More About Magnet Therapy

Why Magnets?

Magnet therapy in medicine has been known for over a thousand years. The industry of magnet therapy has total sales of $300 million dollars in the United States alone every year. Magnet therapy for animals has been around for a while, gaining popularity in recent years as part of alternative veterinary medicine. It is known as a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice involving the weak static magnetic field produced by a permanent magnet which is placed on the body. It is similar to electromagnetic therapy, which uses a magnetic field generated by an electrically powered device. The magnetic field penetrates through your horse’s muscles and soft tissues, and increases cellular activity.

We use medical-grade magnets that are known to replicate a Chinese medicine called acupuncture. Our magnetic blanket features 88 magnets oriented with north polarity, specifically placed according to the horse's acupuncture points and blood vessels for faster and more effective results. Magnets promote healing by helping to maintain an electrical homeostasis within the body, as well as increasing circulation to damaged tissues. We are all electrically charged. Horses and humans are almost physiologically identical in the way our cells function. Blood is the delivery system that carries nutrients and oxygen to our living tissues. This includes the transportation of ions such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium, which are a few of the key electrolytes responsible for proper cell function and metabolism. These ions carry a positive or negative charge.

Every cell in our body maintains a “resting electrical potential”, which is regulated by the cell’s membrane. When a cell suffers a trauma due to injury or disease, the membrane’s functionality is altered. The resting potential of that cell may spike, while a cell affected by a long-standing injury will have a very low resting potential.

Magnets draw blood to those specific areas to stimulate blood, which helps with oxygen flow. Oxygen is the most important biological nutrient in the horse's body. Their bodies are always replacing their oxygen supply in order to function. The better their oxygen efficiency, the better their health and performance.  

 

Eleven11 Equine Magnets

There are two types of magnets: unipolar and bipolar. Magnet polarity is one of the most controversial issue within the field of Magnet therapy. We use Unipolar magnets (negative fields), which means the south pole (+) is facing up and the north pole (-) is facing towards the body of the horse. Single pole magnets do not exist; they all have a north and a south pole. A Unipolar magnet refers to a biomagnet that is used in such a way that only one pole is facing the body. A Bipolar magnet refers to a biomagnet that allows both poles (north and south) to face the body at the same time. It is important to know that if the south pole is facing the animal it can create unwanted side effects. It is known to stimulate micro-organism growth, cancer, and disease within the human body. That is the reason why we only use Unipolar magnets and ensure that the north pole is facing towards the body.

There are many different types of magnets available. The strength of the magnet depends on its size and type, and is often referred to in gauss. This is a measurement of the surface strength of the magnet (what makes it stick to a metal surface). This surface measurement is not necessarily the level of therapeutic effect the product will have on your horse; it is the magnetic field strength away from the surface that tells you how deep it penetrates the body’s tissues. The strength in the magnets we use is 1300 GAUSS 0.5 dia.

We do not use copper in our magnets since it is known to block the electromagnetic fields.

Magnets are not a cure and are not chemistry. It is important to note that the magnets themselves do not heal your horse. They are a tool to help support the right environment for the body to heal itself.

 

Our bioceramic infused fabric

Bioceramic materials are biocompatible and have the ability to either function as human tissues or to resorb and encourage the regeneration of natural tissues. Bioceramic nanoparticles infused fabric is claimed to have various health benefits, such as promoting circulation, improving metabolism, and enhancing overall well-being.

Here are some benefits of bioceramic materials:

  • Anti-infection function
  • Wound healing support
  • Anti-tumor effect
  • Tissue regeneration enhancement

 

Far-infrared Technology

Far-infrared (also known as FIR) technology involves far-infrared radiation to generate heat in the body for therapeutic purposes. It is also a very popular therapy for humans. It has been used for decades in human medicine and is now becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine. The innovative fabric captures the body's heat, converts it into infrared energy, and infuses that energy into the body's skin, muscles and tissues. Infrared light therapy is based on the principle that infrared light can stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Far-infrared light therapy can be administered through blankets, lamps, or pads, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid overusing the therapy to prevent burns and other skin injuries. 

For horses, infrared light therapy is often used to alleviate pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness. Far-infrared light works by emitting infrared radiation that penetrates into the body's tissues, causing molecules to vibrate and generate heat. It is known to penetrate deeper into the body compared to other forms of heat. FIR rays can penetrate as deep as 2-3 cm into tissues without irritating or overheating the skin. It is often referred to as thermal radiation because it is emitted by objects due to their temperature. However, it does not increase body temperature and will not create heat buildups. Overall, far-infrared therapy is thought to support various health benefits by stimulating the body's physiological responses.

 

The benefits of magnetic therapy and FIR

  • Helps warm up muscles before and after work
  • Relieves tension
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Eases general stiffness
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Boosts general well-being
  • Supports the body to heal
  • Activates blood flow
  • Helps oxygen flow 
  • Helps to manage pain, including pain caused by arthritis
  • Improves the lymphatic system    
  • Normalizes PH
  • Eliminates free radicals

 

Magnetic therapy studies

Dr. Robert Holcomb MD, PhD, at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is one of the multipe scientists that studied Magnetic Therapy, writes: "Magnetic fields produce the following results when in direct contact with the body: increased circulation, vasodilatation, muscle relaxation, reduction of edema, reduction of nerve-cell firing (which reduces pain), and reduction of free radicals (which improves the body's ability to fight inflammation and improves the immune system)."

There was another study done in 2020 by Ewa Jastrzebska on the use of magnetic fields in equine physiotherapy:

"This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Magnetic field therapy in equine rehabilitation and the use of thermography as a diagnostic tool providing visualisation of the healing progress. The material for the study was a 23-year-old Mur-Insulan mare used for many years as a horse for riding lessons. Magnetic field therapy was applied every second day for 60 minutes. During the survey, blood samples were taken three times. Thermograms were taken before and after each magnetic therapy session. Magnetic field therapy had no negative effects on the mare’s condition, which was supported by haematological blood samples analysis. Thermograms showed increased temperature within the examined front limbs and trunk. During the sessions, the mare was calm and relaxed, which indicates that the application of a magnetic field had a calming and soothing effect on the horse’s body. The conclusion was that Magnetic field therapy may improve regeneration, provides proper cell nutrition, faster bone symphysis, analgesia and could decrease swelling."

 

There are many studies out there that prove the efficiency of magnetic therapy on equine athletes and humans, and a lot more on Far-infrared therapy. Both have proved amazing results, so we combined them in our blanket for better and faster results. Please note that magnets are not a prescribed medication; they are simply a tool to improve overall well-being. 

 

MagnetXmotion usage guidelines  

DO NOT USE WITH ANY LINIMENT OR HEAT CREATING MEDICINES.

If heat creating medicine was used, make sure to wash the horse and wait 48 hours before using the blanket. Otherwise, it could create irritation to the animal's system. Our magnetic sheet is machine washable, with fragrance free detergent, and no fabric softeners. AIR DRY only, keep out of direct sunlight to dry.

When using on a horse for the first time, do not leave the horse unattended. At first, the increased blood circulation might feel itchy and it is important to pay attention to the horse. Start with a couple 1-hour sessions for a few days (1 session per day). Then, add 1-2 hour per session every day until you reach a maximum of 12 hours per day. Do not use on pregnant mares.

Yes, it is safe to wear under a turnout/winter blanket since it does not create heat buildups. It is in fact, a good way to keep it clean.

It is also safe to use during transport, and in a stall overnight. 

 

Sizing & Measurement

Eleven11 Equine carries 5 sizes (in centimeter):

68, 74, 78, 80 & 82 

If we are out of stock on the size you need, please let us know and we can pre-order it for you. 

Our sizing is true to size. We recommend using the same size as you would for a turnout, fly sheet or a winter blanket. If we do not carry your usual size, we recommend getting a size smaller, since our magnetic mesh should be fitted to your horse. When measuring your horse, make sure it is standing square and measure both sides: from the wither to the tail (A) and from the middle of the chest to the tail (B).

 

Here is our measurement chart: