It is believed that because copper is such an essential element for our biochemical success, a constant supplementation of copper, in the form of a copper bracelet, will not only replenish but also further enhance our biological systems that use the copper containing enzymes.
Copper bracelet manufacturers recommend the bracelet be worn at all times and should never be taken off, not even while bathing. It is also recommended that you replace the bracelet every two years.
Occurrences of green wrists due to wearing copper bracelets vary depending on the body chemistry of the wearer and, if desired, are easily washed off. Many expect an occasional green mark to show that the copper is working. Copper combines with sweat, and forms compounds called chelates, which are assimilated by the body. Green deposits occur when chelates are formed faster than they are absorbed.
Copper bracelets discolor the skin as the blue-green copper deposits there. However, this discoloration can be washed away with soap and water over the course of a day or two, and there is no evidence that it harms the skin, though in people with metal allergies, copper can cause dermatitis.
It is assumed that the rate of absorption of copper from a bracelet depends on the condition of the body. In healthy people absorption will be much slower than that of someone in a chronic disease state.
There is no evidence that copper bracelets cause any significant side effects other than discoloring your skin.
A clinical study of the use of copper bracelets on arthritis patients reported positive effects in most cases. One other serious clinical trial of copper bracelets, by the Mayo Clinic, found that they were effective in about three quarters of the cases of musculoskeletal pain. That is roughly equivalent to the rate of the effectiveness of standard drugs used to treat arthritis and other musculoskeletal pain disorders.
Copper is an important human trace element. In humans, copper plays a role in over 30 enzymes. These enzymes keep copper and iron from creating oxygen radicals. Except for the rare genetic disorder of Wilson's disease, that causes a copper overload, humans can store and use a large amount of copper without any harmful effects. Though oral intake of some copper compounds can cause nausea and vomiting and significant overdoses can cause a range of damaging effects, including hepatomegaly and cirrhosis of the liver. Copper is abundant in a variety of foods, including legumes, nuts, seeds and shellfish.
People that use copper bracelets claim that they decrease the pain of arthritis, improves their golf and tennis swings, decreases their lower back pain, provides them more energy and protects them against osteoporosis.
Over the course of thousands of years many medical practitioners have used copper to treat a wide range of human ailments. Their claims of success are not just anecdotal. They include evidence from clinical trials and epidemiological studies as well as documented case studies. However, the quality of much of the evidence does not meet modern standards, so more studies must be done to define and validate the effects, side effects and mechanisms of the various copper compounds in various indications.
Because Alternative medicine community does not require such studies, only the feel of the user, and since it has never been shown to be harmful to wear, unless you suffer from Wilson's disease, it continues to be an accepted form of treatment.
The companies who sell copper bracelets are not required by law to include any copper in them, so you may purchase an anodized aluminum bracelet.
Consider increasing your dietary intake of copper.
If you do suffer from a form of arthritis and you would like to try to use the bracelet, be sure and tell your doctor, and do not stop the normal treatment your doctor has given you.
The copper bracelet manufacturers claim that discomfort from all types of arthritis is relieved by wearing the copper band next to the skin; the metal in the interior ribbon can then be absorbed by the body. Those who do not suffer from arthritis have been sporting the bracelet in hopes of reducing some of the pressure and tension of everyday life. Many supporters of the copper bracelet say they feel better with their bracelet on. Professional golfers like Vijay Singh wear copper bracelets for a better golf swing and general well being.
You can purchase copper bracelets plated with gold or silver and in varying widths and designs. The basic copper bracelet sells for under $30, and a gold plated, intricately engraved version can cost about $80.
While there are numerous testimonials in support of the claims, as well as some studies that have found that copper bracelets appear to improve pain, there does not appear to be conclusive experimental evidence to support the wearing of copper bracelets.
Resources:
WWW.ACEMAGNETICS.COM
WWW.COPPERDOCTOR.COM
WWW.AACOPPER.COM
