Translation of the article which appeared in the Japan Medical Journal No. 2745 December
4th, 1976
Kyoichi Nakagawa, M. D.
Director, Isuzu Hospital Tokyo, Japan
- Preface
- I. Advocation of the Magnetic Field Deficiency Sydrome
- II. Clinical Image of the Syndrome
- III.Basis for the Presence of the Deficiency Syndrome
- IV. The Relationship Between Magnetic Fields and the Human Body
- V. Treatment Effect of Magnetism
- VI. Magnetic Field Surplus Syndrome
- VII. Study
Preface>
Almost 20 years have elapsed
since we (Nakagawa, K., et al.) began research on "Magnetism and Living Bodies".
Judging from the results of our research and those of other groups
during this period, as well as from extensive referential data
available both in Japan and abroad, I have come to the belief that
we assume the presence of what we call "The Magnetic Field
Deficiency Syndrome" in human bodies. Hereinafter 'Magnetism'
or 'Magnetic field' will imply a stationary state.
I. Advocation of the Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome
Many clinical studies have proven that, among
human illness syndromes, there is one which improves when magnetic
fields are applied to a part of the human body (details given in
article III).
Considering: 1. Facts gained from clinical studies,
2. The decreasing strength of the Earth's magnetic field and 3.
The relationship between the human body and magnetism, I am of
the following belief.
The human body is under the influence of the
Earth's magnetic field and is keeping some sort of balance relationship
with it. However, under modern day living conditions, the effect
of this field has decreased. Consequently, we can assume that for
a certain human body, this lack of magnetism has caused some abnormalities.
For this reason, by the external application of a magnetic field
to the human body to supplement this deficiency, such abnormal
conditions can be improved. In other words, I feel that there is
a direct relationship between the decrease in the earth's magnetic
field acting on the human body and the improvement of abnormal
conditions of the human body by the application of magnetic fields.
This is my reason for advocating the presence
of the magnetic field deficiency syndrome in living bodies. It
is not clear if a similar syndrome occurs in living bodies other
than human beings. However, as from the clinical point of view
I believe we can safely say that the syndrome does exist in human
bodies, I refer hereafter to those only.
II.Clinical Image of the Syndrome
The symptoms of the syndrome are; "Stiffness" of
the shoulders, back and scruff of the neck, uncertain lumbago,
chest pains for no specific reason, habitual headache and heaviness
of the head, dizziness and insomnia for uncertain reasons, habitual
constipation, general lassitude, etc.
Generally speaking, the specific cause of the
illness is not noticeable or no specific relationship between the
original illness and the derivative symptoms can be found. The
symptoms neither improve nor get worse, no clue being gained from
clinical examination. One or more of the above symptoms is usually
noticed as the syndrome.
Among those above-mentioned, there are, of course,
some symptoms which accompany such illnesses as hypertension, diabetes,
disease of the digestive organs, bone and nerve diseases, etc.
However, as with the syndrome such symptoms continue even after
the original disease has been treated or cured, any relationship
between such symptoms and the original disease can be excluded.
In other words, it is a syndrome in which no
objective pathological findings can be noticed from routine physical
and clinical examinations, but in which the subjective symptoms
persist and are hard to improve, resisting various treatments but
responding to the application of a magnetic field. An unbalance
autonomic nervous system or part of such might be included in this
syndrome.
III. Basis For The Presence Of The Deficiency Syndrome
Here, I wish to discuss the basis of the magnetic
field deficiency syndrome. Firstly whether the application of a
magnetic field to the human body is effective in improving such
symptoms as mentioned in II, and secondly whether the magnetic
field acting on the human body today is really in a deficient condition
or not.
1. Treatment by application of a magnetic
field to the human body
Here I will deal with the cure of illnesses or
improvement of symptoms by the use of a magnetic field. This is
usually called magnetotherapy, and I will break it into two groups-
research in Japan, and research abroad.
a) Research in Japan
During 1958 we (1-7), as part of the research
on "Magnetism and Living Bodies", published the results
of tests conducted to relieve stiffness of the shoulders. A reasonably
high rate of success was achieved by having participants wear ferrite
permanent magnet bands in the form of bracelets. The details of
the tests were reported (6)(7) to the first symposium, Fujimoto(8)
also reported finding the same magnetic bracelet effective in treating
stiffness of the shoulders. Furthermore, Kimura et al. (7)(8) reported
that by using two types of magnetic bracelets having surface flux
densities of 470 gauss, improvement of subjective symptoms but
no change in blood serum fat, blood serum protein and their fractions
were noticed. Also, Nambu et al. (7) under the guidance of Kimura,
by having 1,163 magnetic bracelets and for comparison 644 non-magnetized
bracelets worn to treat stiffness of the shoulders, found a considerable
difference between the two groups. Using hospitalized patients
we (7) also tested foam rubber mattresses containing ferrite permanent
magnets, reporting that improvement of subjective symptoms but
no change in clinical tests was found. Tomizuka et al.(9)(10)(11),
also reported finding magnetic fields effective in treating various
diseases.
In 1974, we (12-15) distributed questionnaire
sheets with patch-on-the-skin type magneto-therapeutic devices
used to treat subjective symptoms. By dividing the 11,648 cases
into four groups and investigating from there, an over 90% effective
rate was gained with a confidence coefficient of 99%, this being
subsequently reported. Furthermore, we (13) reported an 82.1-96.3%
effective rate at confidence coefficient 99% over a group of 120
cases using rare earth cobalt magnetic necklaces having a surface
magnetic flux density of 1300 gauss. Also, we reported that at
confidence coefficient 99%, no ill effects on the human body were
noticed in various clinical examinations performed on the participants
both before and after the two-week test period.
Horie(16), in 1976 reported that in clinical
tests of the magnetic ring, at the confidence coefficient 95% an
effective rate of 76.3-97.3% was gained in treating stiffness of
the shoulders. Using a blind test, he also found a considerable
difference between magnetized and non-magnetized rings. Shimohira
et al.(17) also tested the same magnetic ring in treating stiffness
of the shoulders, finding that magnetized rings showed an 80.2%
effective rate while non-magnetized rings showed a 6.3% effective
rate.
We (18), and Takahashi et al. (19) also reported
a high rate of effectiveness in treating stiffness of the shoulders
by using a magnetic necklace with a surface flux density of 700-900
gauss. At the same time, no ill effects on the human body could
be found through clinical tests.
In 1975, Ohta (20) reported that following four
weeks usage, magnetized necklaces showed an effective rate of 65%
while non-magnetized necklaces showed only 20%. Baba (68) also
conducted research using the same necklace as Ohta, finding it
effective in 14 out of 20 cases. Sugiura(14) also reported a noticeable
difference between the effective rate of magnetized and non-magnetized
necklaces, 78% and 17% respectively. Shimada(15) also used the
same necklace in treating stiffness of the shoulders, the first
week using a magnetized necklace, the second week a non-magnetized
necklace and the third week the magnetized necklace again. The
magnetic necklace showed an effective rate of 75% while the non-magnetic
necklace showed only 24%.
In 1976 Yamada et al (23) compared therapeutic
effects of the magnetic necklace having a surface flux density
of 1,300 gauss with another of 200 gauss by means of a blind test.
Statistically, they noticed that the former was significantly more
effective than the latter, and that both showed no disadvantageous
side effects from the results of various clinical examinations.
b) Research Abroad
Magneto-therapy has a long history abroad, and
the titles with a brief explanation of literature from past days
are listed in the Bibliography of the Biological Effects of Magnetic
Fields(24).
In this publication, We find the thesis Eydam
I. of 1843 on the application of a magnetic field to the human
body for therapeutic purposes. I believe I can say that with the
exception of Paracelas (25) or Gilbert(26) this is the oldest thesis
on magneto-therapy. Following this in 1969, Maggiorani(27) reported
that he gained effective and non-effective results in applying
magnetism to the human body and that hysteria, ataxia and diabetes
patients were most sensitive.
In 1878, Charot and Renard(27) wrote of the effects
of magnetism on hysteria and in 1879 Mueller(27) wrote that itchiness
and pain were noticed when a magnetic field was applied to the
human body. Westphal(27) and Gangee(27) reported in 1878 of abnormal
skin feeling returning to normal on the application of magnetism.
In the same year, Waldmann(28) announced his thesis on "Der
Magnetismus in der Heilkunde". This was probably the first
thesis concerning the application of a magnetic field to the treatment
of illnesses. In 1879, Benedict(27) and Drosdov (27) reported that
the application of a magnetic field reduced pain stemming from
various causes. A thesis forwarded by Benedict, M. (29) in 1885
used the word Magneto-therapie, and in 1886 Quinan, J.R. (24)(30)
announced a general history of the application of magnetism in
medical science.
As mentioned above, much interest was shown in
the relationship between the magnetic field and the human body
and it is thought that magnetism was actually used in clinical
medicine as treatment.
However, the application of magnetic fields in
medicine had gradually faded, probably because of reports such
as that of Peterson, F. and A.E. Kennelly(31) of the then influential
Edison Laboratory who advocated that magnetism had no effect on
the human body, and that of Hermann, L.(31) who reported finding
no change in experiments using human beings and frogs.
In 1902, Kurella, H.(24) published a report on
treatment using magnetism, and Kuehn, W.(24) made public another
on Heilmagnetismus. Also in 1902, Fere, C.(24) made public a report
on the effect of magnetism on human physiological functions. Following
that, under the title of "Heilmagnetismus", Moll, A.(24)
forwarded his thesis on magneto-therapy. Payr, E.(24) in 1915 also
wrote a thesis on the application of strong electromagnets in the
medical field, and Kahame, M.(24) forwarded a thesis titled Magnetotherapie.
As the above mentioned theses from abroad are
very old, they are difficult to get in Japan and we have never
read the originals only knowing them indirectly. However, judging
from the titles of the theses, I believe we can safely presume
magneto-therapy was tried and that it had quite a long history.
Following this, during the 1920's, as far as
I can ascertain only a few theses on magneto-therapy were forwarded.
However, in 1928, Rosenberg(27) stated that "We must admit
that until now no basis for acknowledging the effect of a constant
magnetic field has been obtained." This appeared to become
the established theory in western countries, and also appears to
have been accepted in Japan. I believe it was because of this that
research on magnetism in the medical and biological fields was
deemed meaningless.
In 1938, Hansen, K.M.(32) reported that patients
suffering from subjective symptoms of sciatica, lumbago, joint
pains, etc. but showing no findings in an X-ray examination, found
relief when the constant field from an electromagnet was applied.
The report further stated that magnetism was also effective in
treating acute inflammatory illnesses and chronic gingivitis. It
does not give the strength of the field used, but we can assume
it to be quite strong. With this therapy, the S-pole was applied
to the body for periods of 10-40 minutes, this being repeated several
or in some cases over 10 times.
Hansen, in 1944(33) and 1949(34) also forwarded
her research on magnetic fields applied to the human body, but
as this has no direct relationship to therapy I will not elaborate
here. She states that from those studies it is found that magnetism
applied to the human body functions mainly on the autonomic nervous
system.
During the 1950's, research on the removal of
strongly magnetic objects from the human body was made (35)(36),
but as this also does not fall into the category of magneto-therapy
I will not elaborate.
In 1960, Freeman, M.W.(37) forwarded his thesis
on "Magnetism in Medicine", however this also does not
deal with the therapeutic effects of magnetism. Sinkarera, L.F.
et al.(38) reported in 1970 that a constant magnetic field was
found effective in treating inflammatory illnesses of the female
genital organs.
In 1972, Degan, I.L.(39) experimented with applying
a constant magnetic field of 450-530 gauss to the hands of patients
suffering from Dupuytren's contracture incurable by drugs. the
treatment lasted for 15-40 minutes at a time, this being repeated
from 5-40 times depending on the case. The treatment was found
effective on first-degree symptoms, and also considerable improvement
was noticed as well in cases with second degree symptoms.
c.) Deficiency of the Magnetic Field acting
on the human body
The earth's magnetic field is of course a stationary
magnetic field working constantly on the human body. For this reason,
I wish to discuss here whether this field is actually in a deficient
state or not. Kawai(40) stated that the strength of the earth's
field has decreased a total of 50% during the last 500 years, decreasing
5% over the past 100 years. Furthermore, it is said(41) that the
total moment of the earth's magnetic field has been decreasing
at the rate of 0.05% per year. Along these lines, Rikitake(42)
also states that the magnetic moment of the earth is decreasing
quite rapidly, the rate of decrease having reached about 5% per
one hundred years. He maintains that if this continues the earth's
magnetic field will eventually reach zero in 200 years. Along with
this decrease, the angles of the earth's magnetic field are also
said to be changing.
It seems certain we can assume that the earth's
magnetic field is decreasing in strength, and we can well imagine
that this could be the cause of disorder in the human body.
Furthermore, we also consider that there are
other factors as well, which could play a part in decreasing the
effect of the earth's field acting on the human body.
Living or working in steel frame or steel structure
buildings is one of these. Iron is several hundred to several thousand
times more permeable than air(43), and so can absorb a large part
of the magnetic lines of the earth's field thus sheltering people
from such. Automobiles, electric trains, and ships are, to some
extent, also sheltered places, the latter being especially so.
To confirm this point, it is necessary to actually
measure the field strength on the spot, and we are at the moment
preparing to do this. However, the actual process of measurement
seems to be very difficult(42).
As the human race has long been under the influence
of the earth's magnetic field I believe, as I mentioned before(7),
that any change in this field could cause disorder in the human
body. Kawai's book (40) is subtitled "The Earth's Magnetic
Field Controls the Weather", and if this is really the situation,
the human body will be influenced by this change in the weather.
This can be shown as follows: Change in the earth's magnetic field
leads to a change in the weather which leads to an influence on
the human body and consequent disorder of some kind.
However, even if the disorder in the human body
occurs along these lines, it does not fall into the category we
claim to be the Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome. The reason
for this is that such a disorder would be caused indirectly by
the change in the weather, and there would be no change in such
a disorder which could be gained by applying a magnetic field directly
to the human body.
We are left with the question of how magnetic
fields (including the earth's field) directly affect the human
body, and I wish to take this up in the next article.
There is a difference between each human body,
and one such case could be suffering from a magnetic field deficiency
even if there was no decrease in the strength of the earth's field.
However, the people with the stated above show improvement when
a magnetic field is applied, and we believe that at least with
these people, there is a magnetic field deficiency.
To summarize, the earth's magnetic field acting
on the human body has, for various reasons, been decreasing and
this is believed to cause some sort of disorder in the human body.
Therefore, when by some method a magnetic field is applied to the
human body it is clear that the symptoms can be improved (see referential
literature quoted), and this is the basis for our advocating the
presence of the magnetic field deficiency syndrome.
IV. The Relationship Between Magnetic Fields and the Human Body
Research on magnetic fields and the living body
has become very active in recent years, much literature(57)(58)(67)
having been published. In this article I wish, through items other
than those concerning the treatment effects of magnetic fields
which I discussed in article III, to discuss the relationship between
magnetic fields and the human body. What I will take up here is
concerned with the functional order of a magnetic field on the
human body.
There has been some excellent research done on
the objective effects of a magnetic field applied to the human
body. One of these by Okai, et al.(44-47) confirmed by using animals
that new electric current is generated by electromagnetic induction
when a magnetic field is applied to the blood stream. Then, by
putting the human chest between the poles of an electromagnet or
by generating a pulse between two poles placed as such, they detected,
by using electrodes fixed to the skin, electromotive force by the
blood flow across the magnetic field. They named this Magnetoheography.
It was the first time the electric change occurring when a magnetic
field is applied to the human body had been confirmed.
Similar studies utilizing animals were made during
1964, 1966 and 1969 by Beischer, et al.(48)(49)(58) with squirrel
monkeys. That using a 100 kilogauss field from a super-conductive
electromagnet showed a similar electromotive force as in previous
experiments on the human body. However, the experiment by Okai
remains the first conducted on the human body.
From these experimental results, it is now clear
that, in the case of both human beings and animals, electromotive
force is generated by the external application of a magnetic field
to the body. This phenomenon was first announced by Farbre, P.
(1932)(50) and Kolin, A. (1936)(51) who studied the electromagnetic
induction in living bodies by using the exposed blood vessels of
animals. It is the phenomenon of a new electromagnetic flowmeter
utilizing this phenomenon, this being applied in the fields of
biology and experimental medicine to study circulation. The results
of much research on this subject have been published, but as it
is not the main theme of this thesis I will not quote details.
Since their time, the research of Farbre, P.
and Kolin, A. has been adopted in the scope of physics, it being
used to measure flow volume or flow speed in various fields(7).
This branch of physics is called Magneto-hydrodynamics and publications
by Alfven, H. (55) and cowling, T.G. (56) are available on the
subject.
Barnothy, M.F.(57) states that the electromotive
force generated by this method creates Polarization Current and
Conduction Current, these causing Electrolytic dissociation of
body fluid which acts on the human body as stress.
It is clear that an electric change will occur
when a magnetic field is applied to the human body, but this is
not an insertion of electrical energy into the it is only a conversion
of a part of the motion energy of the body fluid into electrical
energy through the medium of a magnetic field. Therefore, we cannot
consider it as an insertion of energy as the energy of the magnetic
field is much smaller than other physical phenomena used for therapy
today. For this reason, the function of a magnetic field on the
human (living) body is helping only from the angle that it converts
one particular form of energy which the system contains. We(7)
believe it is a "physical, catalyst-like function".
For these reasons, we(7) feel that if such an
energy change is produced by applying a magnetic field constantly
to the human body, some change will occur in the body. To this
effect, we believe that the therapeutic syndrome explained in II.
If this is the case, we must consider the mal-effects
on the human body as the result of the application of such a field.
This point will be covered in article VI.
Other phenomena which we feel could occur to
the living (human) body when a magnetic field is applied to it
are the Thermomagnetic effect and the Hall effect. (For details
please refer to books specializing in this field). Barnothy, M.F.(57)
also maintains that these effects occur, but to what extent they
are important as a cause of the influence of a magnetic field on
the human body has not been proven.
Furthermore, we could of course think of the
molecular biological function as an explanation of the relationship
between magnetic fields and the human body(57)(58), however, we(7)
think that with the strength of the magnetic fields used for therapy
today, we need not consider this. For this reason, I will not include
an explanation of this.
Next, I wish to discuss the question of a magnetic
field emanating from the human body. Whether or not there is such
a field has already been confirmed, its presence being found using
Magnetocardiography and Magnetoencepholography. Much research has
been conducted on this phenomenon, but Tanaka and Ushio(59) summarize
the point well. I will explain here the contents of this phenomenon.
A magnetic field, although weak, is formed around
the human body by the active current within the body, this field
changing as the active current changes. The purpose of Magnetocardiography
and Magnetoencepholography is to record the change of this field
from outside the body, and to utilize these findings for diagnosis.
This recording is very difficult to make as an instrument which
is capable of measuring to at least 10^-7 gauss is necessary for
external recording, and above this noise prevention is also a problem.
We are still testing the possibility but so far without success.
On the other hand, the earth's magnetic field
has about a 5X10^-1 gauss magnetic flux density, and is incomparably
stronger than that emanating from the human body. Therefore, for
even a small change in the earth's field that of the human body
will be much affected. This may even affect the active current
within the human body. Therefore, for even a small change in the
earth's field that of the human body will be much affected. This
may even affect the active current within the human body, and we
can imagine that this could be the cause of disorder or change
in the body.
When a magnetic field is applied externally to
the human body, a field with a magnetic flux density of 10^2-10^3
gauss can be easily and continuously maintained. Further, we can
imagine that the magnetic field emanating from the body could be
affected considerably. There are some theses(64) which claim that
the influence on the magnetic field emanating from the human (living)
body by an outside field is the source of the function of fields
on the body.
As the earth's magnetic field is to some extent
always working on the body, and as the body fluid is always in
motion even when the body is at rest, it must be that electromotive
force is constantly being generated by electromagnetic induction.
Also, when a man is in motion, he moves across the magnetic field
and in the same way as a conductive material moving across a magnetic
field it is also possible to consider that electromotive force
could be generated.
For these reasons, the electromotive force generated
when a man moves East-West and North-South will be different, the
speed of motion also causing a difference.
Summarizing what I have stated in this article
and the contents of II, III, we assume the function of a magnetic
field on the human body follows the steps shown in Fig. 1&2.
However, there are many things still not clarified, but we believe
that an approach to the solution both following and opposite to
the direction of the arrows in Fig. 2. will lead to clarification
of the problem(14)(15). I will not elaborate on this here.
V. Treatment Effect Of Magnetism
An attempt to improve symptoms and treat illnesses
by the application of a magnetic field to the human body is called
magnetotherapy as mentioned in III.
a) Features of Magnetotherapy
Most of the magnetotherapy cases mentioned in
article III 1)b) employ an electromagnet, research done by Hansoen,
K.M.(32)(33)(34) also employing such. For this reason, treatment
consists of a series of applications each lasting for a maximum
of 30-40 minutes. Contrary to this method, what we (7)(12-15) have
been doing since 1957 is to apply a permanent magnet to the body
for treatment, this making possible continuos treatment over a
long period of time. Because of the recent remarkable development
of magnetic flux density (max. 3 x 10^3 gauss) to the human body.
We believe that the effectiveness of a magnetic
field applied to the human body varies according to the following
six factors. (1) Strength of the field (2) Uniformity of the field
(3) Direction (4) Range of the field (5) Operational time (6) Position
on the body to which the field is applied. These points I have
already detailed (7)(14)(15) and will not elaborate here. When
the point of application of the magnetic field and the point where
the effect is felt do not coincide, for example the use of the
magnetic bracelets and rings to cure shoulder stiffness, this is
referred to as the Remote Effect of the magnetic field. However,
when the patch-on-the-skin type devices are directly applied to
the area in which the symptoms are felt, the effect is referred
to as the Local Effect of the magnetic field. We believe that magnetic
fields can function in both ways.
Magnetic fields can be roughly divided into two
types- the Stationary and the Varying Field. The latter is further
divided into Alternating, Pulsating, Rotating and Travelling fields.
Both in Japan and abroad, the influence exerted
on living bodies by varying magnetic fields (mainly alternating
and pulsating currents) has been studied. That treatment using
varying magnetic fields is effective has been acknowledged and
we have also been working with such. However, we are still not
certain if it is helpful in treating the magnetic field deficiency
syndrome or not, and for this reason I will note elaborate here.
There are present around us electro-magnetic
waves and also stationary and varying magnetic fields emanating
from various electrical appliances, but it is not certain what
sort of relationship these magnetic fields have with the supply
of magnetism to the human body.
b) Types of Magnetotherapeutic Devices and
their Features
In Japan, magnetotherapeutic devices are registered
under the Drug Regulations Act of 1961 as No. 81 on the list covering
Devices and Machines. This implementing of regulations to control
the manufacture and sale of magnetotherapeutic devices happened
three(1) years after we first reported on such devices to a medical
congress, two years after the symposium on magnetism and the living
body(6)(8) was held, and two years after we proposed the establishment
of such regulations to the Minister of health and Welfare (according
to my diary). Since that date, it has become illegal to manufacture
and sell magnetotherapeutic devices have been officially approved.
Today, such devices as the magnetic wristband
(bracelet), magnetic ring, magnetic stomach belt, magnetic mattress,
magnetic necklace, magnetic arch plate, magnetic patch-on-skin
device, etc., are being marketed. There are also some other types
of devices available.
Generally, these magnetotherapeutic devices apply
a stationary magnetic field to the human body, but the magnetic
arch plate will cause the magnetic flux density to vary with each
step when walking, this producing a varying magnetic field. Especially
when permanent magnets are attached to the bottom of shoes or sandals,
the factor working as a varying magnetic field can be large. Necklaces
will swing with motion of the body, and this could also possibly
produce the characteristics of a varying field. However, in the
case of necklaces the stationary magnetic field factor is substantial,
and this is believed to be helping to supply magnetism to the body.
We, in our routine medical practice, are using
as a first choice suitable magnetotherapeutic devices as mentioned
in II, and with such have been achieving quite high effective rates.
Magnetotherapeutic devices have the following
features:
1) They can be easily used.
2) They can be used for long hours continuously.
3) The user can adjust the hours of usage to the subjective symptoms.
4) No serious side-effects can be found.
With the new magnetic materials which have been
developed, the desired magnetic flux density can be achieved with
a small size, and the users can wear them in the same way as other
costume jewelry or accessories.
Regarding continuous usage, I wish to say the
following. By using magnetotherepeutic devices, the symptoms described
in II can be improved within one week in the majority of cases.
However, if usage is continued for two to six months, the symptoms
will sometimes return. This, we believe, is caused by habituation
in the human body, the same phenomenon being noticed with drugs.
Therefore, once the symptoms disappear following use of the device,
we suggest removal of such until the symptoms re-appear. By repetition
of this procedure, the 'habituation' phenomenon can be prevented
can be prevented and the device can be expected to remain effective
over a long period of time.
Furthermore, we suggest that the user himself
decide when he will wear the device, for example only at night
or only during the day, etc. We suggest he wear it so that he feels
the least embarrassment while gaining the greatest effect.
Regarding the magnetic flux density working on
the body, Yamada et al.(23) report that from their studies magnetic
necklaces with a surface flux density of 1,300 gauss showed a significantly
greater therapeutic effect than those of only 200 gauss. We(60)
also have compared the effectiveness of necklaces having a magnetic
flux density of 700 gauss and 1,300 gauss, but found no significant
difference from the point of view of effect. However, we did get
the impression that the latter necklace required less time to take
effect than the former. For this reason, I believe that to be suitably
effective on the human body, a magnetic field with a flux density
of over 500 gauss must be applied.
I believe that even with fields having a magnetic
flux density of over 1,500 gauss, the only change will be that
the necessary time of application will be shorter. This should
be no problem as such time is easy to regulate.
Regarding side-effects, we could not detect anything
serious but did have occasional reports of people feeling a 'rush
of blood to the head' or a 'dull-headed' feeling. In our study(60),
we had 4 out of 166 report such feelings. However, even with these
people the stiffness in the shoulders was improved and I suggest
that in such cases people accustom their bodies to the necklace
by repeated intermittent usage of it.
As stated in III 1)a), no change disadvantageous
to the human body could be found by the clinical tests. The reason
for the presence of only very minor side effects is that as stated
in IV magnetic fields only cause a conversion of energy within
the system of an individual body, the actual input of energy being
very small.
Regarding the pole of the magnet to be applied
to the body, Davis, A.R. et al.(61) reported that the S-pole has
a soothing effect while the N-pole has an exciting effect. However,
there are no referential quotations or data given to prove this
point, and nothing is really clear. We did hold discussions with
Davis, A.R. et al. in their laboratory in Florida, U.S.A. during
a four-day stay there in 1972, but we could not receive data to
back up the point and could not agree with their idea. At the present
stage, we believe that whether the N-pole or the S-pole is applied
has no significant bearing on the effect of the treatment.
VI. Magnetic Field Surplus Syndrome
To be brief, it is not confirmed at present whether
a magnetic field Surplus Syndrome exists or not. As stated in V,
some users have experienced a rush of blood to the head, etc.,
on use of magnetotherapeutic devices and this could be such a syndrome.
Regarding human bodies exposed to strong magnetic
fields, Beischer, et al.(57) have tested a 20,000 gauss field,
and from the results of this report that, with the exception of
some cases of tooth-ache, no subjective symptoms were noticed when
human beings were exposed to the field for a short time. We are
also informed that people working within strong magnetic fields
are in good health, and we plan to look into this point in the
future.
VII. Study
The human race, having been living on this earth,
has been influenced by at least two physical phenomena- gravity
and the earth's magnetic field. The relationship between gravity
and the human body and, in relationship to recent space travel,
the influence of a no-gravity condition on the human body have
been the objects of research.
On the contrary, however, this is hardly true
when it comes to the study of the earth's magnetic field on the
human body. In the field of biology and field science, there has
been some research done on the influence on test animals shielded
from magnetic fields(58)(62), and during 1935-1976 research on
the effects on the human body of being exposed to a very weak magnetic
field for a ten day, one month and five year period of time was
conducted(63). However, no reliable uniform information was forthcoming,
and the relationship between the earth's magnetic field and the
living body is still unclarified.
We are well aware that the following definite
steps are needed to confirm the magnetic field deficiency syndrome.
1) For the human body to be kept in a test room
shielded from all magnetic fields, but maintaining the same living
conditions as people outside.
2) Research to be done to determine if the test subject in (1) shows any symptom
as stated in II.
3) If such symptoms do occur, apply an external magnetic field to the body to
see if there is any improvement or not.
If the results of these studies are all affirmative
in nature, then the magnetic field deficiency syndrome can be established.
However, as any such study is virtually impossible, I advocate
the presence of the magnetic field deficiency syndrome on the basis
of what I stated in III. As a result of our research starting from
the therapeutic effects gained by artificially adding and applying
magnetic fields to the human body, we have reached the above conclusion.
As Hansen, K.M.(34) stated in her report, the
study of the relationship between magnetism and the living body
as well as magnetotherapy was referred to in pre-1950 Europe as
Magnetism = Mesmerism = Charlatanism. Because of this, when we
first announced the results of our research in 1958, we were the
objects of severe criticism and reproach(65)(66).
Some so-called 'people of authority' in Japan,
have in the past made, through the media of mass communication,
negative or careless statements about the impossibility of magnetic
fields having an effect on the human body. None of these statements
were based on their own study or referential literature. These
statements caused much annoyance to us and to this field of research,
but as there was no basis for these statements I will not quote
them here but will leave it until some other opportunity.
In Closing
I have stated here that we advocate the presence
of the magnetic field deficiency syndrome, and also the basis for
such a statement.
The reason for my daring to put pen to paper
and write such a thesis as this at this time is that if research
in this field will be taken up my by many clinical doctors through
actual application of this therapy, further data will be added
to that available now and this will be established as a new field
of therapy.
What I have stated here about the therapeutic
effects of magnetic fields is based on many study results, and
I believe I can safely say that the contents of this report will
not be contradicted at the present time. If, however, further studies
are added to what I have stated, my belief might either be revised
or supplemented in the future. However, I feel that when that happens,
the total scope of the relationship between magnetic fields and
the human body will have been clarified.
Acknowledgement
We wish to express our thanks to the authors
whose reports are referred to in this publication.
Research on "Magnetic fields and living
bodies" has been collaborated by the following doctors and
clinical examiners of our hospital.
Dr. Yorito Hayashi, The late Dr. Kimito Takamatsu,
Dr. Takamasa Nagano, Dr. Hiroshi Araoka, Mr. Akira Otake and Mr.
Kenji Shimizu.
Furthermore, this research has been supported
by Professor Kaneyoshi Tanak, Lecturer Tadahiro Ushio of The Musashi
Institute of Technology and Dr. Masaie Horioka, Ex-director of
The National Institute of Electrics.
The outline of this thesis was reported to The
3rd Conference on "Magnetic Fields and Living Bodies" held
in Tokyo on Nov. 6, 1976.
This English version was made possible with the
assistance of TDK Electronics Co., Ltd., Tokyo Japan.
Address of the author: c/o Isuzu Hospital, 26-10,
Minami-Lhi6-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140 Japan. |