Geo/Bio-Magnetic Therapy, APPENDIX

APPENDIX
Yoga and Ayurveda and Law of Polarity

An interesting book called Magnet Therapy: Theory and Practice by Dr. Neville S. Bengali (reprinted by Jain in 1986) is very authoritative but seems to confusingly indicate exact opposite effects for the South and North magnetic fields. In this book, Dr. Neville describes the application of magnet therapy through the chakras. The chakras are vortices of energy or nerve plexuses that lie along the spine (while they are depicted along the spine they are actually midway between the medial aspect of the posterior and anterior part of the body). Dr. Neville’s use of the magnets on the chakras offers another very effective model for magnetic therapy that deserves to be considered and employed therapeutically.

To begin, we need to outline some of the important aspects of yogic philosophy:

The expression of dynamic polarity and magnetism is also described in Ayurvedic medicine and Yogic philosophy as Shiva (positive) and Shakti (negative). Prana is equivalent to the TCM definition of ’Qi’ or ’life force’. All concepts imply the unity of energy with breath but Prana is points to a more explicit connection.

It is necessary at this point to briefly diverge to elucidate some basic terms and concepts of Yoga and Ayurveda. The polar expression of the main circulating channels of Prana in the body is described as ’ida’ (negative) and ’pingala’ (positive). These correspond to the position of the Governor and Conception vessels in acupuncture.

Chakras, as vortices of energy or what is known as ’grand nadis’ are similar but more inclusive than acupoints in TCM. Nadi’s are equivalent to Chinese acupuncture points but Ayurveda maintains that there are 72,000 nadi’s located throughout the body. There are seven primary chakras located along the spine that correspond to vital TCM acupoints. These will be individually described later at more length.

The dynamic relationship between Ida and Pingala, as with all other fundamental living processes is based on magnetism which in itself is none other than what is described in Western physiology as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Taoist priests and yogis learned centuries ago that one could influence and control the negative and positive energies of the body through controlling the flow of breath through the right and left nostrils.

An entire system of ’swar’ yogic therapy exists based on the breath. There is a natural cycle that occurs frequently through the day were the breath is stronger from either the right or left nostril corresponding to the alternating of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When disease first begins one should use a glass to see which nostril is opened more and place a cotton in it. This will prevent the onset of the disease.

To describe further, ida corresponds to the left side of the body and crosses the spinal chord (Sushumna) at various chakras or energy centers and finally at the left nostril to enter the right side of the brain. Pingala governs the right side of the body and transcends various chakras to cross over to the left side of the brain at the nostrils. Kundalini, which is responsible for higher consciousness cannot ascend the sushumna nadi (channel) from the base ’muladhara) without both right and left sided energies being equally balanced.

Ida:
Right cerebral hemisphere

calm, relaxed state

higher mental processes

left nostril breath

activated by oxygen

slower heartbeat and respiration

blue, dark, cool, negative

feminine

parasympathetic

Yin energy


Pingala:
Left cerebral hemisphere

excited state

strong emotions, rational thought processes

right nostril breath

activated by carbon dioxide

faster heartbeat and respiration

red, hot, positive

masculine

sympathetic

Yang energy



Applying Magnets to the Chakras

Yoga teaches that Prana is distributed throughout the body-mind through the seven chakras. Each chakra corresponds to the endocrine glands which secrete vital hormones that regulate physical activity. All the chakras are aligned along the vertical spinal column except Ajna chakra which is located on the center of the forehead. This corresponds to the pineal gland. Sahasrara or the crown chakra, at the top of the head, corresponds to the pituitary gland.

To open chakra activity, slowly pass a bipolar U-shaped magnet of no less than 1000 gauss, but preferably higher, up the from the base of the coccyx of the spine to the top of the head, seven times in succession. Repeat this twice daily.

Another method is to use place three South pole magnets over three important chakras such as the swadisthana or solar plexus chakra, manipura or digestive solar plexus chakra and vishuddha, thyroid or throat chakra. These will tend to open the sushumna or Chinese governor channel. At the same time place the Yin North pole magnet over the forehead. (the head and brain usually require cooling, Yin, North pole energy).

Muladhara

Muladhara is at the base of the spine, the center for kundalini or primal energy. In its gross form it corresponds to sexual energy.

For disorders of the reproductive system, apply the appropriate magnet to the perineum. The South pole should be applied to tone up the reproductive system, treat sterility and impotence in women and men and in women, treat amenorrhea. This corresponds in TCM to Governor 1 and Conception Vessel 1 located at the perineum.

Swadisthana Chakra

The next chakra upwards from the base of the spine is roughly located between and alongside the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae and also encompasses the sacrum. This is also called the sacral plexus chakra and corresponds to the adrenals and governs the urinary system including the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It roughly corresponds to Governor 2 and 3 and Conception Vessel 3 and 2 on the abdomen.

The North pole should be applied for constipation and genito-urinary infections and the North if there genito-urinary weakness or diarrhea. This area also governs the lower limbs and for conditions of numbness or paralysis one should apply the South pole, for sciatica and rheumatic pains one would apply the North pole.

Manipura Chakra

The next important chakra as we go higher on the spine is the Manipura. The term ’mani’ means jewels and ’pura’ means city. Literally it translates as ’City of jewels’, as translated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It is so described because it is the center for the Fire Element which governs heat and energy. Specifically, it is described as located over the region of the spine opposite the umbilicus. According to TCM, this corresponds to Governor 4, called "Ming Men" or "Life Gate Fire" and Conception Vessel that extends from the umbilicus down to Conception Vessel 4 located about three inches medial and below the umbilicus point (CV8).

Applying a South pole magnet over this area will stimulate digestive processes and relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, food sensitivities, coldness, hypoglycemia, lack of libido and low energy.

The North pole magnet can be used for lower back pain, dysentery, colitis, nervousness, hypersensitivity, loose stools and hyperacidity.

Anahata Chakra

The fourth chakra further up the spine is called Anahata chakra. It corresponds to the thymus (which is located immediately behind and slightly to the left of the breast bone or sternum), the Heart and the Lungs. It also influences the vagus nerve which is the longest nerve in the body and enervates organic processes throughout the abdomen. Anahata chakra is aligned with the spine immediately opposite the location of the Heart. It would correspond to the territory that extends from the first to the seventh thoracic vertebrae, including acupoints Bladder 15, 14 and 13 and Governor 11 and 12 on the spine and Conception Vessel 17 on the sternum between the breasts.

The South pole is applied for cardiac weakness, low blood pressure, asthma and the later stages of pneumonia and tuberculosis.

The North pole is used for high blood pressure, palpitations, bronchitis and the earlier stages of pulmonary inflammation.

Anahata also influences the Stomach and the North is used for ulcers, gastritis and acid eructation’s while the South is used for anorexia and to stimulate appetite.

Vishuddha Chakra

Vishuddha or throat chakra is situated between the 7th cervical and 1st thoracic also known as the brachial plexus. It specifically encompasses the parathyroid and thyroid glands and governs the eyes, ears, nose and throat. It can be considered for individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves in speech. It corresponds to Governor 14 between the 7th cervical and 1st thoracic of the spine and Conception Vessel 22 at the base of the throat.

The South pole can be used for spasms and paralytic conditions of the arms, face and low thyroid symptoms.

The North pole is indicated for stimulating the defensive system of the body, preventing and treating colds and influenza, shoulder and neck stiffness, hyperthyroidism, muscular pains of the muscles of the shoulder and back.

Ajna Chakra

Ajna chakra is located in between the eyebrows or the ’third-eye’ and is at the center of the brain. In Chinese medicine it is an extra point called ’Yin Tang’. It corresponds to the pineal gland and is the point where Ida and Pingala nadi’s (channels) converge. This point is sometimes regarded as the center of inner knowing or intuition. It governs the lower brain, the eyes, ears and nose. It corresponds to Yin Tan located on the forehead between the eyes and Governor 16 on the spine at the base of the occiput.

The South pole will stimulate mental activity while the North pole will benefit sleep, quiet the mind, aid in mental clarity and reduce epileptic seizures. It also can be used to treat migraine headaches and retarded children.

Sahasrara

The Sahasrara or crown chakra is related to the pituitary gland and externalizes at the vertex of the scalp. It corresponds to Governor 20. In Yoga, this is the place where the mystical union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy) combine to create enlightenment. The pituitary is called the ’master gland’ because it controls the entire endocrine system.

Applying the South pole at this point will stimulate mental activity and physiological processes governed by the brain throughout the body. The North pole will calm mental agitation and relieve depression.

Summary of Locations:

Some authorities precisely locate the seven chakras along the from of the body as follows:

Muladhara -- at the perineum

Swadisthana -- the pubic bone

Manipura -- the Navel

Anahata -- the praecordial region (heart)

Vishuddha -- the base of the throat

Ajna -- as previously described.

Treatment

Use approximately an 1100 Gauss magnet. Lay a flannel cloth over the spine of the back and position three magnets using North pole for sedating and dispersing and South pole for tonification as indicated for each patient directly over the spine corresponding to Vishuddha, Manipura and Swadisthana chakras respectively. One treatment session consists of approximately 15 to 30 minutes and the sessions can be taken twice daily.
Bibliography

The Anatomy of Biomagnetism by Albert Roy Davis Ph.D.

This is an important work describing the pioneer research in the use of biomagnetics by one of the late leaders in North America. It is available from Schafer’s Health Centre (see below).

Medical Magnets, Nature’s Healing Energy by Barbara Gordon, published by Magnetic Health Products (see below) and distributed in North America by Magna-Pak Inc. Box 4264-C London. Ontario, N5W 5J6 ph/fax 519-660-8386

Magnet Therapy Theory and Practice by Dr. Neville S. Bengali published by Jain publishers in India. 1921, Chuna Mandi street 10, Paharganj, New Delhi-110055

This is a very authoritative and informative book but the reader should be aware of a semantic difference that causes the author to reverse the description of the qualities of North and South poles.

Discovery of Magnetic Health by George J. Washnis and Richard Z. Hricak, published by Nova, Rockville, Maryland, USA

Magnet Therapy by Holger Hannemann, published by Sterling publishing company, New York.

Getting Started in Magnetic Healing and The Body Magnetic, both books by Dr. Burl Payne. Box 6023, Boulder, Co. 80306

Healing Magnetism by Heinz Schiegl. published by Weiser, York Beach, Maine

Biomagnetic Handbook by Philpott, MD and Sharon Taplin. Published by Enviro-Tech Products 17171 SE 29 St., Choctaw, OK 73020. 405/390-3499

The Art of Magnetic Healing by Santwani. Published in India by Jain in New Delhi.

Magnetic Field Therapy Handbook by R. Allen Walls. Published by inner Search foundation, Inc. McLean, Virginia.

(1) Gauss as the measure of strength described throughout this and all other books on magnetic therapy is very misleading since in fact, there exists no simple standard for measuring the strength of a magnet. The strength of a magnet is determined both by its size and the material of which it is made. To date, there is no reliable measure of magnetic strength based on size and material used. Therefore, all references to so called gauss measurement used throughout this or any other book, should be understood as only relative according to the size and material used.

(2)Nakagawa, Kyoichi, MD. "Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome & Magnetic Treatment", Japan Medical Journal, 2745, 12/4/76

(3)Morgan, Toya "Therapeutic Magnetism, Yesterday and Today" 4137 Chapman Way, Pleasanton, CA 94566, 1988 p.9

(4)It is interesting to compare this to tonification and sedation needle technique used by acupuncturists where rotating a needle clockwise is tonifying while the opposite counterclockwise rotation is sedating. Similarly, shiatsu and acupressure also corroborates the opposite therapeutic significance of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.

(5)Because of this, it is easy to disarrange and the electron structure of a recording tape, CD or hard drive and thereby damage or destroy its stored information. The watchword of our high tech computer and information era is absolutely keep all magnets away from these systems.

(6)Barefoot, Robert R. and Reich, Carl M., MD, The Calcium Factor: The Scientific Secret of Health and Youth, 1992