There are so many magnetic therapy products on the market right now. On top of that, you have all these 'technical sounding terms' like Neodymium and Gauss rating. The truth is all this jargon can seem a little overwhelming. Give me just two minutes of your time to transform you into a Magnet savvy consumer, read on.

Magnets come in all shapes and sizes and can be applied in many ways. Many Magnet Therapists will often talk about the Gauss strength of a magnet. Gauss is simply the unit term used for measuring the strength of the magnet. One gauss unit is equal to twice the strength of the Earth's magnetic field.

The most common types of Magnets used in therapy are Neodymium (Rare Earth) magnets. This particular type of Magnet is popular mainly because it comes in a vast array of forms e.g., back supports, seat pads, magnet mattress pads, magnetic blankets and strips which can be placed inside your footwear. This type of magnet can also taped directly onto the skin using an elastic adhesive strip.

As you are probably aware, Magnets have a North Pole and South Pole. This factor is of particular importance when magnets are being used therapeutically; and here's why:

a) The North side of the magnet produces Negative Energy. This type of energy has been proven to have the following effect on the body:

• Promotes healing and fights inflammation

• Reduces pain

• Encourages deep restorative sleep

• Increases cellular oxygen

b) The South side of the magnet produces Positive Energy. The effects of this type of energy are:

• Can inhibit healing and aggravates inflammation

• Increases pain

• Increases wakefulness

• Decreases cellular oxygen

Needless to say the Negative energy is primarily used for therapeutic purposes and self-treatment.

Consumer Tip

When purchasing magnets for treatment is always be aware that manufacturers will give a specified gauss rating e.g. 4000 gauss for the magnet. However, it is worth bearing in mind that same magnet will only transmit around 1200 when used therapeutically. Therefore, the strength of the magnet decreases in relation to its distance from the skin's surface. Other factors to bear in mind when you are selecting a magnet are, its' depth of penetration, weight and style of magnet in relation to where you wish to place it on your body.

So, here are your key points to remember:

• Gauss Rating is the unit used to measure the strength of the magnet

• Most commonly used type of magnet is neodymium (rare earth)

• Negative Magnetic Energy promotes, healing, fights inflammation and supports restorative sleep

• Positive Magnetic Energy inhibits healing, aggravates inflammation and causes wakefulness

• The strength of the magnet will decreases the further is it from the body e.g. concealed in a seat pad etc.,

• When selecting a magnet other factors to consider are depth of penetration, weight and style of magnet.

Here's to your wellness!