| The word 'magnet' is thought to have originated in | | | | Cheltenham was called in to put Raja back on his |
| Ancient Greece when a Greek shepherd, called | | | | feet with magnotherapy, a treatment that increases |
| Magnes, found magnetic stones (loadstones), placed | | | | the absorbtion of oxygen to speed up healing. Mr |
| in his sandals, helped to combat fatigue whilst walking | | | | Nevin said: "His back problem disappeared and has |
| long distances. As far back as 4BC, Chinese medical | | | | shown no sign of returning. I think it's safe to say he |
| texts described how loadstones (magnets) could | | | | will be ready to fulfil his part in the breeding |
| relieve pain when placed on the acupuncture points | | | | programme" |
| of the body. At that time it was also reported that | | | | The treatment has been tested on humans for many |
| Cleopatra wore these magnetic loadstones on her | | | | years to help cure arthritis Its success has led to it |
| forehead to prevent aging and maintain her beauty. | | | | being used on dogs and horses. |
| Early Hindu teachings also refer to the healing power | | | | The technique is now being used to treat a giraffe |
| of loadstones. | | | | and a rhinoceros with arthritis." |
| In 1777, the Canon of Verneuil-sur-Seine, Abbe Le | | | | Another local UK newspaper, The Telegraph, Express |
| Noble, presented his study of the benefits of | | | | and Western Mail carried this report in 1999 about |
| magnetism in treating diseases to the Society Royale | | | | the benefits of magnetism on a horse. The report |
| de Medicine. After extensive study they issued a | | | | said: |
| report supporting Abbe's findings and the use of | | | | "25 year old mare April developed arthritis after |
| magnets became widespread throughout Europe. | | | | breaking her cannon-bone in 1988 bringing an end to |
| It is only over the last 100 years that the use of | | | | her showjumping career. She became in foal last year |
| magnets for pain relief has declined - probably as a | | | | and after developing a liver condition, veterinarians |
| result of the development of modern drugs and the | | | | recommended the foal be born by caesarean section |
| marketing efforts of the major drug companies. | | | | and that April be put down. April's owner, used a |
| Since the early 1990's when magnetic pain relief | | | | magnetic pain relief bracelet herself and had |
| bracelets began to appear on the market thousands | | | | experienced great relief from her Sciatica. She |
| of people around the world have claimed that these | | | | decided in desperation to try using magnetic horse |
| bracelets have helped reduce or eliminate their pain. | | | | boots on April. |
| Despite this there are still many sceptics who say | | | | Within days, April was walking. After two weeks she |
| that magnetic pain relief is a myth. They suggest that | | | | was running around the paddock and soon |
| wearing these magnetic pain relief bracelets is nothing | | | | afterwards was clearing fences. April gave birth |
| more than a placebo and people just believe they | | | | unaided and was running around with her foal. April |
| have less pain. | | | | was able to return to showjumping and within six |
| There have certainly been studies that have shown | | | | months had qualified for the finals of the National |
| the human brain is capable of remarkable healing | | | | Veteran Horse of the Year." |
| powers and there could be a case for suggesting | | | | There are a growing number of veterinarians who |
| that by wearing a magnetic pain relief bracelet the | | | | now recommend magnetic collars as an effective pain |
| subconscious mind starts the healing process. | | | | relief for dogs and other animals in preference to |
| However that would not explain some of the | | | | prescribing drugs. Given the results of magnetic pain |
| remarkable reports about the healing effect that | | | | relief products on animals it seems logical to believe |
| magnets have had on animals. | | | | that they will have similar beneficial results on humans. |
| There have been many letters and press reports | | | | In fact, it was only after the manufacturers of these |
| showing remarkable results from using magnetic | | | | magnetic pain relief bracelets enjoyed tremendous |
| collars and wraps on cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cows, | | | | success on humans that they started to expand into |
| horses and even an elephant. | | | | dog collars and horse boots. |
| The Western Daily Press, a local newspaper for | | | | Even the most skeptical of medical practitioners are |
| Gloucestershire in England, reported how | | | | beginning to accept that magnetism does have a role |
| magnotherapy had been used successfully on Raja, a | | | | to play in pain management. Magnetic pain relief |
| four-year-old bull elephant that had been unable to | | | | bracelets also have no significant side effects unlike |
| walk or stand on his back legs. This was a particular | | | | many drugs that are available by prescription or over |
| problem as Raja was one of the breeding elephants | | | | the counter. The only health warning is that magnetic |
| at the famous Woburn Safari Park. The report said:- | | | | bracelets should not be worn by anyone fitted with a |
| "Mr Tony Nevin, an animal osteopath from | | | | heart pacemaker. |