A lot can be learnt from observing the behavior or primitive tribes in Africa and even the villagers in India. Copper therapy owes its existence after studying the behavior of the so called primitive tribes.

 Introduction:

Over the years, many alternative therapies have been discovered by observing nature or by observing the behavior patterns of the ‘so called primitive tribes’.  Many such therapies have been scoffed at by the skeptic scientific orthodox medical systems. Copper therapy is another controversial alternative therapy that owes its origins to the tribal people.

History has it that when Dutch settlers began to explore virgin Africa, they found that in the hinterland of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), that the tribal people who lived there were almost free from rheumatism.

All these tribal people wore copper ornaments and they explained that their jewellery had healing effects.

Even in India, it is common to see people wearing copper bangles, talismans, bracelets and amulets.

Today, it is estimated that about 5 million Americans wear copper bangles and ornaments, to alleviate bodily aches and pains.

Research into Copper therapy:

 Many scientists have researched the effects of copper on the body. Australian researcher Prof. Dr. W. R. Walker of the University of Newcastle found that the weight of the copper bracelets worn to counter rheumatism decreased about 40 mg every month. This does not appear to be due to abrasion.  Prof Walker felt that the copper dissolved in the human perspiration. It is postulated that copper merges with the natural amino acids and enters the veins and thereby reaches the source of rheumatic inflammation and inhibits the pain producing prostaglandin and enhances the pain reducing prostaglandin.

Another researcher, Lt Col. A. Forbes of Cheltenham in England has produced copper bracelets to aid sufferers of rheumatism and has also developed special copper bearing straps to be worn by racehorses and pet animals that become lame for no apparent reason.

Conclusion:

 Copper therapy as an aid to rheumatism has come down as a tale from the folklore. The exact mechanism as to how copper works is still subject to much medical debate and controversy.  Many scientists argue that in the long run, copper may be toxic to the liver.  But, people who work and live in humid conditions have found copper bands help reduce bodily pains and rheumatic ailments.