Pain relief Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found magnets effective at blocking pains caused by post-polio syndrome. The syndrome is marked by leg pains and affects up to 20% of polio patients later in life. In the study, 76% of the patients who were treated with a magnet had pain relief. Some precautions Because the body s own electromagnetic fields are affected by the weakest of magnets, several precautions are given in the use of magnets. For those using pacemakers and other electronic devices, refraining from the use of magnets is the best policy. Magnets should not be used by pregnant women or if there is internal or external bleeding. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the treatment group, especially in bladder control, hand function, and muscle spasticity. Low back and knee pain Another trial (double-blind, placebo controlled) of 54 people with knee or back pain compared a complex static magnet array against a sham magnet array. Alternative therapy Magnetic therapy is increasingly popular among progressive health care practitioners, veterinarians, professional athletes and the general population as well. With the spiraling cost of traditional health care and the continual aging of the general population, magnetic therapy had been included by many as among the options in relation to health. 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. As early as 2000 BC, magnet healing was already used in Chinese, and other early civilizations. There are historical records showing the use magnetic therapy in Egyptian, Indian and Greek civilizations. With magnet therapy, the body is thought to be controlled by magnetic fields. When a body is hurt or injured, the area affected becomes loaded with positive ions.