Dr. Oz calls magnet therapy a “revolutionary cure for pain,” so it’s no wonder that day spas and wellness centers around the world are embracing the unique, holistic healing modality. But, the use of magnets on the body goes beyond pain relief and into the field of anti-aging treatments for the face and body as well. Here is how six spas are using various forms of magnet therapy and magnetic skin care in their treatments…
Pulsed Electrical-Magnetic Field Therapy
La Casa Spa & Wellness Center New York, N.Y.
Pulsed Electrical-Magnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy (20 to 40 minutes, $90) is a holistic alternative for those seeking relief from chronic aches and pain, inflammation and migraines, as well as relief from such serious chronic illnesses as Lyme disease and Parkinson’s disease. It uses magnetic energy to change the way the body deals with pain, and to repair the body on a cellular level.
“PEMF therapy works by shocking the cell with a magnetic current, thereby shaking loose the toxins from the membrane’s surface and re-balancing the positive ions outside and negative inside of the cell,” explains La Casa founder Jane G. Goldberg, Ph.D. “The re-stabilization of the cellular membrane potential increases cellular communication, energy production, nutrient uptake, detoxification and general cellular biome homeostasis. This therapy can increase the efficiency and efficacy of almost all other medical and energetic therapies.”
La Casa offers four methods of delivering PEMF to the body. The most popular device is the heavy-hitting Magna-Pulse, which they use both as part of their Intensive Colonics and as a stand-alone therapy.
There is also a smaller, pocketbook size unit that clients can purchase, a facial device, and a magnetic strip that can be placed on the back and abdomen during massages.
“The key is to let the client know that to get the best results, you need frequent and extended treatments,” Dr. Goldberg adds.
Magnetic Reflexology
Body Sense Beauty Clinic Hyannis, Mass.
Body Sense Beauty Clinic uses a penny- sized magnet with a suction cup on the hands and feet during the magnetic reflexology part of their Full Body Cupping with a Lymphatic Facial & Magnetic Reflexology service (90 minutes, $165) to help clients with everything from headaches and migraines to stress, post-operative pain and more.
“Magnetic reflexology is a play between the acupuncture meridians, which run through the body from the feet to the hands,” says Katharine Young, a Registered Nurse with a Masters of Science in Natural Health, who offers Magnetic Reflexology at Body Sense. “The magnet goes right into that acupuncture meridian end point. It’s different than acupuncture in that it’s actually changing because the magnet has the power of two elements. If you just put an acupuncture needle in that spot, you get that reaction at the cellular level. But when the magnet goes on it, because it has a positive and negative component, it helps to balance that area.”
It can also be diagnostic. “Some people might feel a little zing or say ‘ouch’, which means it accessed something that needs to be looked at. For example, the ball of the foot relates to the lungs, so if the magnet hurts the ball of their feet, there might be an issue with the lungs to look at,” Young explains.
“Increasing circulation brings more nutrients to the skin cells and aids lymphatic drainage.”
Water’s Edge Signature Anti-Aging Treatment
Water’s Edge Resort & Spa Westbrook, Conn.
Water’s Edge Resort & Spa uses magnets as part of their most popular facial, the 12-step Water’s Edge Signature Anti-Aging Treatment (50 minutes, $150), in which iron particles are used to absorb dead skin cells and stimulate microcirculation with the aid of a magnet, helping to provide deep purification for a bright and youthful look.
“The concentrated micro-spheres are removed with the aid of a magnet, which is the size and shape of a small remote control. It attracts and removes the iron particles, dragging out impurities and dead skin cells,” says lead therapist and esthetician Justine Kelley. “Afterwards, the skin feels silky smooth and richly moisturized. It contains 100 percent natural botanical ingredients. The effects are so immediate, one could have it done right before an event and look and feel fresh.”
This magnetic skin care facial is recommended for most skin types from delicate to blemished or chapped skin. “It’s truly a unique experience and there seems to be a growing interest in magnet therapy,” she adds.
Magnetic Infusion Facial
Alvyday Spa Palos Park, Ill.
Magnets powered by a computerized handset that sets the time and intensity deliver active ingredients deep into the skin during Alvyday Spa’s Magnetic Infusion Facial (30 minutes, $90). This facial combines several modalities, including red and blue light therapies, micro-current technology, an exfoliating peel and more.
As for the magnetic part, owner Alvyda Gudeniene explains, “We use disposable capsules containing specially formulated ingredients for rejuvenation, anti-aging and collagen infusion that are delivered through the magnets. We firm and tone the facial muscles with the Magnetic Pulse technology head that uses a double action method to increase blood circulation. Increasing circulation brings more nutrients to the skin cells and aids lymphatic drainage.”
Magnetic Infusion Facials can provide immediate results and clients can see and feel the difference in their skin, but for best results, this magnetic skin care treatment should be done once a week for six to eight weeks.
Mind Force Manipulation Therapy
Alec Ian Day Spa Redlands, Calif.
Alec Ian Day Spa’s Mind Force Manipulation (approximately 60 minutes, $130) for two problem areas/conditions or $70 per one problem area/ condition) is a treatment for chronic pain and injuries that combines magnet therapy with acupressure, guided imagery, infrared heat, sports/deep massage and magnesium oil.
Owner Sylvia Zavalza created this special treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including all sorts of body pains, sciatica, fibromyalgia, sprains, whiplash, frozen shoulders and others. “It’s great for anyone with chronic pain.
“The clients enjoy the treatment because they can see immediate effects.”
You can lie on a magnet therapy table for a minimum of 20 minutes and the pain significantly decreases or goes away completely,” she says.
The treatment table for this service has more than 100 magnets that can give the client a feeling of heightened sense of relaxation (as if floating) even before the treatment begins. “The magnets allow increased blood flow (capillary dilatation) to the muscles fibers, breaking up during the treatment. This allows the mechanical manipulation to be easier and almost no muscle soreness the day after,” she adds.
A Unique Face Scrub that Harnesses the Powers of Magnetite
Auberge de Beauté & Spa Provence, France
Auberge de Beauté & Spa in France offers clients the La Vie à Vendome treatment (90 minutes, 95€ or approx. $110 USD), which combines manual and enzyme exfoliation, gentle face massage and magnetization for a unique experience that stimulates, plumps and lifts skin to achieve a luminous and extraordinarily smooth complexion.
The key active principle in this exfoliating magnetic skin care treatment is the 100 percent natural magnetic particles from the mineral magnetite. The particles of the scrub, which also includes a synergistic blend of fruit acids, South American maca, olive oil and honey, are removed using a magnet that is slid along the skin without actually touching it. The magnetic particles fly off the skin, creating a weightless sensation. Spa Manager Jonathan Cohen explains how this unique magnetic removal works to leave the skin perfectly clean and smooth, “without the downsides of having leftover product residue on the skin.”
“The clients enjoy the treatment because they can see immediate effects,” explains Cohen, adding that the magnetic skin care therapy provides “a sensual experience as well as one that offers real results.”
