Though most commonly used for pain, some proponents of magnetic therapy claim it could also be helpful for treating ADHD.
Though increasingly popular for pain management, magnet therapy may offer some relief for those who suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Americans spend about $500 million a year on magnets for alternative treatments. Understanding how these magnets work, as well as their possible side effects, can help you determine if magnetic therapy is helpful for treating your ADHD.
Identification
Magnetic therapy works on the idea that the body has an invisible energy force flowing through it. Magnets produce a magnetic field that are measured in units called gauss (G). Magnets typically used for magnetic therapy range from 300-5,000 G. Magnetic therapy proponents says that magnets work because they could change how cells function and might restore balance between cell death and growth. Also, because blood is full of iron, it may be a conductor of energy. Magnets, therefore, could increase blood flow, which would deliver more oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body.
Magnet Therapy and ADHD
Because magnet therapy works on the idea that magnets help increase blood and oxygen flow to various areas of the body, proponents of magnetic therapy for ADHD say that increased blood flow to the brain could result in improved concentration and mental clarity for those who suffer from ADHD.
To use magnets for your ADHD, make sure to use one with a large G, such as 1,000. Also, avoid wearing the magnet all day every day, as extended, continuous use could cause you to become resistant to its changes on your body's polarity.
Effects
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), magnet therapy has few side effects. The most common side effect is bruising or redness on the skin where the magnet is placed. Pregnant women should avoid magnet therapy as the effects on the fetus aren't fully known. Also, those who use devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or defibrillators should avoid magnetic therapy, as it could interfere with the magnetically controlled features of such devices.
Research
No studies have been done to determine the efficacy of magnetic therapy to treat ADHD. There are, however, studies that deal with the use of magnetic therapy for pain, particularly chronic back pain. The Seoul National University College of Medicine says that pulsed electromagnetic therapy reduced pain, and they recommend it as an alternative therapy. The NCCAM, though, says that its findings on magnetic therapy have been mixed.
Considerations
Make sure to tell your health care provider all of your medications, as magnetic therapy could interact with medications. Also, purchase a magnet that has a 30-day trial period, as the NCCAM says that results from magnetic therapy should be seen rather quickly, so you'll have time to return a magnet if you don't notice a difference in your ADHD symptoms.
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