What Are the Side Effects of Magnetic Therapy?

If you’re considering biomagnetism but wondering about the side effects of magnetic therapy, that’s a smart question to ask. It’s one I hear often, especially from people who are sensitive or have had strong reactions to other therapies in the past.

The short answer is this: when magnetic therapy, specifically biomagnetic therapy, is done correctly, side effects are minimal and temporary. Most of what people experience isn’t a harmful side effect; it's the body adjusting as it begins to regulate and rebalance.

Let’s break down what that looks like in real life.

Common Side Effects of Magnetic Therapy

In my clinical experience, the most common reactions people notice after a magnetic therapy session are mild and short-lived. These can include:

• Feeling a little tired or fatigued

• Mild body aches

• A slight headache

• A general sense of needing rest

At the same time, most people also report positive changes almost immediately. They often feel deeply relaxed, notice a calmer, more balanced energy (not jittery or overstimulated), and sleep very well the night of their session and the nights that follow.

These temporary sensations are often described as a Herxheimer reaction, or “detox reaction,” which occurs when the body clears stored waste, toxins, or inflammatory byproducts.

Side Effects vs. Detox Reactions: What’s the Difference?

This distinction is important. A true side effect is something harmful that occurs. A detox or Herxheimer reaction, by contrast, is a temporary response as the body adapts.

In my practice, I take steps to minimize these reactions by supporting detoxification during every session. I place detox-focused magnet pairs on clients as soon as they’re on the table and leave them on for most of the session, whether or not those areas “test” as imbalanced. This proactive approach eliminates or significantly reduces any herxing.

Are There People Who Should Be Cautious With Magnetic Therapy?

Yes. While biomagnetic therapy is very gentle, there are a few important precautions.

• People with implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants, should not use magnets near those devices. However, magnets can be used elsewhere on the body, provided they are kept at a safe distance from the implanted device.

• Anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting magnetic therapy.

Outside of these situations, biomagnetic therapy is generally well tolerated when the correct magnet strength and approach are used.

What If I’m a Highly Sensitive Person Who Herxes Easily?

If you tend to react strongly to supplements, detox protocols, or bodywork, it’s completely valid to be cautious. Highly sensitive people can absolutely benefit from biomagnetic therapy. Sessions just need to be approached more gently.

In my practice, that often means:

• Using fewer magnet pairs

• Shortening session length

• Prioritizing detox and drainage support

• Moving more slowly and intentionally

• Paying close attention to nervous system regulation

Biomagnetism does not need to be intense to be effective. In fact, for highly sensitive people, less aggressive sessions often lead to better, more sustainable results.

If a practitioner is unwilling to modify a session or minimizes your concerns, that’s a red flag. You should feel supported, not pushed.

What to Do If You’re Experiencing a Side Effect of Magnetic Therapy

Occasionally, someone may feel a little off after a session, especially when working through complex issues. In those cases, I recommend using magnet pairs for detox and circulation support at home. Placing magnets on the liver, kidneys, temples, or carotid arteries can support circulation and detoxification and help the body clear what was stirred up during the session. Symptoms typically resolve fairly quickly with this kind of support.

If you don’t have magnets available at home, simple steps can still help:

• Rest and allow your body to slow down

• Hydrate well, which supports detoxification

• Take an Epsom salt bath, which can help relax the nervous system and support elimination

The Bottom Line

For most people, the side effects of magnetic therapy are mild, temporary, and part of the body’s natural adjustment process; not a sign that something is wrong.

Biomagnetic therapy is designed to work with the body, not against it. When sessions are paced thoughtfully, detox is supported, and sensitivity is respected, it’s one of the gentlest and most well-tolerated therapies available.