At first glance, it may seem that using magnets for healing is a recent phenomenon, but using magnets for their healing and regenerative properties has been reported around the world since ancient times. Records from various great ancient civilizations exist, which show that they recognized the healing properties of magnets. A Chinese medical text dating from 2000 BC, the Yellow Emperors Book, describes the use of magnetic stones to correct imbalances in the Qi, or lifeforce. Writings from ancient Egypt record the therapeutic use of magnets by Egyptian doctors. One famous story from ancient Egypt, relates how Cleopatra regularly wore magnetic jewelry, or a magnetic stone around her forehead, in order to preserve her beauty and vitality.

The ancient Greeks also utilized magnets for therapeutic health purposes. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, explored the therapeutic properties of lodestone, a naturally occurring magnetic mineral. Around 200 BC, it is recorded that the famous Greek physician Galen discovered that the application of magnets to the body could alleviate pain caused by various disorders and diseases.

The early centuries of the common era provided continued documentation of the healing power of magnetism. During the 1st century AD, physicians from China documented the effects on the body and diseases related to variations in the earth's magnetic field, using sensitive compasses to monitor these subtle variations. Around 1000 AD, a Persian physician recorded the utlization of magnets to treat various disorders, including gout and muscle spasms.

Around the 16th century, the number of studies and experiments regarding the use of biomagnetic therapy by European physicians began to increase, as more successes were reported. In 1530, a respected Swiss physician, Paracelsus, documented successes with a variety of treatments using magnetic fields. Eventually, he was removed from his position as Professor of Medicine at Basle University, because of his determination to promoting science over religion in relation to medical treatments. In the 17th century, the renowned English court physician Gilbert recorded the health benefits of magnets. During the mid-18th century, Maximillian Hell, a Jesuit priest, who devoted his life to the study of science, mathematics, and astronomy, successfully experimented with treating patients with new, more powerful, carbon-steel magnets, which were shaped to the area of the body to be treated.

In 1777, Abbot Lenoble, a member of France's Royal Society of Medicine, conducted a detailed study of magnetic therapy. He produced and tested therapeutic magnets, recommending the application of magnetic jewelry to the wrist and chest. He replicated successful results in dozens of cases of biomagnetic therapy, including the treatment of toothaches, arthritis, stomach spasms, and convulsions. During the 19th century, the number of scientific studies continued to increase including studies by Eydam in 1843, Charot and Renard in 1878, Westphal and Gangee in 1878, Mueller in 1879, and Benedict in 1885.

Since the mid-20th century, a large number of biomagnetic studies have been conducted in Japan, which have repeatedly demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetic fields in the treatment of various disorders. Magnetic jewelry is sold throughout Japan, Europe, and China for the relief of pain and joint stiffness, as well as for improved circulatory function. Many biomagnetic devices sold in Japan are registered with the Japan Welfare Ministry as official medical devices. To obtain this registration, devices undergo clinical tests at accredited health facilities to verify their effectiveness.

At the current time, Western physicians and researchers are achieving positive results using electromagnetic fields to treat damage to tissue, including ulcers and severe burns. Soft tissue, joints, and bone injuries have reported to have been responsive to these treatments. Doctors in russia regularly utilize magnets to accelerate the healing process after surgery, and to improve circulation.

Although magnetic therapy is still generally considered an "alternative" medicine, particularly in the West, its acceptance as a viable option for pain relief and improved overall health and vitality, has grown considerably in recent years. A study of the treatment's long and detailed history, as well as the ever-increasing amount of positive anecdotal evidence by users of therapeutic magnets, points to a significant connection between magnets and health.