For arthritis with pains limited to the fingers, a neo magnet can be taped to the affected joint. Or, you can wear a magnetic wrist band. For back pains, have four magnets about one and a half inches on either side of the spine, two on each side. If the magnets are cumbersome to put on and remove, have a three to four-inch ceramic strip magnet or magnetic back brace on your back instead. It has a long history dating to as far back as 600 BC. Like acupuncture, magnet therapy has only been recently become an accepted form of natural healing in the U.S. European influence Until the 16th century, the healing powers of magnets were not officially recorded or advocated. It was first noted by the Swiss physician Paracelsus and at around the same time by Dr. With the use of magnets, it is possible to restore energy to the body, improve sleep, relieve pain and even, stress in a natural way. There are several cases where magnet therapy was able to prevent and treat chronic sicknesses. How did it all start? Early civilizations, apparently, were already using magnetic therapy. As the theory of magnotherapy goes, each individual cell of the body generates this electromagnetic field. By applying magnets on the surface of the affected area, the magnetic field relaxes the capillary walls of the body s cells resulting to increase blood flow to that part of the body and at the same time prevents the flow of liquids outside the cells which help control the pain. These days, experts on magnet therapy had compiled some guidelines on how to use magnets correctly. Magnetic poles Magnets have dual poles, the south and the north-pointing ends. The simple rule is that the north-pointing pole gives energy, while the south-pointing pole takes in energy. These facts have to be put into the context of the various illnesses. Just attach the magnet on the area where the pain is felt. When desired results are not met, then adjust the position of the magnet. Some would question the lack of scientific evidences supporting magnet therapy s claims, but there is no denying the amount of interest it generates from the public. More and more people are trying to figure out if magnet therapy and alternative medication would be able to help them with their chronic pain.