EP1061999A1 - Magnetic therapy device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the application of a moving magnetic field whereby a magnet (20) moveable in a horizontal or vertical direction is placed proximate the user. The magnet (20) is preferably contained within the interior cavity (18) of a housing (12), the interior cavity (18) being larger than the magnet (20), and the housing (12) being positioned proximate to the user such that, as the magnet (20) moves within the interior cavity (18) of the housing (12), a moving magnetic field is generated which interacts with the surrounding tissue of the user. The housing (12) may be attached to the user or to an object proximate to the user such that movements of the user or object cause the magnet (20) within the interior cavity (18) of the housing (12) to move with respect to the user. Alternate embodiments include disposing the magnet (20) on the end of a flexible handle (54) or in an array.

Description

MAGNETIC THERAPY DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices, and more

particularly to such therapeutic devices which utilize magnetic fields.

Background of the Invention

Magnetic fields have been employed for a variety of therapeutic purposes,

including relief of pain and inflammation from soft tissue injury and musculoskeletal

injury, relaxation of muscles, relief of headaches, treatment of internal organs and a

variety of other therapeutic applications. Additionally, magnetic fields have been

utilized to enhance and control the timing of plant growth. Magnetic fields are known

to increase circulation and blood flow in the tissues subjected to the magnetic field.

Magnetic fields have also proven effective in treatment of arthritis and have also been

claimed to dissolve calciferous plaques and deposits in the bodies of humans and

animals. Relative movement between the tissue and magnetic field has been shown to

cause increased electron flow (eddy current generation) through the tissue and is also

associated with the activation of capillary blood flow and relaxation of muscle.

Research has demonstrated the superiority of a dynamic magnetic field having

temporally varying magnetic flux density for enhanced activation of capillary blood

flow. Microscopic examination of rat mesentery subjected to dynamic magnet fields

has shown an increase of capillary activation in response to an oscillating magnetic

field developed by oscillation of a permanent magnet in proximity to the subject

tissue, whereas no such effect was observed from placement of a static magnet field

in the same proximity to such tissue. Beneficial effects have been observed utilizing magnets having field strengths from less than one Hertz to over 500 Hertz with no

defined cutoff threshold identified in response to increased frequencies. Additionally,

relaxation of muscle tissue has been noted when a magnetic field, oscillating at 80

Hertz, interacts with such tissue. Moving magnetic fields are also reported to have a

pain-reducing effect on arthritis joint pain.

A further consideration in magnetic therapy devices is the selection of north

pole versus south pole fields for therapeutic applications. Numerous books have been

published by Albert Davis, William Philpott M.D. and others proclaiming

differentiated effects between north and south pole magnetic fields as disclosed in

U.S. Patent No. 5,389,981 to Riach. Although magnetic fields are a continuous

phenomena, there are subtle differences between north pole (or divergent) fields, south

pole (or convergent ) fields and mixed fields containing both divergent and convergent

flux patterns. The benefits of enhanced performance of dynamic fields may be

achieved while preserving the orientation of polarity toward the individual by

employing magnets in arrays that maintain pole orientation toward the individual

while incorporating movement. It is frequently desirable to maintain field orientation

to deliver specific therapeutic applications with north pole or south pole fields directed

at the individual while, at the same time, moving the magnet sources relative to the

individual (permanent magnets or DC electromagnets of specified pole orientation).

The resulting varying field will produce the intensified response of a dynamic field

while maintaining the polar preference of the individual.

It should be noted that the spacing between magnet sources and distance

between the magnet and individual will determine if the subject will experience return path flux of the opposite polarity between magnet sources. If a pure field of either

pole is required, the magnetic elements can be positioned either closer to each other

on a moving array or the array can be moved farther from the subject exactly as would

be practiced with a static array to avoid field reversal in the void between discrete

magnetic elements.

It is preferable to utilize permanent magnets to provide the magnetic fields as

relatively powerful fields can be provided with no energy input required to generate

the field. However, special circumstances could confer an advantage on

electromagnet sources. DC electromagnets would provide the benefit of maintaining

specified pole orientation. The physical movement of an AC electromagnet relative

to the individual could effectively increase the kinetic coupling of the device to tissue.

Typical prior applications have placed permanent magnets within devices

which are moved over affected target tissues or secured to the user so that the magnet

does not move relative to the user.

U.S. Patent No. 5,226,020 to Li et al. discloses a wristwatch having a magnetic

body which is proximate to the skin of the user when the wristwatch is worn. A

magnetic isolating piece is disposed between the time-keeping mechanism and the

magnetic body so as to prevent the magnetic body from interfering with the operation

of the time-keeping piece. Although the wristwatch disclosed by Li et al. incorporates

a magnet placed proximate to the skin of the user, the magnetic body remains

stationary with respect to the wearer, and does not subject the wearer to a moving

magnetic field. U.S. Patent No. 5,389,981 to Riach Jr. discloses eyeglasses having magnets

attached thereto so as to subject the eyes to magnetic energy. The magnets are

positioned on the eyeglasses to project a north magnetic field into the surrounding area

of the eyes to improve blood circulation. The device disclosed by Riach Jr. includes

stationary magnets and is intended to project a stationary magnetic field over the eyes.

U.S. Patent No. 5,295,494 to Rodriguez discloses a housing having a magnet

securely positioned therein, the housing configured to accept a band to secure the

housing to a user. The configuration of the housing prevents movement of the magnet

within the interior of the housing. Thus, the wearer is subjected to a stationary rather

than a moving magnetic field. The device disclosed by Onishi in U.S. Patent No.

4,850,340 likewise utilizes hollow cases containing a magnet, each case configured

so as to be pivotably linked to other cases. The magnetic field generator contained

within each case is fixed in a stationary position within the case. Thus, the wearer of

the Onishi device is subjected to a stationary rather than a moving magnetic field.

U.S. Patent No. 4,177,796 to Franco- Vila discloses a device for the treatment

of arthritis which utilizes a pair of magnets, one magnet affixed to each side of an

elastic band which is placed across the end of a housing containing an electromagnet.

The paired magnets are caused to vibrate by application of a low frequency alternating

magnetic field which causes the magnets and the elastic band to vibrate, so that, upon

placing the end of the housing next to the injured tissue, vibration of the magnets acts

to massage the tissue. The electromagnet subjects the tissue to be treated to a

magnetic field, while the vibrating elastic band subjects the tissue to vibration. U.S. Patent No. 5,027,795 to Kato et al. discloses a massage machine to be

utilized in conjunction with a seat in a vehicle. The device is configured to dispose

magnets between the person in the seat and the seat, the magnets being non-moveably

affixed to the frame which is positioned on the seat of the vehicle. The magnets of the

Kato device are not moved with respect to the user.

U.S. Patent No. 4,682,584 to Pose discloses a dental care instrument for

treating emissions of foreign bodies within the mouth, the instrument having, at its

operative end, a magnet which is placed within a patient's mouth. The end of the

dental instrument is moved relative to the teeth, thus moving the magnet relative to

the teeth. While in some embodiments the magnet is affixed to the end of the dental

instrument so that it is rotatable about the end of the dental instrument, alternate

embodiments provide a magnet fixed in a stationary position. While the Pose device

does provide a relatively simple mechanism for applying a magnetic field to an area

to be treated, the user or individual providing treatment must move the dental care

instrument with respect to the area to be treated to achieve movement of the magnet.

Likewise, U.S. Patent No. 4,744,350 to Sato and U.S. Patent No. 5,382,222 to

Yih-Jong both disclose massaging devices having magnets embedded therein, each

device being movable over the area to be treated.

U.S. Patent No. 5,323,499 to Chan discloses a mattress including a layer of

alternating wooden beads and magnets, the magnets providing a static magnetic field

on which the user may rest, the alternating magnets and beads applying a massaging

action to the user. The mattress magnets apply a stationary magnetic field to the

individual as the individual is sleeping upon the mattress. Permanent magnets may be inertially mounted to the body of an individual so

that the movement of the host will create relative movement of the magnet and the

target tissue. Permanent or electrical magnets may be used. The inertial mount can

be applied to surrounding environments through which the individual moves, such as

a truck, desk or stationary support elements of a swing whereby the individual moves

through the therapeutic magnetic field.

The inertial mounting system will increase the effectiveness of interaction

between individual and the magnetic field by moving the magnetic source relative to

the individual. Relative movement between the individual and magnet is provided by

the natural movement of the individual, which may additionally cause movement of

the magnet. The magnets may be mounted, for example, in the supporting frame of

a porch swing so that the swinging motion of the individual in the chair portion of the

swing causes relative motion between the magnet and individual.

Such systems provide a changing magnetic field relative to the individual

which may help to reduce muscle stiffness and discomfort for persons confined to one

position for extended periods such as truck drivers and persons confined to a bed or

a chair.

The present invention combines the benefits of portability associated with

easily applied permanent magnetic devices with moving magnetic fields relative to

tissue. The present invention improves upon prior art biomagnetic devices by

providing enhanced relative movement between the magnet and the subject tissue by

physically moving the magnetic source. The present invention provides a means for the magnet to be moved relative to the subject tissue in response to inertial or other

mechanical energy inputs incidental to the activity of the individual.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a therapeutic device for subjecting a user to

a moving magnetic field, the therapeutic device including a moveable magnet

positioned proximate to a user. The magnet is preferably contained within the interior

cavity of a housing, the interior cavity being larger than the magnet so that the magnet

is freely moveable within the interior cavity. The housing may be configured so as

to assure the polarity of the magnetic field remains the same with respect to a

particular side of the housing, thus permitting the user to be exposed to a moving

magnetic field having a substantially single polarity. The housing is positioned on or

embedded in a user. Alternately, the magnet may be suspended from a frame or other

object by elastic members such as springs or elastic bands, or pivotable members and

the like so that the magnet may move relative to the frame or object, the frame or

obj ect being positioned proximate to the user. Movement of the magnet by inertial

or other forces provides a moving magnetic field which interacts with the surrounding

tissue of the user.

Although permanent magnets may be used, electromagnets will achieve

similar results. A single housing may contain a plurality of magnets, and a plurality

of magnets may be used to form an array to produce a pulsing or temporally variable

unipolar magnetic field which may be preferred for applications which are deemed

best treated with a magnetic field having a specific pole. Preferably, the housings, frames and arrays are affixed to the user or the user's

clothing by adhesive, velcro or other mounting means. The housings, frames and

arrays may be placed within shoes such as sneakers, tennis racquets, baseball bats, and

the like.

Alternatively, the housings may be positioned on or within a moving object

within the individual's environment, such as a seat in a vehicle, a fan such as a ceiling

fan, a steering wheel, or the hand wheel of a wheelchair. For example, a housing or

a plurality of housings, each containing at least one magnet, may be affixed to the

supports of a swing or the swing seat itself, thereby subjecting the user swinging in

the seat to a varying magnetic field.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a handle having an

end and a permanent or other type of magnet. Disposed between the handle end and

magnet is a flexible member so that, as the handle is moved, the movement of the

magnet proximate to the user is accentuated, permitting the application of an

accentuated moving magnetic field.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a substantially

planar member upon which are affixed a plurality of magnets. Means are provided for

moving the substantially planar member substantially parallel to a user. Thus, the

magnets may be oriented so as to permit application of a magnetic field having a

substantially uniform polarity to a user. The magnets may also be positioned on the

array so that adjacent magnets have opposite polarities. Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will be

made clear by the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the

invention. The description makes reference to drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the

invention;

Figure IB is an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment having the magnet

suspended within a housing;

Figure 3 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the invention whereby a

plurality of the housings depicted in Figure 1 A are contained within a seat;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention

whereby the housings are positioned on a swing;

Figure 5 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the invention whereby the

housing is embedded within an individual;

Figure 6 is a view of another alternate embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a view of the prior art;

Figure 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a view of the prior art;

Figure 11 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is another alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 13 is another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

The preferred embodiment of the invention, as depicted in Figure 1, includes

a housing 12 which is constructed of a non-magnetic material. Non-magnetic housing

12 includes separable portions 14 and 16 which mate so as to form an internal cavity

18. Non-magnetic housing 12 also has an exterior surface 19 which is attached to

cloth 22 by adhesive, tensioning wrap, velcro or other similar means. Alternately, the

exterior surface 19 of housing 12 may be removably attached to the skin or hide of an

individual by a removable adhesive, such as commercially available two-sided tape,

glue or other tacky substance.

Magnet 20 is placed within internal cavity 18, magnet 20 being configured to

be smaller than internal cavity 18 so that it is freely movable within internal cavity 18.

Thus, movement of the non-magnetic housing 12, cloth 22 and the user results in

movement of the magnet within the internal cavity and relative movement between

the user and magnet 20, subjecting the user to a moving magnetic field which is

known to have therapeutic benefits.

Magnet 20 may be suspended in housing 12 by flexible or other means, such

as springs or the elastic bands 24 shown in Figure 2. Magnet 20 may be suspended

pivotally from a rigid member, the pivoting action of the rigid member with respect

to the housing permits movement of magnet 20 relative to the user. Preferably, elastic

bands 24 are used to suspend magnet 20 in both the vertical and horizontal direction,

although alternate embodiments may utilize springs to suspend the magnet in either

a horizontal or a vertical direction. The elasticity in the springs or elastic bands

enables magnet 20 to respond to all movements of housing 12 and the user, and permits magnet 20 to move freely within housing 12. Housing 12 may be constructed

in a variety of shapes, including cylindrical, square, rectangular or other geometric

shape. Magnets 20 contained within housings 12 may also be of a variety of shapes,

and need not be of the same shape as its housing.

The housing may be configured so as to restrict, in one or more directions, the

movement of the magnet within the housing, thereby enabling selection of the polarity

of the magnetic field to which the user is subjected. For example, a disk-shaped

magnet may be placed within a housing having a height which prevents the magnet

from flipping over within the housing, or a rectangular magnet may be placed within

a housing so that one face of the magnet is always pointing toward the subject tissue.

Thus, the present invention may subject a user to a dynamic magnetic field having a

preferred polarity.

Alternately, different mechanisms may be utilized to move magnets 20 placed

within housing 12, such as by providing an orifice in the housing so that a stream of

fluid such as a gas or liquid may be forced into the housing, the stream of fluid being

sufficiently strong so as to move the magnet, thus creating relative movement between

the magnet and the housing. If permanent magnets are utilized, an electrically

conductive wire 40, as shown in Figure IB, may be wrapped around housing 12 or

placed near magnet 20 so that, as current passes through the wire, the magnet is

caused to move relative to the user and/or the housing. Additionally, mechanical

devices including cams, gears and/or linkages may be utilized to move the magnets.

These mechanical devices may be powered through motorized means or may be

connected to devices moving in the surrounding environment which will cause the mechanical device to move the magnet. An external exciter magnet may be positioned

near the magnet of the present invention, the external exciter magnet generating a

sufficiently strong magnetic field to cause movement of the magnet contained within

the housing or positioned near the area to be treated.

Preferably, housings 20 are manufactured from a non-electrically conductive

plastic, such as polyester or polyethylene, and have sufficient rigidity so as to retain

their overall shape. Depending upon the application, housing 12 may be of a

substance which does not interfere with and is not toxic to plant, animal or human

tissue, so as to enable housing 12 to be embedded or inserted within the area of tissue

of the user to be treated.

As depicted in Figure 3, housings 12 may be embedded in seat 26 suitable for

supporting the user. Seat 26 is preferably located in a moving vehicle, so that

movement of the vehicle and the seat causes enhanced movement of magnet 20

positioned within housings 12, thereby subjecting the user positioned in seat 26 to a

moving magnetic field. In alternate embodiments, housing 12 may be positioned

within other moving structures which are used to support individuals, such as

stretchers or the like. Additionally, housings may be contained within handles of golf

clubs, bats, racquets, bicycle handlebar grips and the like. Also, housings may be

embedded in shoes such as athletic shoes and braces such as knee, ankle and wrist

braces or other supports.

As depicted in Figure 4, housings 12 may be mounted to a swing 30 having

a seat 32 and a support 34, seat 32 being suspended by cables 36 from support 34.

Housings 12 may be mounted to a support 34 or seat 32, whereby the movement of swing seat 32 causes movement of magnets 20 within housings 12 so as to subject the user in swing 30 to a variable magnetic field.

Alternatively, housing 12 may be embedded within the muscle area 38 of leg

40 of an individual to be treated. Figure 5 depicts a housing 12 embedded within the

musculature of leg 40, so that the tissue surrounding the housing 12 is subjected to a moving magnetic field whenever the individual moves.

Alternate embodiments of the invention include suspension of the magnet from a frame 42, depicted in Figure 13, so that magnet 20 will move proximate to the area

to be treated. The magnet may be suspended by elastic bands 24 or pivotable member

44 from frame 42, in a manner similar to the suspension of the magnet within housing

12. While containing magnet 20 within a housing is preferable in certain applications, it is not required in all applications of the moving magnetic fields of the present

invention.

If a particular polarity of the magnetic field is preferred, magnet 20 may be

affixed to pivotable member 44 so that the appropriate polarity is applied to the user.

While permanent magnets of any strength may be utilized in the present

invention, magnets having strengths within the range of 500 to 2000 Gauss are

preferred. The permanent magnets are preferably rare earth magnets such as

neodymium iron boron or samarium cobalt magnets, although other permanent

magnets may be utilized. Alternately, electromagnets may be utilized in the present

invention, and in embodiments where magnet 20 is suspended utilizing an elastic

member or pivotable member, electromagnets may be easily utilized by utilizing the

elastic bands to suspend the electromagnet within the housing. Current may be supplied to the electromagnet by wires penetrating through the housing and

connecting to an external power source.

Figure 6 depicts an array of permanent magnets enclosed in housings 12 which

may be affixed to the user or to a moving object within the user's environment such

as a vehicle seat. Preferably, the magnets in an array are spaced far enough apart so

that they will not interact with each other and prevent movement of magnets 20. The

area between the magnets will be filled with return path magnetic flux which will

measure as opposite polarity on a Hall effect Gauss meter.

If uniform north or south pole orientation is desired, the distance between the

magnets in the array should position the target tissue within the intersecting cones of

preferred pole flux as depicted in Figure 7. Thus, if the cone angle Z for a given

magnet is 45 °, the distance X between magnets 20 must be twice the distance Y from

the magnet face 21 to the subject tissue positioned at reference line A to maintain a

single polar environment. Thus, in Figure 7, if X equals two inches, Y equals one

inch.

If there is relative movement between the subject tissue and the array caused

by movement of the either the array of magnets or the subject, a moving magnetic

field of like polarity will result. If the spacing between the magnets is wider or if the

subject tissue is closer to the magnetic array so that portions of the subject tissue are

not within the cone of preferred pole flux, then the subject tissue will not be constantly

in a single pole environment since the space between magnets contains the return path

flux which is of the opposite pole. This configuration is also effective because it provides greater variation in flux density and superior eddy current generation effects

in tissue moved relative to the array.

Figure 8 depicts the flux from the outermost north zones passing through the

central south zone on their return path. Since their direction is now reversed in the

return path, this flux reinforces the south pole zone and amplifies the intensity of the

field in the central area of magnet 20. Figure 10 also shows the return flux patterns

of a magnet, with divergent flux within the north side of the cone-shaped area 50, and

convergent flux inside the cone-shaped area 52.

If magnets are positioned in close proximity to each other, as depicted in

Figure 9, there will be alternating zones of convergent and divergent flux (north and

south) which will be strongest in the areas designated as 46 and 48. Thus, an array

may be created with alternating pole elements which are closely spaced to create

alternating convergent and divergent field exposure due to relative movement of the

subject tissue and the array. By varying the width of the magnetic elements in Figure

9, the height of the reinforced strong zone (below Reference Line B) can be increased,

thereby increasing the reach of the multipolar array. If the array is moved on a parallel

plane relative to the subject tissue, a more powerful field is generated with the depth

of penetration determined by the pole width.

Axially rotating magnets do not produce magnetic fields which are as effective

as non-rotating, moving magnets because, as the magnet rotates on its axis, the north

and south poles, which are considered to be the treatment medium, are only oriented

directly at the target tissue for a brief portion of the rotation of the magnet. For at

least half the time of rotation, the magnet is parallel to the tissue with the magnetically intense zone aimed away from the tissue. In moving magnets of the type disclosed

herein, the magnetically intense zone may be aimed at the tissue at all times, despite

movement of the magnet. Thus, higher flux density may be applied to the tissue while

maintaining the polarity of the magnetic field aimed at the tissue to be treated.

Another alternate embodiment, depicted in Figure 11 , includes a handle 54

having an end 55 which is attached to a flexible member 56. A magnet 20, preferably

a permanent ceramic ferrite or neodymium magnet, is positioned proximate to end 60

of flexible member 56, which is sufficiently long and flexible so that, upon movement

of handle 54, magnet 20 oscillates in an accentuated fashion. The user may oscillate

magnet 20 over afflicted areas. Alternatively, handle 54 and flexible member 56 may

be constructed as a single member such as of plastic. Additionally, a housing 12 may

be affixed to end 60 of flexible member 56 so as to provide even greater movement

of magnet 20 with respect to the user.

Still another alternate embodiment of the present invention includes

magnets 20 positioned on a rigid substrate 62 such as a planar wooden board, a plastic

plank or the like. The array, depicted in Figure 12, may be moved relative to the user

so that the magnets remain a fixed distance from the user, e.g., substantially parallel

to the tissue to be treated. Magnets 20 within the array may be positioned so that

adjacent magnets have opposite polarities, or all magnets may be positioned in a

manner such that all magnets have the same polarity. The magnets may be located on

the substrate 62 so as to maximize the magnetic flux at a predetermined distance from

the substrate 62.

I claim:

Claims

Claims

1. In a system for applying a magnetic field to a user, the system being

of the type having:

a magnet;

a non-magnetic housing configured to retain the magnet therein, the housing

being further configured to be mechanically coupled to a user so that movement of the

user causes movement of the housing under a force such as an inertial or gravitational

force;

the improvement comprising: the magnet being maintained within the housing

so that movement of the housing causes the magnet to move therein with respect to

the housing;

whereby movement of the user causes movement of the housing which results

in relative movement between the user and the magnet, which subjects the user to a

moving magnetic field.

2. A system according to claim 1, the housing being mechanically

coupled to a set adapted to support the user.

3. A system according to claim 1, the housing being mechanically

coupled to a swing.

4. A system according to claim 1, the housing being mechanically

coupled to a cloth.

5. A system according to claim 1 , the housing being embedded within an

individual.

6. A system according to claim 1, the housing being mechanically

coupled to the user by adhesive disposed between the housing and the user.

7. A system according to claim 1, the magnet being retained within the

housing by an elastic member.

8. A system according to claim 1, a conductive wire being wrapped

around the magnet.

9. A system according to claim 1 , the magnet being retained within the

housing by a member, the member being pivotably attached at a first end of the

member to the magnet, a second end of the member being pivotably attached to the

housing, whereby movement of the user causes pivotal movement of the member

which results in pivotal movement of the magnet.

10. In a system for applying a magnetic field to a user, the system being

of the type having:

a magnet;

a handle having an end; the improvement comprising: a flexible member disposed between the end of

the handle and the magnet so that, as the handle is moved, the flexible member causes

the magnet to move with an accentuated motion.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 24 April 1998 (24.04.98); original claims 1 and 10 amended; remaining claims unchanged (2 pages)]

1 1. In a therapeutic device for applying a magnetic field to a user, the

2 system being of the type having:

3 a magnet;

4 a non-magnetic housing configured to retain the magnet therein, the housing

5 being further configured to be mechanically coupled to a user so that movement of the user

6 causes movement of the housing;

7 the improvement comprising: the magnet being retained within the housing

8 so that movement of the housing causes the magnet to move therein with respect to the

9 housing due to inertial or gravitational force;

10 whereby movement of the user causes movement of the housing, which

1 1 results in relative movement between the user and the magnet, thereby subjecting the user

12 to a moving magnetic field.

1 2. A system according to claim 1 , the housing being mechanically

2 coupled to a set adapted to support the user.

1 3. A system according to claim 1, the housing being mechanically

2 coupled to a swing.

1 4. A system according to claim 1 , the housing being mechanically

2 coupled to a cloth.

1 5. A system according to claim 1, the housing being embedded within

2 an individual.

1 6. A system according to claim 1, the housing being mechanically

2 coupled to the user by adhesive disposed between the housing and the user.

7. A system according to claim 1, the magnet being retained within the housing by an elastic member.

8. A system according to claim 1, a conductive wire being wrapped around the magnet.

9. A system according to claim 1, the magnet being retained within the housing by a member, the member being pivotably attached at a first end of the member to the magnet, a second end of the member being pivotably attached to the housing, whereby movement of the user causes pivotal movement of the member which results in pivotal movement of the magnet.

10. In a system for applying a magnetic field to a user, the system being of the type having: a magnet; a handle having an end; the improvement comprising: a flexible member disposed between the end of the handle and the magnet so that, as the handle is moved, the flexible member causes the magnet to oscillate with an accentuated motion.