types of magnets
Neodymium Magnets
The “King” of Magnets! Neodymium magnets are made up of three metals: boron, ferrite and neodymium. Neodymium is a rare earth metal and it is expensive. The quantity of neodymium in the magnet directly affects the power of that magnet. Top quality neodymium’s can have a CORE rating of 12,300 gauss and a SURFACE gauss of 1,200. This magnet will have an impact of 3 – 6 inches (7 to 15 cms) on the skin both in radius and in depth of penetration. Neodymium magnets will hold their fields for up to 15 years. Best used for soft tissue damage and likely to get their best results for places such as:
- backs
- knees
- hips
- shoulders etc.
Magnetic power is everything for this application, some magnets on the market with a core rating of 400 gauss are unlikely to penetrate 1/8″ (0.3 cms). Norstar Neodymium Magnets have a central core value of 12,300 gauss with a surface output of 1,200 – 1,500 gauss.
Ceramic magnets
Ceramic magnets are used in pillow pads, stress busters and sleep systems.
Magnets with over 3,000 gauss should be used to promote:
- relaxation while you sleep
- rejuvenation, by stimulating the pineal gland.
- nourishment – blood carries nutrients and oxygen around the system while it is relaxed and receptive.
- cleansing – the lymph system picks up waste from the cells and activates the immune system.
Unlike “spot” magnets, the mattress pads bathes every muscle, cell and organ in your body with a gentle magnetic field that is safe, natural and essential to our well being. A good mattress pad will last 15-20 years and require no effort to use them.
Flexible Magnets
A flexible magnet is approximately 2,750 gauss at its core. This will have an impact on tissue of between 1″ – 2″ (2.5 to 5 cms).
Because less penetration is required, flexible magnets are used for:
- fingers
- thumbs
- wrist wraps
For knees, backs etc where more penetration is required, the use of Neodymium magnets is recommended.
A flexible magnet generally holds its field for 5-6 years. As in the case of neodymium, the surface area of contact with the body plays a vital part in the effectiveness of the fields. Due to the large area that is covered, flexible magnets can have a dramatic impact on the targeted area.
Wristbands and Bracelets
When choosing a bracelet, you need to identify what you want to achieve with the bracelet. Using a bracelet for a condition like knee pain will not have any benefit. If you are looking to address pain in the hand or wrist or for your general health, then a good wristband will assist. A magnet of less than 800 gauss on the surface of your skin will hardly give you any benefit. Norstar bracelets with a surface gauss of 1,200 is excellent. We recommend using other magnetic technology for treating other sites of injury or pain. Bracelets are also useful for low or high blood pressure.
- Low Blood Pressure: Wear the bracelet on your left hand
- High Blood Pressure: Wear the bracelet on your right hand.
North Pole/South Pole
Most of the magnets listed here will be located with the North Pole of the magnet towards the body. It is the general consensus that North Pole heals and the South Pole stimulates. For healing, the north pole of the magnet should be placed towards the body. We recommend using North Pole magnets only, but there are exceptions.
DO NOT USE MAGNET THERAPY IF YOU HAVE A PACEMAKER, DEFIBRILLATOR, INSULIN PUMP OR IF YOU ARE PREGNANT.
powerstride innersoles
Innersoles are used for people looking to improve:
- circulation
- energy
- strength
They can also be used for foot, ankle and lower leg pain.
InnerSoles are usually BI-POLAR and FLEXIBLE. They are sold in three sizes (small, medium and large) and can be cut down to size. Innersoles are made of flexible magnetic materials. They do not take up that much room in your shoes, and the results are certainly worth it.