NO STONE UNTURNED

The use of gemstones to treat a variety of ailments is making a big comeback. Thane Plus tells you how different gems are used, their historical significance as well as their references in ancient texts

Nasser Lalljee

The paradigm on which energy medicine practices are based has become more widely accepted now as what is termed 'alternative medicine' regaining lost ground after the arrival of allopathic medicine. Energy healing sees human beings as an integral part of a universe in which, on a fundamental level, matter is a form of energy. In this paradigm, each person is a unique system of interconnected fields of energy and information. Treatments used in energy healing address this most fundamental level of the human form, affecting the very substance of which we are made.

These treatments target the underlying causes of illness and discontent, rather than merely the symptoms. Using this approach, energy healing aims not only to improve our health, but also to transform it. Today, this new, energetic model of the human being and human health is not only embraced by large numbers of people, it has excited the interest not only of many physicians but also medical researchers.

One of the most powerful forms of energy medicine is gem therapy. Here, too, a change has taken place. Once relegated to the fringes of the healing arts, the therapeutic uses of gems were not widely adopted by either doctors or the public. By presenting neither a logical model of the human being's energetic nature nor the precise therapy methods and tools, gem therapy practices were considered inconsistent at best and ineffective at worst.

Today, all that has changed. Pioneering information and effective new practices are ancient cures and therapies, including gem therapy to take its rightful place as a cornerstone of energy medicine. The usage of gems is varied, with each astrological planet being associated with a particular gem(s).The Bhashma (powder extract) of gems is extensively used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. In some cases the gems are soaked in alcohol and processed for the liquid to be charged with the properties of the immersed gem, which is used as medicine.

For astrological purposes, the gem is embedded in a ring or pendant in such a manner that the bottom is open, allowing the gemstone to touch the body. Varahmihir, the author of the ancient astrological text Brihat Samhita, suggests that a gem having a good lustre, clear colour and without flaws ensures good luck and protection. Most importantly, it should suit the wearer of the stone.

There are two theories on the use of gemstones for astrological purposes. The first is based on the principle of enhancing a particular ray or colour effect where the gemstone acts like an amplifier. The origin of this idea can be traced back to the R ig Veda, where humans are advised to use the seven gems to gather the rays of the Sun onto our body. The second theory envisages that the gemstone acts like cosmic filter, preventing harmful rays from affecting our bodies. Diseases are caused in the body due to deficiencies and the use of certain gemstone supplement the deficiencies, which results in improvement of health, mood and life force.

In the astrological context, there are seven planets and two pseudo planets, the planets being the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, with two pseudo planets - Rahu and Ketu. Each planet has its own colour and characteristics, and the application is on two paths to either enhance the power of the weak planets or subdue the effects of the powerful ones. The size of the stone to be used is important as if it is too big will over activate the, planetary force and if too small will not activate it enough.

The planets relate to the seven chakras as the colours of the stones match. Among the planets, Sun and Mars are considered hot, while Venus, Mercury, Saturn and Moon are cold. Rahu is super cold and Ketu, super hot.

It is believed that the stones could either help you or ruin you, and it is advisable to test the stone first. In particular is the blue sapphire, which when being purchased, the warning is repeated and brings forth the advice to place the stone under your pillow. Your dreams will tell you what to do. Yellow sapphire on the other hand may not help but will not harm. It will simply get lost!

You may also use substitute stones instead of the more expensive gems. Red garnet can replace ruby; moonstone can replace pearl, jade, peridot, or green tourmaline can emerald; and yellow topaz or citrine can replace yellow sapphire.

Containing complete scientific knowledge, the ancient vedic texts like the Brihat Samhita, discuss the origins and healing powers of various gems at great length. A thorough knowledge of gemstones, including their description, potencies and prescriptions for effective usage, to counter imbalances in an astrological horoscope by the wearing of gems on the body, has been give to us many years ago by masters. The knowledge is over 5,000 years old and it works on the basic and simple principle. If a planet is weak and is also beneficial and auspicious in the chart, then gems pertaining to that planet should be used to strengthen its effect. Uses of gems in preparing elixirs and medicines to be taken internally were also spoken of.

Throughout history, Kings and Queens across the world wore gems on their crowns. Crowns would sit upon their head so that the main gem in the centre would touch the middle of the forehead, enhancing the power of the Ajan Chakra (third eye).

In the Bible, Moses gave specific rules governing the Breastplate of judgment, which was set with 12 gems. Each gemstone was engraved with a name of one of the tribes of l srael. To this day gems adorn the miter of the Pope and Bishops of the Christian churches.

Precious gems were highly valued for their esoteric healing abilities in ancient Persia , India , Greece and Jewish cultures, and there is evidence of systematic mining in Egypt over 7,000 years ago, as well as in Afghanistan . There was also a great demand for practitioners with a correct knowledge of them, as during the renaissance period in Europe , the great physician, Paracelsus used medicines m ade from crushed gems. Unfortunately after this period, most of the herbal doctors and their use of gemstone healing disappeared.

PLANET	STONE
Sun Mon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Rahu Ketu	Ruby Pearl Coral Emerald Yellow sapphire or Topaz Diamond Blue sapphire Onyx Cats Eye