US20030004393A1 - Magnetic therapeutic device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and apparatus for treating wounds comprising the steps of exposing a wound to a magnetic source. Preferably, the wound has had some time to begin healing.

Device for magnetizing water comprising a container for holding water; and a magnetic source disposed about the container.

Method of attaching a medical or dental appliance comprising the steps of:

providing magnetized medical or dental cement; and applying the cement so as to affix an appliance in a desired location.

A magnetic therapeutic article comprising magnetized medical/dental cement or plaster.

A magnetic therapeutic device including an adhesive bandage for covering a wound and a magnetic source supported by the adhesive bandage.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims the benefit of priority, and is a continuation in part, of prior filed, co-pending, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,969, entitled “Magnetic Therapeutic Device”, filed Jun. 9, 2000, by Ewing et al., and claims benefit to priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/138,726, entitled “Magnetic Therapeutic Device”, filed Jun. 11, 1999, by Ewing et al., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• The present invention pertains to magnetic therapeutic devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to devices for the application of magnetic fields to specific regions of the human body.[0003]
• 2. Description of the Background Art[0004]
• Magnets or biomagnets have long been used to expose particular regions of the human body to magnetic flux lines. The influence of biomagnets has been reported to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. As a result, pain may be reduced and strength may be increased.[0005]
• A number of flexible magnetic pads have been disclosed to the public as providing therapeutic effects, including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,514,072 and 5,538,495 (a flexible magnetic pad with multi-directional constantly alternating polarity zones); U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,532 (a flexible magnetic sheet for therapeutic use); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,111 (a therapeutic magnetic sheet with repeated curved areas); the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. The magnetic pads are applied to various regions of the body, such as the legs and arms.[0006]
• Additionally, magnets have been placed in wraps, jewelry and the soles of shoes to provide therapeutic effects. Magnets have also been incorporated into numerous other devices, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,596 (lumbar belts), U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,739 (armbands), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,046 (clothing). Each device is used for exposing specifically defined, external regions of the human body to a magnetic field.[0007]
• It has been reported that biomagnets can be placed at strategic points on the body to positively influence pain control by directing magnetic fields to acupuncture points, acupuncture meridians, and the surrounding hard and soft tissue. For example, clothing having discrete magnets attached thereto for producing healing effects at acupuncture points has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,046, which issued Feb. 24, 1998 to Lopez et al., the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. More specifically, Lopez teaches clothing and other personal wear which utilizes discrete magnets to direct magnetic fields towards acupuncture points along the human torso; acupuncture points on the head along the temporal region, soft spot and upper most vertebrae region at the base of the skull; and acupuncture points on the body appendages.[0008]
• Although magnetic fields have been applied to a number of locations along the outer human body, none of the above-cited patents teaches or suggests the use of magnets for primarily applying a magnetic field to the lower temporal/mandibular region of a human head. Further, none of the above-cited patents teaches or suggests inserting magnetic devices into cavities of the human body.[0009]
• The lower temporal/mandibular region, as defined throughout this disclosure, refers to particular skeletal regions of the face and cranium along with the surrounding soft tissue. More specifically, the lower temporal/mandibular region includes the zygomatic bone, mandible, lower portion of the temporal bone, mastoid process, zygomatic arch, maxillae and surrounding soft tissue. The region of exposure preferably includes that region which is proximate the joint connecting the jaw to the cranium, longitudinally extending from the top of the ears to the tip of the chin and latitudinally extending the width of the lower portion of the jawbone to the upper portion of the cheekbone. Additionally, none of the patents referred to above have disclosed or suggested the application of magnetic fields to the outer ear, the middle ear or the inner ear, the inside of the mouth or mouth cavity or to a healing wound. It is believed that application of a magnetic field to the lower temporal/mandibular region of the human head or within certain body cavities will positively impact blood circulation and cell polarity, thus reducing pain, fatigue, and stress, and to increase strength.[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention, to address the above stated deficiency in the background art devices as well as others, as is detailed hereinafter, provides means for delivering a magnetic field to the lower temporal/mandibular region of a human head. The present invention also provides a device having a magnetic source for inserting into a body cavity.[0011]
• In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a mouthpiece comprising a magnetic device or magnet disposed therein.[0012]
• In a second embodiment, the present invention provides headgear having means for positioning a magnetic device or magnet about the lower temporal/mandibular region of a human head and at least one magnetic device or magnet disposed within the means for positioning.[0013]
• In a third embodiment, the present invention comprises an earplug having at least one magnetic device or magnet disposed therein.[0014]
• In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a container or bottle for producing magnetic water, the container comprising at least one magnetic device circumferentially disposed about the container to magnetically charge water. The magnetic water is suitable for applying to a human body.[0015]
• In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides magnetic dental or medical cement. The magnetic dental or medical cement is preferably water based and includes from about 1% to about 99.0% by total weight of magnetic water.[0016]
• In a sixth embodiment, the present invention comprises a removable adhesive bandage having at least one magnetic device disposed therein.[0017]
• In a seventh embodiment, the present invention comprises magnetically charged plaster for treating an injury.[0018]
• For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.[0019]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1[0020]ais a top view of a first embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 1[0021]bis a front view of a first embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 1[0022]cis a side view of a first embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a second embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;[0023]
• FIG. 3[0024]ais a side view of a third embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 3[0025]bis an environmental top view of a third embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;[0026]
• FIG. 5 is an environmental view of a fifth embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;[0027]
• FIG. 6[0028]ais a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 6[0029]bis a cross-sectional side view of a sixth embodiment of a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• With more particularity and with reference to FIGS. 1[0030]a-1cthere is depicted therein a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention comprising a mouthpiece, which is generally denoted at10. Themouthpiece10 comprises abite plate12 and at least onemagnetic device16 disposed therein. In addition to providing magnetic therapeutic effects to the maxillo-facial regions, the mouthpiece may additionally protect the oral infrastructure and favorably alter the vertical height of the dental occlusion to positively influence pain control, enhance strength and endurance.
• The[0031]bite plate12 has a height H, width W, and length L and may be adapted to fit within the mouth of either an adult or child. Thebite plate12 separates the upper teeth from the lower teeth by the height H of thebite plate12. Preferably, the height or separation H of thebite plate12 provides from about 2 mm to about 3 mm of clearance between the posterior molars and from about 6 mm to about 8 mm of clearance between the anterior incisors. Thebite plate12 may be U-shaped or parabolic so as to properly fit about the teeth. The length L of thebite plate12 preferably extends along the entire length of the bottom and the top rows of teeth. Thebite plate12 may comprise a plurality of peaks and valleys (not shown) that conform to or fit about the individual teeth of a human mouth.
• The[0032]bite plate12 may be a conventional mouth guard, bite splint or the like. Suitable mouth guards, in addition to others, include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,941, which issued on Dec. 20, 1988 to Quinton, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,250,272, 3,211,143, 2,630,117, 3,224,441, 3,124,129, 3,096,761, 3,112,744, the disclosures, all of which, are herein incorporated by reference.
• The[0033]bite plate12 may further have at least onechannel20 for seating the teeth of the human mouth therein. Thebite plate12 may have at least onewall22, and preferably asecond wall24, extending therefrom to form thechannel20. Thechannel20 may be preformed within the bite plate to conform to either the teeth or the gums of a human mouth or both, as may be the case for a person who does not have teeth. Thechannel20 may house either the upper set of teeth, the lower set of teeth, or may house both or the upper gums, the lower gums or both. Preferably, thechannel20 fits about the upper set of teeth. Thechannel20 is adapted to hold themouthpiece10 securely in place and may additionally protect the teeth from a frontal blow to the mouth.
• The[0034]channel20 may be preformed or custom fit to a particular individual's mouth and bite pattern. For example, a cast of the teeth or gums may be taken to form a die-cast of themouthpiece10 of hard plastic.
• The[0035]bite plate12 may be formed of semi-ridged rubber or plastic, pliable rubber, rigid plastic, or like materials. Pliable rubber or pliable plastic allows thebite plate12 to be used as an athletic mouth guard. The favorable protective mechanism provided by a semi-ridged material between the maxillary and mandibular detention will help prevent tooth trauma, oral lacerations, temporal/mandibular joint dysfunction, and cranial/sacral injury. Thebite plate12 may also be substantially formed of thermoplastic. Thermoplastic allows an end user to heat the bite plate in hot water and mold the bite plate to the end user's specific bite profile.
• Alternatively, the[0036]bite plate12 may be formed of a hard plastic or rubber. Hard rubber or plastic allows thebite plate12 to be used as a bite splint. A bite splint reduces wear between the upper teeth and lower teeth and may be used by people who grind their teeth.
• It is important to the present invention that the[0037]mouthpiece10 have a magnetic source, magnetic device ormagnet16 disposed therein. As shown, the magnetic16 resides between abottom layer14 and atop layer18 of thebite plate12. Thebottom layer14, themagnetic device16, and thetop layer18 preferably provide a separation H of about 2 mm to about 10 mm between the top set of teeth and the bottom set of teeth. Alternatively, the magnetic device may be made integral (not shown) with the bite plate to form a single, uniformly and integrally constructed magnetic mouthpiece, such as a soft material or body having magnetic properties.
• The[0038]magnetic device16 is preferably disposed within thebite plate12 using any suitable means of manufacture including molding the bite plate around the magnetic device, layering the bite plate between the bottom layer and top layer and securing the magnetic device with adhesives, etc. Alternatively, as in the case where the magnetic device is made integral with the bite plate (not shown), the manufacture of such device may be accomplished by embedding magnetic particulates within a thermoplastic, semi-rigid plastic or rubber bite plate and forming the bite plate to fit about the teeth.
• The[0039]magnetic device16, and those described throughout the ensuing disclosure, may be anything that produces a magnetic field, including for example a discrete ferrite magnet, a plurality of discrete ferrite magnets, an electromagnet, ferro-magnetic alloy, etc. Preferably, themagnetic device16 is a rubbery-flexible synthetic material in which permanent magnetic particles, such as ferrite particles, have been imbedded. The magnetic device preferably generates a magnetic flux density of about 50 to about 2500 gauss. The magnetic device preferably has a magnetic flux density of about 400 to about 1000 gauss and more preferably from about 800 to about 1000 gauss.
• The[0040]magnetic device16 may comprise constantly alternating north/south polarity zones. The magnetic device may also comprise a flexible planar magnetic sheet having a specific pattern of repeating alternating polarity, such that poles of the same polarity are disposed about themagnetic device16 in a staggered position. Themagnetic device16 may be formed of a flexible magnetic sheet having a variety of patterns including: a spiral pattern emanating from the center of the device and having magnetic poles of alternating polarity, or some other geometric shape, such as concentrically arranged rings, sectors, quadrangles or the like.
• The magnetic source is disposed in the[0041]mouthpiece10 in an orientation suitable for exposing the joints, bones, and surrounding soft tissue to a magnetic field. In particular, when a flat magnetic device is used, the magnetic field radiating therefrom exposes the body tissue to a field flux at an angle of from about 45 to 90 degrees, relative to an axis formed by the surface of the flat magnetic device. Preferably, themagnetic device16 is disposed within thebite plate12 to deliver a magnetic field with a flux of about 90 degrees relative to the surface of the magnet to provide the maximum exposure of body tissue to the flux lines of the magnetic device.
• Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein is a magnetic therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention comprising headgear, shown generally at[0042]100. The headgear comprises means142 for positioning a magnetic device about an ear or about the lower temporal/mandibular region of the human head or both, wherein themeans142 for positioning has at least onemagnetic device116 disposed therein. The means142 for positioning may be an ear guard, a support ring that encircles the ear, an ear covering, an earmuff, etc. As shown, the means for positioning the magnetic device comprises at least oneear guard110 having at least onemagnetic device116 disposed within theear guard110. As may become evident from this disclosure, the headgear may further comprise two individual ear guards (not shown).
• The[0043]ear guard110 may be adapted to shelter and protect a human ear. Theear guard110 is preferably a convex housing having a thickness, an inner side and an outer side. Theear guard110 may comprise a convex, hard shell or pliable covering. The hard shell may be formed of leather, plastic, rubber, etc. Padding may be attached to the inside of the hard shell using suitable fastening means, such as riveting, gluing, etc. Alternatively, theear guard110 may be comprised of a pliable covering without a hard outer shell. The pliable covering may be formed of leather, plastic or the like and padded with material, such as foam rubber, cotton batting or the like. Padding is used to cushion and absorb the force of blows that may be delivered to the ear.
• Thus, the[0044]ear guard110 may perform a multitude of purposes besides solely supporting the magnetic device: such as protecting the ears from physical blows, protecting the ears from cold temperatures, etc. The headgear of the present invention may resemble the types of headgear used in wrestling, hockey, baseball, football, water polo, cycling, etc. For example, a football helmet has a padded inner lining, the inner lining has a recess which encircles the ears, thus forming an ear guard within the helmet.
• The[0045]ear guard110 comprises at least one magnetic device ormagnet114 disposed therein. Theear guard110 may comprise a plurality ofmagnets114,116,112. As shown, three magnets are disposed114,116,112 radially about a central portion of the ear guard. The magnets are parabolic or curved in shape and partially encircle the outer area of the ear. Alternatively or additionally, a single concave magnet (not shown) may be disposed in the ear guard and adapted to fit over the entire ear of a wearer.
• The magnets disposed in the[0046]ear guard110 expose the lower temporal bone, sphenoid bone, zygomatic arch, mandible and surrounding soft tissues to magnetic flux lines. The magnetic device may also expose the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear to magnetic flux lines.
• The[0047]headgear100 may comprise a plurality of support straps118,120,122,124,126 for removably supporting theear guard110 about a suitable position on thehuman head140. Such straps may include alower back strap118, amiddle back strap120, an uppermiddle strap122, and an upperfrontal strap124. At least onestrap118,120,122,124,126 of theheadgear100 may be achinstrap126. Thechinstrap126 is adjustable and provides means for fixing the position of the ear guard about thehead140. Thestraps118,120,122,124,126 may be connected to theear guard110 in any suitable manner, such as by using fasteners, snaps, adhesives, stitching, looping the straps through at least one aperture of the ear protective device, etc.
• Each[0048]strap118,120,122,124,126 of theheadgear126 may comprise at least one corresponding magnetic device ormagnet128,130,132,134,136 disposed therein. Themagnetic device128,130,132,134,136 is preferably a rectilinear, flat, flexible magnet or a plurality of flat flexible magnets (not shown) disposed within the straps.
• Now referring to FIGS. 3[0049]aand3b, generally depicted therein is anearplug300 comprising at least onemagnetic device324 disposed therein. A housing or plugportion322 forms the outer structure of theearplug300. The shape of thehousing322 is adapted for inserting theearplug300 into the ear canal of thehuman head326. Such shapes may include tubular, conical, rectangular with rounded edges, ovular, etc.
• Additionally, the[0050]earplug300 may be adapted to muffle sound. To muffle sound, thehousing322 is preferably formed of pliable rubber, foam plastic, or the like. The rubber or foam plastic acts to reduce sound waves entering through the ear canal.
• The[0051]magnetic device324 may be disposed within the housing orsupport body322 using any suitable means, such as molding thehousing322 around the magnetic device, embedding and scattering magnetic particulates throughout thehousing322, etc. Thehousing322 is preferably formed to support themagnetic device324 within the ear cannel and expose the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear to the effects of the magnet. The middle ear includes the tympanic membrane, malleus, stapes, etc. The inner ear includes the cochlea, etc. It is believed that exposing these regions of the ear to the effects of magnetic fields, the magnetic fields will positively impact circulation and cell polarity to reduce pain and stress.
• Now referring to FIG. 4, generally depicted therein at[0052]400 is a water bottle or container for producing magnetic water. Thewater bottle400 comprises ahousing410 that forms a chamber for holding water and amagnetic device412.
• The[0053]magnetic device412 may be disposed within the chamber, embedded in the walls of thehousing410, wrapped around the outside of thehousing410, etc. As shown, themagnetic device412 is disposed about thehousing410 using suitable means. Suitable means include molding the housing around the magnetic device; embedding magnetic ferrite particulates throughout the housing; fixing a flexible flat magnetic around the outer walls of the housing with adhesives; etc. As shown, thewater bottle400 has at least onemagnetic device412 disposed around the outer circumference of thehousing410.
• The[0054]magnetic device412 is adapted for magnetizing water contained within the chamber. The magnetic device preferably produces a magnetic field having a field strength of about 400 to about 5,000 gauss. To magnetize water, water is placed in thebottle400 and left to stand from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes. The water may be left to stand in the bottle for storage and ready use, the storage may last for hours, days, months, etc.
• Additionally, the[0055]water bottle400 may have a cap414 for sealing the chamber. Thewater bottle400 may further comprise a neck portion, and/or anapplicator tip418 attached to the cap414. The applicator tip and/or the neck portion may additionally have a secondmagnetic device416 disposed there about for additionally magnetizing water that passes there through.
• Magnetized water may be used in a number of applications, such as a mouthwash, in shampoo, in water-based plaster (such as medical casts), in toothpaste, in medical or dental cement, in dental bases and liners, and in desensitizing agents for providing magnetic therapeutic benefits.[0056]
• Now referring to FIG. 5, shown therein and generally depicted at[0057]500 is magnetized dental or medical cement. The magnetizeddental cement500 is used for attaching crowns, dental appliances, etc., within the human mouth. The magnetizeddental cement500 may be produced by mixing magnetized water with a water-based dental cement. Magnetized or magnetic water may be produced by adding water to a magnetizing water bottle512 (such as the bottle disclosed above at400). The water is left to stand in the magnetizingwater bottle512 for a time, such as that described above, sufficient for magnetizing the water.
• [0058]Magnetized water510 from the magnetizingwater bottle512 may be added to conventional powdered dental cement and stirred together using asuitable mixing apparatus514. The magnetized water may be stirred into the powered dental cement until the dental cement reaches a consistency such that the dental cement does not separate more than about 1 to 2 inches when drawn away form the mixing plate with the mixing apparatus.
• Among others, conventional powdered dental cements include, for example, known water-based, carboxylate dental cements and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,762 and others, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.[0059]
• The magnetic[0060]dental cement500 may be applied to the inside of adental appliance516 using asuitable apparatus514. Thedental appliance516 is then fixedly attached or applied to a prepared surface, such as aprepared tooth518. Thedental cement500 having magnetic properties and having been applied to location, such as a tooth, exposes the tooth and the surrounding soft tissue to the effects of a magnetic field. The magnetic field positively impacts blood circulation and cell polarity to reduce pain and promote healing. Consequently, tooth comfort can be maintained and the surrounding periodontal structures will realize enhanced healing.
• Now referring to FIGS. 6[0061]a-6b, shown therein is an adhesive bandage, generally depicted at600. Theadhesive bandage600 comprises aplastic strip624, anabsorbent material620 attached to theplastic strip624, an adhesive612 disposed on theplastic strip624, and at least one magnetic device ormagnet618 attached to theplastic strip624.
• The[0062]magnet618 may be disposed about theadhesive bandage600 in any location and held in place or fixed by any suitable fastening means, such as adhesives, stitching, or the like. The magnet may also be removably attached to theadhesive bandage600, such as by, for example, seating the magnet within a pocket (not shown) formed in the absorbent material, or Velcro.
• As shown, the[0063]magnet618 is located at a central portion of the adhesive bandage above asuitable adsorbent material620. The magnetic device ormagnet618 is preferably adapted to produce a magnetic field of from about 1 gauss to about 1000 gauss and more preferably from about 1 to about 50 gauss.
• Suitable[0064]absorbent materials620 used in the adhesive bandage include absorbent cotton, gauze or the like. Preferably, the absorbent material has a non-stick surface (not shown) for applying the absorbent material over a wound. Such non-stick material may be a mesh type material having tightly woven or non-woven fibers that allow bodily fluids to pass there through without sticking to the application spot.
• The magnetic[0065]adhesive bandage600 further comprisesmeans612 for attaching the bandage over a wound. The means612 for attaching is, for example, a removable adhesive, tack or glue disposed upon aplastic strip624.
• In use, the magnetic adhesive bandage is applied over a wound with the adhesive portions of the plastic strip attached to healthy tissue and the magnet centered upon the damaged tissue. The magnetic adhesive bandage is preferably applied to the wound after it has stopped bleeding, and more preferably after healing has begun. The magnetic adhesive bandage is preferably applied to the wound after it is at least one hour old, and more preferably after it is at least one day old. The magnetic[0066]adhesive bandage600, by having at least one magnet disposed therein, exposes the wound to the effects of a magnetic field to positively enhance circulation and cell polarity to thereby promote healing.
• While the invention has been illustrated in detail in the drawings and in the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in nature. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described fully and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.[0067]
• Thus, it is to be appreciated from the preceding disclosure that there has been described therein a magnetic therapeutic device for exposing the lower temporal/mandibular region of the human head to the effects of a magnetic field. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein a magnetic therapeutic device having a body for inserting into a human cavity, the body having a magnetic source. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein a magnetic therapeutic device, the magnetic therapeutic device comprising: a mouthpiece having at least one magnetic device disposed therein. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein magnetic therapeutic headgear, the headgear comprising means for positioning a magnetic device about the ear or lower temporal/mandibular region of a human head and a magnetic device disposed within the means for positioning. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein a magnetic therapeutic device, wherein the magnetic therapeutic device comprises an earplug having at least one magnetic device disposed therein. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein a device for producing magnetic water, wherein the device comprises a water bottle having at least one magnetic device disposed about the circumference of the bottle. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein a method of producing magnetic dental or medical cement. The magnetic dental or medical cement comprises water-based dental or medical cement having magnetic properties. It is also to be appreciated from the preceding specification that there has been described therein a magnetic therapeutic device wherein the device comprises a removable adhesive bandage having at least one magnet disposed therein.[0068]

Claims (26)

What is claimed is:

1. A method of treating a wound comprising the steps of:

exposing the wound to a magnetic source.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the wound has healed to the point where bleeding has essentially stopped.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the wound is at least one hour old.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the wound is at least one day old.

5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic source is provided by an adhesive bandage having a magnetic source.

6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the magnetic source is fixed to the adhesive bandage.

7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the magnetic source is removably supported by the adhesive bandage.

8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the adhesive bandage has a pocket for supporting the magnetic source.

9. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the magnetic source is a flexible magnet.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized dental or medical cement.

11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized plaster.

12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized dental cement.

13. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic source is magnetized water.

14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the water is magnetized by placing said water in a container having a magnetic source.

15. A magnetic therapeutic device comprising:

an adhesive bandage for covering a wound; and

a magnetic source supported by the adhesive bandage.

16. The magnetic therapeutic device ofclaim 15, wherein the magnetic source is fixed to the adhesive bandage.

17. The magnetic therapeutic device ofclaim 15, wherein the magnetic source is removably held by the adhesive bandage.

18. The magnetic therapeutic device ofclaim 15, wherein the adhesive bandage has a pocket for supporting the magnetic source.

19. The magnetic therapeutic device ofclaim 15, wherein the magnetic source includes a flexible magnetic material.

20. A method of attaching a medical or dental appliance comprising the steps of:

providing magnetized medical or dental cement; and

applying the cement so as to affix an appliance in a desired location.

21. A device for magnetizing water comprising:

a container for holding water; and

a magnetic source supported by the container.

22. The device ofclaim 21 wherein the magnetic source is disposed around the container.

23. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the magnetic source is disposed in the container.

24. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the container includes a neck portion with another magnetic source.

25. A method of treating an injury comprising the steps of covering the area with magnetized plaster to expose the injury to a magnetic field.

26. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the plaster is suitable for immobilizing the injury.

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