Suspending the magnet on a thread and waiting for its ends to point somewhere is the easiest way to identify the poles. (The north-pointing end is the North Pole and the opposite should be the South Pole.) Characteristics of magnets Flat ceramic or neodymium magnets are the best therapeutic magnets. (U-shaped magnets are not very good for therapy. They are also in knee braces, ankle and elbow braces, all to simplify self-administration. For patients suffering from headaches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, or sports injuries, magnet therapy can bring safe and effective relief that is inexpensive and non-intrusive. Magnetic energy It had long been established in the scientific community that magnetic energy can pass through most known materials and affects living things as well. The stronger the magnet the deeper the magnetic field can penetrate the body. The deeper the field goes, the more effective the results would be. Magnet strength is measured in gauss. Ideally a magnet used in therapy produces a field in the range of 200 to 2,000 gauss. Be aware, however, that magnets can sometimes have varying gauss measurements. Magnet therapy can help in improving sleeping habits. There are some people who claimed that the therapy could even cure insomnia. 10. Magnetic therapy can increase energy levels. 11. Aside from pain relief, magnet therapy are also anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and helps the injury to heal faster. There are several magnetic products that patients could easily wear to fit the injured areas. There are also users who have testified the effectiveness of magnets on carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. In fact, the use of magnets could be traced as early as the Chinese, Indian, Egyptian and Greek civilizations. Magnetic treatment or healing can balance the body s positive and negative energies. However, for clearing up the head, attach the south-pointing pole to the forehead and the north-pointing pole to the base of the skull. (This can improve psychic awareness, too.) Apply the north-pointing pole over the pit of the stomach to strengthen digestion. For pain, use the south-pointing pole. Weak hearts and blood pressures Carry a small magnet on the left pocket with the north-pointing pole near the breastbone.