national center for complementary and alternative medicine five-year strategic plan 2001–2005

(Frankie) #1

inate free radicals; and slow down electrical brain
activity. Whereas negative fields have a tranquiliz-
ing effect, positive magnetic fields have a stressful
effect and disrupt metabolic function, produce acid-
ity, inhibit oxygen flow to the cells, and encourage
the growth of microorganisms.
Magnetic field therapy is reported to have bene-
ficial effects on such conditions as toothache, peri-
odontal disease, fungal infections such as
candidiasis, kidney stones, calcium deposits in
inflamed tissues, edema, stress, heart disease, sleep
problems (particularly chronic insomnia), and cen-
tral nervous system disorders, cancer, injuries, and
other conditions. Enthusiasts also claim magnets
used in beds, clothing, and chair pads and applied to
the body affect the body’s ability to combat fatigue
and regulate body temperature even in extreme
atmospheric conditions. According to studies, the
body’s electromagnetic fields are affected by the
weakest magnetism and harmed if the magnetism is
altered in even subtle ways. Some patients may
experience pain or symptomatic reactions to certain
medications or have more severe reactions to toxins
that may be released into the body. Also, magnets
are not recommended for use on the abdomen dur-
ing pregnancy or for prolonged periods. Although
magnetic field diagnostic procedures such as mag-
netic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely
accepted by conventional practitioners, the applica-
tion of the positive magnetic pole is known to be
capable of stimulating tumor growth, promoting
addictive behavior, and inducing seizures, halluci-
nations, insomnia, and hyperactivity. Medical
supervision of magnetic therapy is advised.
Gerber also cites an illness called “magnetic-field
deficiency syndrome (MFDS)” reported by Japanese
researchers, led by Dr. Kyoichi Nakagawa, in the
1950s. Some people in Japanese cities experienced
symptoms including chronic fatigue and insomnia
that were eventually related to the fact that iron
and steel girders in large modern buildings
restricted the flow of the Earth’s magnetic energy.
People who spent significant time in those build-
ings, it was concluded, did not receive as much
magnetic energy as did those who spent time in
buildings made of wood or other organic materials.
In other experiments, blocking the flow of magnet-
ism by covering the heads and adrenal regions of


master dowsers with magnetically shielded material
affected their ability to sense weak magnetic fields.
Magnetic belts, braces, pads, and a host of prod-
ucts are now popular with individuals who suffer
from arthritis; headaches; chronic back, leg, and
foot pain, and many other ailments.
According to Robert Todd Carroll, author of The
Skeptic’s Dictionary (Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley &
Sons, 1994–2003), “Some claim that magnets can
help broken bones heal faster, but most of the advo-
cacy comes from those who claim that magnets
relieve pain. Most of the support for these notions is
in the form of testimonials and anecdotes, and can
be attributed to “placebo effects and other effects
accompanying their use” (Livingston 1998). There is
almost no scientific evidence supporting magnet
therapy. One highly publicized exception is a dou-
ble-blind study done at Baylor College of Medicine
that compared the effects of magnets and sham mag-
nets on the knee pain of 50 post-polio patients. The
experimental group reported a significantly greater
reduction in pain than the control group. No repli-
cation of the study has yet been done.
Additional information is available by contacting
Bio-Electro-Magnetics Institute, 2490 West Moana
Lane, Reno, NV 89509-3936, or (702) 827-9099,
and Enviro-Tech Products, 17171 Southeast 29th
Street, Choctaw, OK 73020, or (405) 390-3499 or
(800) 445-1962.
See also BIOENERGETICS; DOWSING; FENG SHUI;
HAHNEMANN, SAMUEL C. F.; MESMERISM; PARACELSUS;
YIN-YANG.

malas In Ayurvedic medicine, the body’s three
waste products: urine, feces, and sweat.

mantra Sanskrit words or phrases (the singular
form is mantram) that carry energy and vibrations
useful in meditation practices. According to
Ayurvedic medicine, chanting a mantram or
mantra has healing benefits, particularly to achieve
balance in body, mind, and consciousness and to
nourish spiritual growth.
See also TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION; YOGA.

marma In Ayurvedic medicine, the energy points
where two or more physical functions meet.
See also MARMA PUNCTURE.

marma 81
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