Historically it is reported that magnets have been around for an extremely long time. Magnets were first documented around 2500-3000 years BC. Their origins are first noted in Asia Minor in a vast land called Magnesia. The earth there was enriched with iron oxide which attracted metals to it. The locals named it Magnetite.

Another story is told of a young boy, who lived 2500 years BC, called Magnes — a shepherd on Mount Ida. One day he was tending his sheep whilst wearing sandals which contained iron in the sole. He found it hard to walk up the mountain as his feet felt heavy and stuck to the rock face. Mount Ida was found to contain a rock called Lodestone, which is the first known magnetic mineral. It is reported that Lodestone was named Magnes after the boy who discovered it, and it later came to be known as magnet.

Cleopatra was probably the first celebrity to use magnets. It is documented that she slept on a Lodestone to keep her skin youthful. The therapeutic knowledge was passed to the Greeks who have been using magnets for healing since 2500 BC Aristotle and Plato talked of the benefits of Lodestones in their work.

Magnets have been used in Chinese medicine from around 2000 BC in-conjunction with reflexology and acupuncture. It is still used today as a first line treatment for many common complaints.

3,500 years after they were first discovered, magnets have gained popularity in Europe and the USA. In the 15th century a Swiss physician Paracelsus recognised the therapeutic powers of magnets. He wrote medical papers on the influence of magnets on the inflammatory processes within the body.

In the 16th century an English doctor Dr William Gilbert made a scientific study of electricity and magnetism. He published one of the first books about magnetic therapy called “De Magnet”. Dr Gilbert was also Queens Elizabeth I personal physician and it is said that she used magnets under his direction.

Michael Faraday, also known as the founder of Biomagnetics made extensive discoveries in magnetic healing during the 18th century. His work is still used as a framework for modern day magnetic treatments. Dr Mesmer (the father of hypnotism) and Dr Samuel Hahnemann (the father of homoeopathy) also contributed to his remarkable work.

20th century pioneers include Dr Kreft a German doctor who in 1905 studied the healing effects of magnets on rheumatic disease, sciatica and neuralgia. 1926 revealed Dr Criles work on the impact of magnets on cancer cells and this was followed 10 years later in 1936 with Albert Davis carrying out tests on the effects of the north and south poles of a magnet.

However the last 15 years has shown a prolific increase in medical research into magnetic therapy.There have been over 57 studies in the USA into incurable diseases and magnetics. Some of the most recent are:

1990 – University if Hawaii tested magnetic fields on patients with osteoarthritis.

1992- Stiller et al a randomised double blind trial of wound healing in venous leg wounds.

1999- New York Medical College tested magnetic insoles on diabetic patients.

2001- University of Virginia tested magnetic mattress covers on patients with Fibromyalgia.

2004- University of Exeter and Plymouth tested magnetic bracelets on patients with osteoarthritis

Magnetic therapy is gaining in popularity worldwide with many celebrity devotees including: Cherie Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Prince William, Queen Elizabeth II, Shirley MaClaine, Venus Williams, Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, Jack Niklaus and many more.

Magnetic devices are now registered as prescribable medical devices in 54 countries worldwide With new research being completed each year and doctors at last acknowledging that it is not “witch doctory” we shall hopefully see, with in the next few years, magnetic devices being prescribed on the NHS in-conjunction with conventional pain killing drugs.

Indians, Chinese and Japanese have used magnetic therapy for years for treating pains. The therapy uses a magnetic field to treat chronic pain. Usually magnets with north and south poles were used but after extensive research it has been proved that using one pole (north or negative), which has a stronger magnetic field to be beneficial in relieving pain.

Magnetic therapy is increasingly becoming popular nowadays. Sports persons have started wearing magnetic wristbands. Even people who use the mouse for a long time use magnetic wristbands to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. There are a variety of products like magnetic mattresses, beds etc being used by people to get rid of pain.

More and more doctors and psychiatrists are now prescribing magnetic therapy. For years they have been used in treating pain. Billions of dollars are being used every year in manufacturing medical magnets. The most utilized magnetic product is magnetic mattress which helps in joint pain, muscle spasm etc.

Many people with fibromyalgia and arthritis have a positive response with magnetic therapy. Magnetic pillows help people with migraine, while magnetic straps help people with arthritis and relieves the pain. There are lots of magnetic products available for each and every disease. Magnetic therapy has been in use for ages and it is one of the best alternative therapies.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

Dr. Arthur Pilla has advised European Health Concepts of the preliminary results of a pilot clinical study at a major university, showing delta (deep) sleep is increased by an average of 25% when sleeping on an EHC mattress pad containing concentric circle magnets. Delta sleep is the deepest sleep our bodies need to stay young and healthy.

Dr. Arthur Pilla, a pioneer researcher in magnet therapy, included the pilot study results during an invited lecture on the therapeutic use of magnetic fields at the 24th Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetics Society on June 25, 2002 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. This is the first time a clinical study of this kind has been reported showing medical magnets could significantly improve quality of sleep. "I believe the reported improvement in sleep quality could be related to the expected reduction in everyday musculoskeletal aches and pains by the magnetic field," Dr. Pilla said.

Many recent double-blind peer-reviewed clinical studies show the beneficial effects of static magnetic fields, including pain relief and enhanced healing. This double-blind pilot study adds to that, by showing time spent in delta sleep is increased by an average of 25%, while sleeping for one night on a European Health Concepts mattress pad, containing patented concentric circle magnets.

"Improving the quality of sleep is central to wellness...a good night's sleep is priceless," said Kevin Todd, president and co-founder of European Health Concepts, Inc. "We are pleased to learn that the magnetic mattress pad we have been marketing for more than three years to alleviate pain and improve circulation may also contribute to healthy, more comfortable sleep. We are committed to following this important lead through the peer-review and regulatory processes so all users of our products may be assured of all of its potential benefits for their well-being."