The oldest known use of magnets to promote health was used in potions, foods and topical applications. This can be traced as far back as 100,000 years. The magnetite used then was thought to be used in potions, foods and topical applications.

Other nations like Ancient Greeks, Hebrews, Arabs, Indians, Egyptians and Chinese races have used magnets for a therapy now called magnetic therapy or magnotherapy.

A very traditional theory has been combined with independent research and newer technology to provide magnets these days of high strength which can be used by people and animals effectively for many conditions.

Magnets are used these days in hospitals & clinics worldwide and many tests and trials have been conducted on magnets and the human body with favorable results.

It is not fully known as how they actually work on the body but there are many theories, one of which is that they oxygenate the cells of the body, as the magnetic field passes through the blood.

This helps to promote healing of wounds and disease and speeds up recovery time. Magnetic bracelets are by far the most popular forms of magnetic therapy and are being sold all over the world in different shapes and sizes. They all promise the same effect but in different strengths. It is therfore important to choose magnetic bracelts which are not sold as cheap as their effectiveness is much lower than the more expensive ones.

Magnetic bracelets have proven through numerous independent trials that they help with osteoarthritis-researchers said that magnetic bracelets, worn by many for their supposed health benefits, do reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. This has been published in the British Medical Journal in Dec 04.

The researchers, from the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, found pain was significantly reduced in the patients wearing the standard magnetic bracelet compared to the dummy one.

There was little difference between the weak magnet group and those wearing the dummy magnets after 12 weeks of the study.

The researchers said: "Pain from osteoarthritis of the hip and knee decreases when wearing magnetic bracelets."

Some practitioners are even claiming magnetic therapy bracelets can promote anti-ageing. Just like Cleopatra kept a very youthful appearance we can do by wearing a magnetic bracelet. It is thought magnets encourage blood - containing iron - to the skin which stimulates collagen - a structural protein present in the skin which is essential for skin elasticity.