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In 1987, the World Health Organization declared magnets officially natural and safe for people without pacemakers, defibrillators, hearing aid implants, insulin pumps or buns in the oven. As a result, many people question the validity of alternative medicines like magnetic therapy. However, several prominent studies have shown evidence of their effectiveness for certain illnesses. A study at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that 76% of patients recovering from polio were relieved by magnets. Similar studies found that 90% of patients with diabetic neuropathy reported less foot pain after four months of magnetic insoles.

While a trip to the acupuncture clinic is ideal, doctors of alternative medicines recommend magnetic therapy for treating depression. After all, not everyone is comfortable with long needles being stuck into acupuncture points to send feel-good endorphins rushing past slow-moving pain signals to block pain, improve circulation and encourage healing. For those looking at non-invasive options, magnets may be a perfect fit. Many anti-depressants have negative side effects or addictive properties, leading many Americans to look elsewhere.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is the name of the procedure that transmits a series of painless magnetic pulses to the brain. "It activates neurons here that were off line and it tells them 'you guys need to get back to work.' They go online and they participate and do their normal activity," explains Dr. John O'Reardon. "It looks like it is effective for patients who don't benefit from standard treatments, be it talk therapy or medications." Generally, the procedure can take from 10 to 30 sessions (2/month) to maintain the effect. Patients report feeling smarter, more rejuvenated and happier, although it would be nice if insurance companies covered alternative pain relievers, instead of just traditional medicines.

Most Americans misuse magnets and are surprised when they don't work. "The greatest misconception out there about magnetic therapy is that if you wear a magnetic bracelet you'll relieve pain in your knee or shoulder. Magnets only work locally. If you want pain relief for a knee problem, you apply a magnetic knee brace or patches to the knee," explains expert Debbie Shimadry. She advises that pain sufferers look for the right strength of magnet, place it in the right location and leave it on 24/7 for the proper duration.

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