Phiten titanium necklaces, worn by some Boston Red Sox players are an ‘alternative medicine.’ Sorta

The origin and purpose can be traced to a Japanese dude, Yoshihiro Hirata, who founded Phiten, the company that makes the necklaces in 1982.

The necklaces are titanium-infused and are supposed to stablize the electric flow that the nerves use throughout the body.

“All of the messages in your body travel through electricity, so if you’re tired or just pitched nine innings, the electricity isn’t flowing as smoothly as it can,” said Joe Furuhata, a Phiten spokesman. “Our products smooth out those signals.”

My son has worn one for many years (well, different ones because they wear out). He grew up in Japan and came to ‘believe’ in them at some point in his swimming career. He was national champion in the 200 yard freestyle when he was a freshman in jr. college. So…he thinks there’s something to them.

I wore one for several years. Nothing happened. Of course, it was given to me by my then ex-wife, so I ought not be surprised that it didn’t choke me to death.

Doctors don’t support the Phiten theory, and in the end they may just be good luck charms. And we know that sports players can be superstitious, eh?

So, what’s wrong with thinking that something can’t help improve your game?

Maybe Josh Beckett just needs a different color.

Do you believe in luck?