Magnet Therapy for Animals
Introduction
Since most of our natural therapies are working in the field of bio-energetics and energy resonance, it should come as no surprise to learn that animal (and human) bodies are sensitive to the effects of magnetic forces.
We see this effect in the influence of power lines in our lives and those of our animals. The strong electric current, that is flowing in these wires, creates a powerful electro-magnetic field around them. I have two cat patients, from different families, who come to see me down the same road. There is no known connection between these two cats but they have something in common. They both vomit on every journey to me, at the same spot in that road, which, coincidentally, happens to be just after passing beneath a major power line.
Our ancient forebears were no doubt as aware of magnetic fields as we are of visual stimuli. To have created the megalithic sites that we see today, so precisely positioned and so powerful in their effects, was no coincidence.
Gravitational pull is akin to magnetism and the effect of celestial bodies upon our function is widely accepted. The sheer sensitivity of a biological system to this type of influence is the phenomenon that beggars belief.
Practical Application
If magnetic fields have such powerful effects on the body, surely there must be some therapeutic value. That is not to say, of course, that there should be no potential for harm too.
This logical conclusion is borne out by reality. Magnetic therapy is an ancient form of healing, that transcends the mere giving of medicines. Lodestone (magnetite) was the original medical source of magnetic therapy. Its use possibly predates medical history, with information coming from ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Vedic writings.
Magnetic forces, measured in ‘gauss' (after the scientist who first documented the measurement of them), are derived from two main categories. There are ‘permanent’ or ‘static’ magnets, such as we might use at home for picking up iron or steel objects or use in a science experiment, to create patterns with iron filings. There are also electromagnets, whose power depends upon an electric current, which can be applied in pulses.
Treatment
There is no question in my mind that magnetic fields can exert a positive medical effect. Likewise, I am aware of the potential for disruption of the body. What I have not found is a certain predictor, by which I can ascertain in advance which patients will respond. There is, therefore, a trial-and-error element in determining whether a magnetic field can help a given patient. At the AVMC, we use ‘energy testing’ in each patient, to ascertain the potential for benefit or harm and to determine optimum parameters when integrating magnet therapy into a treatment program. Polarity and direction of the magnetic field appear to be important, as determined by this method. Back problems in horses, back problems in dogs, arthritis in dogs and arthritis in horses are perhaps the most used medical applications.
Medical benefits (and presumably negative effects) work via bio-electrical (electro-biochemical) effects at cellular level. The electro-motive force exerted by the magnetic field will re-organise molecules within the cell and thus affect biochemical processes. The flow of blood can also be influenced, whether on a ‘whole body’ scale or more locally. This can necessarily affect tissue function and healing capability.
In individual animals, many chronic and refractory diseases can respond, where conventional medication may have failed. Arthritis is one of the most commonly accepted fields of usage.
Sadly, magnetic hardware can be expensive. It has, inappropriately in my opinion, become the object of network or multi-level marketing, requiring a ‘cut’ for many intermediate individuals (see products). Both static and electro-magnetic appliances are available.
Because of the variables of strength (gauss), polarity and direction, we do not advise the indiscriminate application of magnet therapy. We advocate prior ‘testing’, according to the principles mentioned above.
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 restricts the treatment of animals (other than your own) by anyone other than a fully qualified vet. The ‘lay’ use of magnets in therapy is not controlled by this law, unless there is an attempt at ‘diagnosis’.
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Magnet therapy can be integrated into a treatment program
