The overall strength (and effectiveness) of a magnet is determined by its gauss rating, its thickness, diameter and spacing. Past and present therapy Various old cultures have been known to have used magnets for pain relief and other symptoms. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and the Chinese have been known to have used magnets for treatments of various illnesses. Also, selecting a large and thick magnet with a stronger magnetic field can help reach specific areas better allowing treatment to work faster and more effectively. When looking for the proper magnets, it is absolutely necessary to consider only high quality grades available in the market. Using magnets that are too small, too thin or just too low quality would result only to wasted time and efforts. Rheumatoid arthritis A double blind, controlled trial of patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the knee compared the effects of strong alternating polarity magnets with the effects of a deliberately weak unipolar magnet. After a week of therapy, 68% of the participants with the strong magnet reported relief, compared to 27% in the control group. Aside from pain relief, better blood circulation could also result into better sleep. Aside from that, magnets could also stop or intervene with muscle contraction and spasms. Spasms would only tighten the muscles and joints which could make movements or the area more painful. Medical magnets could help in relaxing and decreasing muscle tightness. In a fast paced life, which is very common nowadays, stress is inevitable. Unmanaged, stress could affect our work, social relationships and even our health. 1. Magnet Therapy In ancient civilizations like those of found in China, Egypt, India and Greece, magnets are already used to heal different forms of illnesses. This is mostly used to heal fractures and chronic pain. Usually, the type of ailment determines the type and strength of the biomagnets used in the treatment. Also considered are the following conditions: the length of time the patient had the illness, the severity, the area of the body and the patient s sensitivity.