What is Magnet Therapy vs Biomagnetic Pair Therapy?

"I sleep on a magnetic mat. I have a magnet bracelet. Will they interfere with my session? Are they the same thing as what you do? Should I keep using them?" These are questions frequently asked in my office. Usually, my answers are short, but today let's get nerdy and break it down.

Are they (magnetic mats, pads, bracelets, shoe inserts) the same thing as what you do?

No. The principles behind the use of magnetic sleeping pads or bracelets are called Magnet Therapy. Magnet Therapy operates on a different set of principles from Biomagnetic Pair Therapy. Although both therapies use magnets, their similarities end there.

Magnet therapy uses single-pole magnets and is based on two principles: 1) the south pole is analgesic, pain-reducing, and 2) the north pole is anti-inflammatory. The magnetic fields used are low intensity (usually between 100 to 500 gauss) and are applied for long periods of time, hours or days.

Biomagnetic Pair Therapy, on the other hand, uses pairs of medium intensity magnets (1,000+ gauss) placed in specific locations for a relatively short period of time (10 to 90 minutes, depending on the latitude of the therapy location). A kinesiology assessment determines the proper placement of the magnets. Biomagnetism operates on the principle of restoring the normal pH in specific areas, creating a hostile environment for pathogens.

Will they interfere with my biomagnetism session?

No. Sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad the night before or arriving for your session wearing a magnetic bracelet will not affect your session. Before starting, I ask you to remove any magnetic fields from your body, including physical magnets or electromagnetic fields produced by electronics. I remove those items to establish the energetic baseline of your body without the interference of other energy fields.

Should I keep using them?

Depends. This question does not have a cut-and-dry answer. One of my core principles is empowering my clients to trust their bodies. Many of us are stuck in our heads and have a hard time connecting to the physical; how something made us feel versus what we think about it. Each person's experience with Magnet Therapy is different and valid. If you feel great using your magnetic mattress pad or magnet bracelet, continue using them. If at first you felt good but now don't notice a difference, take a break. See how you feel not using it. Or alternate between the two. Listen to your body. Pay attention to the differences. You know best what makes you feel good or not.

I personally do not use magnetic devices. I have not noticed a difference in how they make me feel. I also like to know which magnetic pole I'm using. Most magnetic devices do not tell you which pole is interacting with your body. I am also concerned with the extended exposure to a single magnetic pole and its ability to disrupt my body's natural energetic state. If I need to ground and recharge, I do that by going outside and walking barefoot.

What is your experience using Magnetic Therapy devices?