with Tabs When I first started learning Biomagnetism I thought the tab shape was a great idea. It gives you an easy place to grab and separate the magnets. Once I started using them, I felt differently. The material encasing the magnets wears out faster because all the force of separating the magnets is focused on one area. I also found them to be cumbersome when placing on clients. Over the years I have phased out my tab shaped magnets by not replacing them when the material wore out.
Round Magnets These are the workhorses of my practice and my favorite magnet shape. They are easy to place on any part of the body. Because of their shape, the force of separating them is not concentrated in one location. They are the longest lasting of the magnets I’ve used.
Rectangular – I like rectangular biomagnets for very specific placements. They are ideal for placement on long bones in the arms and legs and large muscle groups in the back and legs. They are difficult to use on the rest of the body. The encasement material tends to wear out more quickly because of the sharp corners cutting through it. I consider rectangular biomagnets specialist. They are very good for limited applications. I always have a few pairs in my office magnet kits.
Biomagnetism magnets come in different sizes as well. Though you can use any size magnet on any anatomical location the biomagnet size usually corresponds to the size of the body part. Larger magnets to large areas like the legs, back, and kidneys. Smaller magnets for smaller areas like the face, brain, and genitals. In my practice I use small and medium sized magnets the most frequently.
How to Care for Biomagnets
Biomagnets are low mantance but here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Do not expose your magnets to temperatures above 175 degrees Fahrenheit. High heat can permanently damage their magnetism making them unsuitable for therapeutic use.
Magnets can fracture and break. Be careful not to snap them together too forcefully or drop them, especially ferrite magnets.
When storing your Biomagnetic magnets do not allow the material encasing them to fold over. This will extend the life of the material.
What Biomagnets Do I Use?
As a Biomagnetic Pair Therapist I have worked with a wide range of biomagnets and have developed preferences. Neodymium magnets are my favorite. They are thinner making them more comfortable for the client and more convenient to transport. The magnets I work with all range between 1,000-3,000 surface gauss. There is no reason to have excessively strong magnets. If anything, the stronger the magnet, the more difficult it is to work with. Getting your fingers pinched between two magnets is inevitable and it hurts. Trust me when I say you do not want that happening with extremely strong magnets. I prefer round magnets. I have found that shape extends the life of the material encasing them.
With all those preferences in mind I develop my own line of Biomagnetism magnets. These biomagnets are the results of years of hands-on experience in my practice. I brought together everything I wanted in a pair of biomagnets, functionality and beauty. The material is durable but feels amazingly supple, the neodymium magnets are powerful but not dangerously so, and they are compact and easy to transport. Holistic wellness is a "big picture" approach to addressing health concerns. I wanted my biomagnets to have a "big picture" impact. More than just heal the individual, I wanted them to contribute to healthier communities. Every component and every step, from manufacturing equipment, to magnets and glue, are made by small or family-owned U.S. businesses. Most are located within 90 miles of my production site. Each vendor was selected for their high-quality product and their commitment to sustainability and social justice. They have recycling programs, use geothermal energy, provide employment and counseling for previously incarcerated individuals, support local food banks, and volunteer to build affordable housing. When you purchase Biomagnetic Health Biomagnets you are helping to creating healthier communities.