Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing itching and burning sensations on the skin. At present, there is no cure for psoriasis. Existing treatments alleviate symptoms and help prevent flare-ups. Many patients, therefore, turn to alternative medicine for relief. One such practice is magnet therapy: but is it effective on psoriasis? This article takes a closer look at this new alternative.
Magnetism: An alternative for alleviating psoriasis?
Summary
Published on February 20, 2024, by Manon, Scientific Editor — 4 min of reading
Themes:
Psoriasis, in brief.
The psoriasis is a skin disease that is recognised by the red and scaly patches that cover specific parts of the body. These can be a source of itching and irritation, their intensity varying from one individual to another. They appear following a skin inflammation caused by a failure of the immune system. The T lymphocytes produce inflammatory molecules (cytokines Il-17, Il-22, TNF-alpha, among others). These stimulate the proliferation of keratinocytes. When the renewal period of skin cells, which is normally about three weeks, is accelerated to just three days, this leads to an accumulation of immature keratinocytes on the skin's surface. The consequences are an increase in the thickness of the outer layer of the skin, known as the horny layer, and is called hyperkeratosis.
The skin symptoms of psoriasis can affect any area of the body, from the ears to the tongue, including the genital areas, leading to various clinical forms. However, the scaly plaques are usually located on the scalp, elbows and knees. They are sometimes accompanied by a rheumatism.
What are the principles of magnetism?
Psoriasis can lead to difficulties in the daily lives of those affected. Some patients live in fear of flare-ups occurring, leading to a deep sense of unease. Indeed, even when psoriasis is not active, the patient is not at ease and dreads the moment when the disease will manifest again. Alternative medicine can help in these moments of uncertainty, stress, and lack of self-confidence. While the conventional approach deals with managing the visible effects of psoriasis, magnetism acts on the invisible, yet very real part.
Magnetism is an ancient healing method that utilises magnetic fluid to alleviate illnesses. It posits that the body and mind are interconnected, and that energy must flow correctly for the body to function normally. Indeed, according to this belief, when vital energy is unbalanced or blocked, it can lead to health problems. The aim of magnetism is therefore to rebalance energies, remove blockages that prevent them from circulating, and regulate them. Magnetism allows for the detection of disturbed vibrations causing malfunctions in the body. The magnetist thus aims to rebalance the energy structure, replenish energy, and activate self-healing abilities.
Alleviating psoriasis through magnetism?
Just like traditional medicine, magnetism does not promise to cure psoriasis. Its aim is to alleviate the daily suffering of patients affected by this disease. Indeed, psoriasis causes itching, burning sensations and discomfort.
To alleviate the patient, the magnetiser works on their energetic body. They do this by placing their hands on the patient's body to emit energy and help them let go, then to rebalance their energy. Some magnetisers operate remotely with just a glance. Currently, there is no scientific evidence to either confirm or contradict the effects of magnetism on psoriasis.
However, as psoriasis flare-ups can be linked to stress and emotional issues in some cases, magnetism may assist the patient. Indeed, this alternative medicine works on energy and helps the patient to relax, to feel confident, or even to adopt a positive attitude.
