What Are the Benefits of Magnetic Bracelets?

The idea of using magnets to benefit the human body isn't a new idea. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" reports that magnets were a part of the healing arts as long ago as 200 B.C. in China. Although the practice of using magnetic therapy for pain and other symptoms is controversial, magnetic bracelets and other types of magnets are readily available. Sold in health food stores and marketed as an alternative treatment for a variety of ailments, you may experience some benefits from wearing one of these bracelets.

Polarity

A magnetic bracelet contains one or more magnets. According to Gale, the effects from the bracelet vary depending upon which magnetic field faces your wrist. Discover Magnetics.com reports that the negative side of a magnet used in a therapeutic bracelet may have a green dot and the positive side may have a red dot.

In keeping with Chinese medicine, the two poles of the magnet produce diametrically opposing benefits and usually, the negative pole should face the body. This allows the "qi," or the body's natural energy paths, to open and flow freely, promoting health.

Negative Pole

Gale details the potential benefits from wearing a magnetic bracelet with the negative pole facing the wrist. These benefits include balancing pH in the body, restricting the unwanted growth of microorganisms and getting rid of free radicals in the bloodstream. The negative pole may also help you relax and may increase your body's oxygen production, bringing more oxygen to individual cells for improved health.

Gale suggests purchasing a small inexpensive magnet to see if you experience benefits before buying bracelets with more expensive magnets.

Positive Pole

The red dot, representing the positive pole on a therapeutic magnet, should rarely face the body, according to both Gale and Discover Magnetics.com. Wearing your magnetic bracelet this way may promote unwanted acid production in the body and may increase free radicals in the blood. You may experience insomnia and retain excess water. In addition, wearing the positive pole next to your body may deplete the oxygen stores in your blood, leaving you feeling drained.

However, if your body pH is alkaline, wearing the positive pole next to your wrist may help balance your pH levels.