Another important aspect of using magnets in therapies is the difference between unipolar and bipolar magnets. There are contrasting views on which kind is better to use. Some say unipolars are the ideal kinds of magnets to use in therapies. However, since only one area is being used to penetrate the body you probably will need a very strong magnet to achieve significant results. When using magnets for pain relief, it is important to consider the gauss or the power of the magnet. For medicinal purposes, magnets with about 400 to 10,000 gauss can be used. An ordinary refrigerator magnet would have about 10 gauss, so you would no be able to use that since it lacks power. Just attach the magnet on the area where the pain is felt. Systems Because placements of these magnets need some knowledge, health care professionals have strategically placed the magnets within orthopedic supports. They are also in knee braces, ankle and elbow braces, all to simplify self-administration. For patients suffering from headaches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, or sports injuries, magnet therapy can bring safe and effective relief that is inexpensive and non-intrusive. Additionally, some practitioners believe that the north side of the magnet calms a person while the south end stimulates. From a scientific view, however, there seems to be no differences between the two poles as to their effects on body tissues. Placements Another consensus is that the magnet should be as close as possible to the affected body part. However, some would argue that magnetic jewelries do not induce much healing because of the small magnets used and the limited positions they are placed on the body. Despite having no definite scientific proof to back up claims of magnetic therapists that magnets can induce healing, more and more people are beginning to believe and use magnets as a complementary form of treatment. Peripheral neuropathy On peripheral neuropathy, there was a 4-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 19 people. Four participants wore magnetic foot insoles during the day all throughout the trial period. There was a reduction in the symptoms of burning, numbness, and tingling. Especially marked were those cases of neuropathy associated with diabetes.