QuadraBloc™

QuadraBloc™ a reliable source of scientific research and information on magnetic fields and their therapeutic properties, particularly in the application of pain. Much of the information is dedicated to the Quadrapolar magnetic array.

A Brief History of Magnetic Therapy

Long before the advancement of evidence based medicine, countless health practitioners used all manner of therapies and potions to treat and prevent pain. From the earliest recorded history of medicine, Greek physicians and scientists were intrigued about magnetic substances and the way in which they can affect the human body.

As early as the 16th century William Gilbert of Colchester used magnets on his most famous patient Queen Elizabeth the 1st of England.

He treated her for a variety of ailments. Gilberts classic book De Magnet remains a landmark in the history of science because of its recognition of the difference between static electricity and magnetism.

Anton Mesmer

The famous Austrian Physician Franz Anton Mesmer did extensive work on the use of magnets and developed a theory concerning the bodys own magnetic energy which he coined animal magnetism. Mesmers work fell into disrepute by the French medical establishment.
He thought he possessed a powerful animal magnetism and that through it he could heal people by touch or even waving his hand over a crowd. These types of practices by Mesmer are the origins of the word mesmerize. Unfortunately Mesmer's antics placed such a stigma on magnets as a credible therapy worthy of investigation, other works in the therapeutic use of magnets was largely ignored.

Stokes and Bell
For example, in 1842, Stokes and Bell (Stokes of Stokes Adam syndrome fame, which is acute heart block and hypotension and Bell of Bells Palsy fame) treated a patient with shoulder pain with a very powerful 20 pound magnet and reported the patient experienced relief and restoration. They published cases such as these in a very famous two-volume treatise called Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Physics.

MRI machine
Closer to the twentieth first century, the most significant breakthrough in modern diagnostics has come in part through the use of magnetic fields. Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques allow doctors to virtually look inside the living body to pinpoint small structural abnormalities. Magnetic Nerve Stimulators have also contributed to the acceptance of the significant contribution magnetics offers to medicine.

Magnets and electromagnetic devices are gaining mainstream medical acceptance for their therapeutic treatment and diagnostic abilities. The future of gradient modulated and frequency modulated magnetic fields in medicine is very promising.