It’s amazing what you can find when you start your search a little off the bullseye. Clicking on MRI research online, my colleagues and I came across some intriguing scientific studies completely by accident.
We found? Well, let’s just say that if you have a stuffy nose, you should give magnets a try before you sniff through that bottle of nasal spray!
Did you know that each year, more than 35 million Americans suffer from sinusitis? It is one of the leading chronic diseases in the United States. [1]. And it’s no wonder, since bacteria, viruses, cigarette smoke, and allergens like pollen, mold, dust mite feces, and pet dander are common causes of this condition. [2]. Unless you live in a bubble, there really is no way to escape these little antagonists.
The sinuses are actually four pairs of hollow spaces in the bones of the face. Connected to the nose, air can flow in and out of these spaces. To help warm and filter air, each sinus is lined with a mucus-producing membrane, called mucosa. [3].
Acute sinusitis occurs when the mucosa is irritated and inflamed. The tiny openings from the nose to the sinus cavities become congested (or even completely blocked), leading to the facial pain and pressure most of us have experienced at some point. Mucus production often increases as well, which increases pressure and causes that annoying symptom of a runny nose. [3].
Many people turn to preventative methods like HEPA air filters or regular carpet and bedding cleaning to reduce household allergens. [4]. Decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and vaporizers are commonly used to treat symptoms, but as you and I know, they take time to kick in.
This is where those studies come in. There is an interesting but little known fact about the sinuses: they are magnetically sensitive.
Based on our own research and experiences with clients and healthcare professionals over the years, we have found that sinus congestion is dramatically improved or completely relieved with the application of magnetic therapy. In fact, taking around 20-30 minutes on average, it is one of the conditions that biomagnetism relieves the fastest.
However, until recently, we didn’t have much research to back up these findings (other than our own records). But, while going through online summaries of MRI research, I came across this:
In 1983 a study was carried out to evaluate the influence of magnetic fields on the physiology and behavior of biological organisms and to search for possible magnetic sources within the organisms themselves.
A wide range of life forms were found to be able to detect and orient themselves to magnetic fields. (Like having a built-in compass). The results showed that the magnetic orientation of the bacteria was due to the presence of magnetite (ferric/ferrous oxide) particles within the organisms.
The same magnetic material was also found in bees, carrier pigeons, dolphins, and other organisms, including humans. More specifically, the researchers found that “the bones of the human sphenoid/ethmoid sinus complex are magnetic and contain ferric iron deposits.” (The sphenoid/ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes and progress inward toward the back of the head [3].)
By refining our search, we were able to uncover other MRI studies that confirm this finding. Here is a brief timeline of what was found:
1986 – “Magnetic Resonance Imaging [using a 1.5 Tesla (15,000 Gauss) magnet and a spin echo technique] has revealed a remarkably strong signal from abnormal tissue in human paranasal sinuses. Inflammatory disease in the maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses has been detected and demonstrated more clearly than any other available technique.”
1990: A study conducted at the UCLA School of Medicine tested conditions affected by MRI field strength. The results illustrated that “magnetic susceptibility artifacts are prevalent at the border of air-containing sinuses.”
1995: Research at Uppsala University in Sweden found that “Large local magnetic field variations of up to 3 parts per million were found in the human brain near interfaces between air or bone and brain tissues.”
2002: An Ohio State University study compared differences in magnetic field susceptibility at tissue interfaces in the human head. “Considerable magnetic field inhomogeneities were observed in the inferior frontal lobes and inferior temporal lobes, particularly near the sphenoid sinuses and temporal bones.”
These four independent studies relate to the notion that human breasts are magnetically sensitive. When compared to other regions of the head, stronger magnetic field readings are seen and conditions of inflammation are more easily observed.
So how does this lead to sinus relief?
Magnetic therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation, a main symptom of sinusitis. By reducing mucosal inflammation, mucosal blockages can be drained and sinus cavities reopened. This allows you to breathe freely again, while eliminating facial pain caused by pressure buildup.
When applied correctly, magnetic therapy products can relieve sinus congestion in as little as 15 minutes. That’s faster than any decongestant or vaporizer, lasts longer than most nasal sprays, and is completely free of side effects (like dryness or burning). Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about buying refills or possible addiction to certain nasal decongestants.
Which Therion products work best to help relieve sinusitis?
The eye and sinus mask is specifically designed to relieve sinus congestion. Inside it has 28 neodymium magnets that cover the areas around the eyes, the forehead and the upper part of the cheeks. (The magnetic field has an effective penetration depth of up to 2.5 inches.) You can expect sinus and headache relief within 15 to 25 minutes of using it.
For even faster relief and more restful sleep, the Therion Dual Contour Magnetic Pillow is the perfect choice. Viscoelastic (memory) foam is soft and comfortable, but also supportive. You will really feel that it adjusts and adapts to the shape of your head and neck. It is ideal to use as a normal sleeping pillow, since the magnetic field reaches the pineal gland. This is a magnetically sensitive area in the brain that works to induce sleep by secreting melatonin. (See the article “Having Trouble Sleeping” found in the Learning Center at http://www.therionresearch.com.
So before you open that box of ‘non-drowsy’ decongestants or reach for the nasal spray on your nightstand, try magnetic therapy. If it’s fast-acting with no side effects and you never need a refill, what have you got to lose?
See you soon at http://www.therionresearch.com
SOURCES:
1 – Sinus News: Sinus Pressure
2 – Sinus News: General information about the sinuses
3 – The Sinus Treatment Center
4 – The Allergy Relief Center
1983 — PubMed: Magnetic Bones in Human Paranasal Sinuses.
1986 — PubMed: High-field magnetic resonance imaging of inflammatory sinus disease.
1990 — PubMed: Effect of field strength on susceptibility artifacts in MRI.
1995 — PubMed: Measurements of magnetic field variations in the human brain using a 3D-FT multiple gradient echo technique.
2002 — PubMed: Three-dimensional numerical simulations of susceptibility-induced magnetic field inhomogeneities in the human head.