It’s amazing what you can find when you start your search a little off target. Clicking on MRI research online, my colleagues and I came across some intriguing scientific studies completely by accident.

We found? Well let’s say if you have a stuffy nose, you should try the magnets before you inhale 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, as 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 is allowed to enter and exit these spaces. To help heat and filter the air, each breast is lined with a mucous-producing membrane, called the mucosa. [3].

Acute sinusitis occurs when the mucosa is irritated and inflamed. The small openings from the nose to the nasal cavities become congested (or even completely blocked), causing the facial pain and pressure that most of us have experienced at some point. Mucus production often increases as well, increasing pressure and causing that annoying runny nose symptom. [3].

Many people turn to preventative methods like HEPA air filters or frequent cleaning of carpets and sheets 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 work.

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 observed that sinus congestion dramatically improves or is alleviated completely with the application of magnetic therapy. In fact, taking around 20 to 30 minutes on average, it is one of the conditions that biomagnetics alleviates the fastest.

However, until recently, we didn’t have a lot of research to support these findings (other than our own records). But, while browsing the online summaries of MRI research, I came across this:

Since 1983, a study has been conducted 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.

It was discovered that a wide range of life forms could detect magnetic fields and orient themselves towards them. (Like having a built-in compass). The results showed that the magnetic orientation of the bacteria is due to the presence of magnetite particles (ferric / ferrous oxide) 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 sphenoid / ethmoid sinus complex in humans are magnetic and contain deposits of ferric iron.” (The sphenoid / ethmoid sinuses lie between the eyes and advance toward the back of the head. [3].)

By refining our search, we were able to uncover other MRI studies that confirmed 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 of abnormal tissue in human 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 UCLA School of Medicine evaluated conditions affected by magnetic resonance field strength. The results illustrated that “magnetic susceptibility artifacts prevail at the border of the air-containing sinuses.”

1995 – Research from 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 the interfaces between air or bone and brain tissue.”

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 lower frontal lobes and lower temporal lobes, particularly near the sphenoid sinus and temporal bones.”

All of these four independent studies relate to the notion that human breasts are magnetically sensitive. Compared to other regions of the head, more intense magnetic field readings are observed and inflammation conditions 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 obstructions can be drained and sinus cavities reopened. This allows you to breathe freely again, while eliminating facial pain caused by pressure build-up.

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 a possible addiction to certain nasal decongestants.

What 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 15-25 minutes of using it.

For even faster relief and more restful sleep, Therion’s double contour magnetic pillow is the perfect choice. Memory foam is soft and comfortable, but also supportive. In fact, you will feel it adjust and mold to the shape of your head and neck. It is ideal to use as a 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 “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, give magnetic therapy a try. 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: Sinus Facts Overview

3 – The sinus treatment center

4 – The Allergy Relief Center

1983 – PubMed: Magnetic Bones in Human Sinuses.

1986 – PubMed: High-field magnetic resonance imaging of inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinus.

1990 – PubMed: Effect of field strength on susceptibility artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging.

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.