BIOFLEX MAGNETIC PRODUCTS

The following information was supplied by BIOflex® Magnetics, Inc.
See Q & A section below.

BIOflex® Medical Magnetics, Inc. has been a leader in the field of biomagnetic technology for over ten years, and our quality magnetic products have helped thousands of sufferers find relief from discomfort and offer an alternative to a lifetime of pharmaceuticals or possible surgery.

The scientific studies conducted abroad and domestically through some of America's most prestigious universities have made BIOflex® one of the most respected pioneers in modern magnetic field therapy. BIOflex® pads and braces represent the first of many exciting new medical products developed for people on the go, and are the only magnetic products manufactured specifically and exclusively for human medical use. Our internationally patented concentric circle design makes ours the only magnets clinically proven to reduce pain, accelerate healing and improve circulation. BIOflex® is the only medical magnet company with sound, scientific proof of the effectiveness of its products.

You've heard the buzz, now get the facts! BIOflex® Medical Magnetics, Inc.is the exclusive agent for a revolutionary line of therapeutic products manufactured in Germany. BIOflex® is the registered trademark of the magnetic device that is so unique it has been protected by international patents. These permanently magnetized flexible pads cause an increase in local blood flow accelerating the body's natural healing process. The magnets are intended to be an alternative to the use of such products as heating pads, electrical stimulation units, balms and liniments. Additionally, the use of BIOflex® products could aide in reducing one's requirement for oral anti-inflammatory preparations, muscle relaxants and pain relievers.

The BIOflex® product line fits into today's active lifestyle with products that can accomplish any and all of the beneficial effects of the products mentioned above, with none of the unpleasant features such as thermal or chemical sensitivity. BIOflex® truly represents the kind of “common sense medicine” that appeals to our increasingly health conscious population.

How do BIOflex® magnets work?
BIOflex® magnets feature a series of concentric circular poles. The circles are of variable width and alternate between the N and S poles. According to the Hall Effect, a magnet can optimally manifest its effects on the current carrying conductors of the body (e.g. blood vessels and nerves) when the currents cross the poles at right angles.

Studies at major universities have verified that the BIOflex® magnetic design of concentric circles of alternating polarity not only causes an increase in blood flow but it can also relieve pain. The magnets act like an electric heating pad to bring more blood to an area, increasing the nutrients and building blocks the damaged tissues need to rebuild themselves. It also accelerates the clearance of toxic waste products of the injury. Like electric stimulation which can block pain signals, BIOflex® products manifest the principle of Faraday's Law that describes how a DC electric field is created as blood vessels pass through properly oriented magnetic fields.

What makes BIOflex® Magnets different from others?
It has already been demonstrated at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology that the BIOflex® design is the most efficient magnetic design for causing an increase of flow in a blood similar solution. Mathematically, this design is the most efficient with respect to all the possible angles created by the myriad blood vessels and their courses through the body. More blood vessels and nerves will cross the BIOflex® pattern in the proper orientation than with any other conventional magnetic design. Therefore, the first advantage BIOflex® has over other magnetic patterns is its ability to affect more blood vessels and nerves within a unit area than any other magnetic design.

The second advantage BIOflex® represents is its ability to “reach” into the tissues of the body at a greater depth than other magnetic designs. The feature of alternating poles of variable width ensures that the magnetic field will “reach” further away from the surface of the magnet than will the magnetic field of a magnet whose poles are closer together. In the case of the other magnetic patterns, the poles are immediately adjacent to one another with no gap between them. Even though the surface measurement of the magnetic flux density is greater on the other magnet, even a small distance away from the magnet will cause a sudden and dramatic decrease in this measurement.

What polarity are BIOflex® magnets?
BIOflex® Magnets feature a series of concentric circles of alternate magnetic poles that represent the most efficient pattern conceivable. This pattern ensures that every blood vessel, except for those perpendicular to the skin, will cross a series of North-South poles.

Have there been any studies done on BIOflex® magnets and their effectiveness and safety?
There have been several studies done using BIOflex® magnets, the most recent being at Baylor College of Medicine. The results of this study were very favorable and the study was published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in November 1997. If you’d like to read the studies, click here.

What are BIOflex® magnets made of?
BIOflex® magnets are made of the combination of ferrite powders mixed throughout a polyethylene matrix.

Do the magnets ever lose their strength?
BIOflex® magnets are designed for multiple applications and experience no loss of magnetic power over time.

What is Gauss?
The "power" of a magnet is usually represented by the term Gauss, which is the measure of the level of induction of a magnet. Ten thousand Gauss is equal to one Tesla, a newer term for the same thing.

Why are BIOflex® magnets lower in Gauss than some magnetic products on the market today?
BIOflex® magnets have the ability to “reach” into the tissues of the body at a greater depth than other magnetic designs. The feature of alternating poles of variable width ensures that the magnetic field will “reach” further away from the surface of the magnet than will the magnetic field of a magnet whose poles are closer together. BIOflex® magnets are designed to provide the proper gauss deep within the tissues.

What do the terms Unipolar and Bipolar mean?
Unipolar is a misleading term when applied to magnets. By definition, every magnet must have two poles. Companies using this terminology are referring to a magnetic design more properly called axially magnetized. That is, one pole on one surface of the magnet with its opposite pole on the opposite surface. BIOflex® magnets have repeating concentric circles of alternating north south polarity.

Questions and answer about using the magnets:

I have cancer. Will the magnets make my condition worse?
Some members of the medical community will say that using the wrong magnet causes acceleration of cancerous and microbial growths. This is simply not true and is not even suggested by the medical literature. However, it is important enough to digress for a brief explanation of the facts.

The field generated by an electric source, specifically one from alternating power, produces a field composed of a magnetic field, as well as a separate electric field. A permanent magnet produces no such electric field. An alternating electric field (AC) is also different from a field produced by direct current (DC) power. It is the nature of this alternating electric field that has caused so much concern because of research that has demonstrated the negative effects of electric fields, especially on the cellular level. It is well described that alternating, or pulsating, electric fields are capable of disrupting the cell wall, interfering with the DNA replication process as well as influencing other negative effects. The magnetic component, however, has never been shown to have any negative effects.

A 1987 study commissioned by the World Health Organization confirmed that in over forty years of research, the magnetic fields produced by permanent magnets have never been implicated in any mutagenic process. However, we do recommend that you consult your physician prior to using the magnets with this or any other medical condition.

I am pregnant. Will the magnets affect my baby?
The induction of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is usually about two to three Tesla, about twenty to thirty thousand Gauss. Use of MRI during pregnancy is considered safe for the developing fetus. This demonstrates the level of confidence with which one can use BIOflex® products which range from 300 to 800 Gauss. However, we do advise against using the magnets during the first trimester of pregnancy.

I have a pacemaker. Can I use the magnets?
Since the magnetic fields can interfere with the switching mechanism in a pacemaker, use of any magnetic products near this device is not recommended.

My husband/wife/partner has a pacemaker. If I use the magnets, will it affect him/her?

As long as the magnets do not come in direct contact with the area that the pacemaker is in, it is safe to use the magnets with caution. However, use of mattress overlays and/or car seats is not recommended.

I use a nicotine/estrogen patch. Can I use the magnets?
Since the use of magnetic products will increase the flow of blood in the area that they are placed, it is not recommended that you place the magnet on or near a transdermal drug delivery device (patch). However, magnets can be worn as long as they are not located near the patch. Click here for a full explanation.

I have metal instruments in my body from surgery. Can I use the magnets?
Although it is safe to use the magnets with this condition, magnets will react differently with different alloys. If you experience any discomfort from using the magnets, it is recommended that you discontinue use.

Are magnets safe for children?
Permanent magnets are safe according to all respected scientific standards. The World Health Organization and the FDA consider them non-hazardous risks and they are generally recognized as safe.

The gold foil is coming off of my magnet. Will it still be effective?
The gold foil on your individual magnet is for decorative purposes only and has been reported by some to peel off after prolonged and intensive use. This will have no effect on your magnet.

If I cut my magnet in half, will it still be effective?
Cutting the magnets in half will disrupt the concentric circle pattern, thus decreasing the effectiveness of the magnet. Therefore, cutting the magnet in half or in sections is not recommended.

Can I use the magnets around my computer and other electronic equipment?
The magnets can be used around the computer and other electronic office equipment with care. Do not place magnets directly on computer. Do not let magnets come in contact with credit cards or other cards that utilize a magnetic strip for scanning, video tapes, or computer diskettes, etc