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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.
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