Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). This disease causes numbness, weakness, lack of coordination, and muscle spasms, among other things. It may also affect your speech, bladder, and vision. Magnet therapy is a form of treatment that is currently being studied to explore the range of its effectiveness for MS patients.
How it Works
The pineal gland is a gland that produces hormones such as melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is regulated by melatonin. Serotonin works to prevent fatigue, sleep disorder, spasticity, poor bladder, migraines, headaches, cognitive deficits, and depression. These are all common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. People that are experiencing a relapse will have low levels of melatonin as well as a serotonin deficiency. These levels are especially low during their sleep.
Prior attempts to enhance serotonin levels by using nutrition and biochemical methods have failed. Research done by the University of Virginia for the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows that the pineal gland is very sensitive to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) which is used in magnet therapy. This form of therapy is used by administering low intensity levels of EMF to certain parts of the body. The EMFs work to stimulate and energize the pineal gland, which affects the release of melatonin and the production of serotonin. This is done through a magnetic mattress, a blanket or a magnetic field machine. The studies show that this treatment is most effective in the beginning stages of the disease.
The studies have also shown that this form of therapy works to reduce fluid retention, and increase endorphins. The majority of MS patients that have received magnetic therapy show signs of improved nerve impulse, muscle relaxation, increase blood oxygen, and improved circulation.
Considerations
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are treatments to aid in the relief of certain symptoms. Magnet therapy, also known as biomagnetic therapy or electromagnetic field therapy is currently being studied to explore its affects on MS patients. Although studies of magnet therapy have shown optimistic findings, this form of therapy has not been approved as a confirmed treatment for MS. Your insurance will not cover treatment options that are not approved, which includes magnetic therapy. It is best to consult with your doctor before seeking any alternative treatments. Magnet therapy is not effective in people that have radiology, those that have frequent MRIs, or those who wear a cardiac pacemaker.
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