For generations, people have been captivated by beautiful gemstones – sparkling and vibrant in their hues. But more than just physical beauty, these precious rocks also contain wealth in their enigmatic properties.
Initially, you may be tempted to dismiss theories surrounding gemstones as mere superstition, yet there is a science to back up the benefits of using gemstones. Have you ever wondered why it’s thought that gemstones can bring good luck and health? Their minerals, sourced from within the earth’s crust, emit positive energy that can help to relax & revive the mind, body and spirit.
While the science behind using these crystals is still being debated, many facts are available to help you better understand the reality of gemstone use.
What are Gemstones ?
Gemstones are precious stones that are highly valued for their beauty and rarity. Most gemstones are minerals, but some are organic materials such as pearls and coral. Generally, these stones form in crystal structures within rocks, and their hardness and optical properties help identify them.
History of Gemstones
Gemstones have been a part of human history for a long time. Ancient people were aware of their power and beauty. Kings used to adorn themselves with gemstones like emeralds, pearls, diamonds and other jewels in their crowns and jewelry. In Vedic astrology, gemstones are associated with different ascendants (lagnas) and constellations (nakshatras).
Gemstones and Their Cosmic Energies
Gemstones are minerals that have a visually striking appearance and color and are hard enough to survive the elements and human interference without being damaged. They also tend to be rare to find among clusters of commonplace rocks. The physical properties of gemstones of particular interest to gemologists, such as hardness, crystal shape, specific gravity and optical properties.
Moh’s Scale of Hardness
In gemology, the most widely used tool to measure hardness is Moh’s Scale of Hardness, which assigns a numerical value to the comparative hardness of different gemstones. Diamond is the hardest material and has a Moh’s scale value of 10. On the other hand, specific gravity is used to indicate the density or weight of a certain stone. In contrast, optical properties identify the ideal way to create a polished and cut form from a crystal.
Scientific Evidence of Cosmic Energies
Throughout history, civilizations worldwide have believed in the cosmic powers of gemstones. This has led modern-day scientists to investigate the effect on gemstones of cosmic energies emitted by celestial bodies. These cosmic energies are suggested to enter the body via color-coded frequencies emitted by the stones and crystals to cause positive healing effects on the individual. Wearing stones and crystals on the body, as recommended by astrologers, is thought to enable these healing energies to enter the body, healing any conditions and aiding with everyday life.
Therefore, it is evident that gemstones can provide us with both a visual and healing appeal if used correctly and with the correct understanding of the science behind them.
Crystal Healing in Modern Times: Exploring its Scientific Backing
In the last five years, there has been an increase in the popularity of crystal healing therapies, especially among Millennial generations. Initially derided in western medical circles due to a lack of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of this form of healing, a rise in the number of studies that propose the existence of the placebo effect has recently enabled crystal healing to gain more ground within mainstream society.
The Scriptures of Antiquity
Various ancient scriptures from cultures spanning across Egypt, India, and China have long attested to the power of crystal healing, asserting that certain gemstones have the power to draw on life-force energies and influence the physical and metaphysical components of a person’s body. Indeed, many crystal healing practitioners today still follow the teachings of these ancient scriptures.
Modern Crystal Healing Practices
Crystal healers use various methods to impart the healing energy of the stones, including specific placement upon the preferred “chakra points” of a person’s body, which allegedly helps to expel negative energies and to prevent illness. Meanwhile, many crystal healing centers are becoming increasingly popular amongst modern generations.
What Does the Science Say ?
While there is, as yet, no concrete scientific proof that crystal healing can result in a beneficial outcome, various studies suggest that this form of therapy could potentially elicit a placebo effect in patients. A placebo is, in essence, a beneficial effect induced by a certain therapy and is not necessarily attributable to the therapy itself but rather to the positive expectations of a patient.
The Scientific Conclusions
Western medical science may not be wholly convinced of the benevolence of crystal healing, but certain universal principles propose it at least somewhat effective. Much like the Law of Gravity, a person does not necessarily need to experiment to demonstrate its effect.
Although traditional western medicine may still require more conclusive proof of the therapeutic qualities of crystal healing, the growing acceptance of the placebo effect as a valid form of treatment, as well as the ancient scriptures that attest to the power of crystal healing, provides a basis upon which to investigate its effectiveness further.
Gem Therapy and the Science Behind it
Vedic astrology proposes that human life is affected by the movement of planets. Gemstones are used in gem therapy to reduce the ill effects of planets. Gemstones, when exposed to sunlight, get converted into a nine-color spectrum, similar to the nine planets in astrology. In terms of wavelength, the colors of the stones also correspond to those of the nine planets.
Benefits of Gemstones
Gemstones are known for their healing properties, as each type of stone possesses special energy. This energy gets absorbed by our bodies when gems are worn. The specific colors of gemstones have a healing impact on us.
Blue gemstones have a calming effect and offer protection from evil influences. They are also beneficial for brain activity and can reduce the effects of poison, pain and stress.
Green gemstones provide freshness and tranquillity to the mind and instill happiness.
Violet gems signify attraction and affection and can help with ailments like migraine and chronic stomach pain, as well as strengthen the lymphatic system and nerves.
Orange gemstones promote unity and honesty, improving disorders of the eyes and ears.
Yellow gems help with insight and inspire determination. Besides, they are good for issues related to the skin, kidneys and liver.
Red gems strengthen courage and reduce iron deficiency while providing the body with Vitamin B12.
White gems represent peace and can help with blood pressure and stress.
Gemstones are powerful tools for reducing the ill effects of planets in Vedic astrology. In addition to their distinct colors, each gemstone type has its healing benefits, making them useful for managing various conditions without side effects.
Conclusion
Gemstones have always been held as a source of power and healing by many cultures. People continue to turn to gems for healing and protection, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. However, recent studies suggest that the placebo effect may be at play, which could account for the healing benefits of the many different stones. There are also ancient scriptures that point to the positive effects that certain stones can have on the physical and metaphysical components of the body. Gemstones have their own set of colors, hardness and optical properties, each with distinct healing benefits, and have been used in gem therapy to reduce the ill effects of planets. Although the power of gemstones is open to interpretation, there is no denying that they remain a source of fascination throughout the ages.
FAQS
1. What is Moh’s Scale of Hardness ?
Moh’s Scale of Hardness is a tool used in gemology to measure the hardness of different gemstones. Diamond is the hardest material and has a Moh’s scale value of 10.
2. What is scientific evidence of cosmic energies ?
Scientific evidence of cosmic energies comes from various ancient scriptures from cultures spanning Egypt, India, and China, which assert that certain gemstones have the power to draw on life-force energies and influence the physical and metaphysical components of a person’s body.
3. What are the benefits of gemstones ?
Gemstones are known for their healing properties, as each type of stone possesses special energy. Blue gemstones have a calming effect and offer protection from evil influences, green gems provide freshness and tranquillity to the mind, and orange gems promote unity and honesty. Other gems have healing benefits, making them useful for managing various conditions without side effects.
4. What is the scientific reasoning behind gem therapy ?
Vedic astrology proposes that human life is affected by the movement of planets, and gemstones are used in gem therapy to reduce the ill effects of planets. Gemstones, when exposed to sunlight, get converted into a nine-color spectrum, similar to the nine planets in astrology.
5. What does the science say about crystal healing ?
While there is, as yet, no concrete scientific proof that crystal healing can result in a beneficial outcome, various studies suggest that this form of therapy could potentially elicit a placebo effect in patients.
6. What are modern crystal healing practices ?
Crystal healers use various methods to impart the healing energy of the stones, including specific placement upon the preferred “chakra points” of a person’s body, which allegedly helps to expel negative energies and to prevent illness. Meanwhile, many crystal healing centers are becoming increasingly popular amongst modern generations.
7. How does using gemstones have a scientific backing ?
Ancient people were aware of the power of gemstones, and it’s believed that the minerals in them emit positive energy that can help relax and revive the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, gemstones are believed to be sensitive to cosmic energies emitted by celestial bodies, providing a beneficial healing effect when worn on the body. The growing acceptance of the placebo effect as a valid form of treatment provides a basis for further investigating its effectiveness.
