For over 5,000 years certain precious gemstones have been revered for their beauty and rarity as well as their medicinal qualities. Thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic healers throughout India and Tibet prescribed specific gems, worn close to the skin, to treat maladies from chronic conditions to infection. Sunlight passing through the stone transmits a certain frequency that is absorbed by the cellular structure of the wearer. Over time the body’s system resonates in sympathy with this new influence and begins to heal. This is called quantum healing and today, there is a paradigm shift around the concepts of health, illness, and treatment options. We are living in a time where medical physicians largely rely on technology and drugs to treat illness and disease. Yet in the midst of the best health care system that Western medicine has to offer, millions of people are seeking alternative health care, which includes the ancient, time-tested systems of Yoga and Ayurveda.
Frequency of health
Modern science informs us that disease is caused by energetic imbalances; therefore, introducing the correct frequency or energy can restore health.
Everything is made of energy; the ancient Vedic sages knew this and saw all creation as a step down process of subtle energies to gross physical matter. Each cell pulses electrically, and the body itself emanates electromagnetic fields or vibrations, just as everything else in the universe does. Every atom, every part of an atom, every elementary particle, even our thoughts and consciousness are just vibration. The average frequency of the body during the day is between 62 and 68 cycles per second. If it drops below this rate, the immune system will start to shut down. Cold symptoms appear at 58 cycles, glandular fever at 52 and cancer at 42 cycles per second.
To promote healing, the body’s cells, organs and glands that are overstressed, must have their vibratory frequency reduced. Alternatively, when the vibratory level is too sluggish, the frequency needs to be increased. The brain’s activity, which can be read with biofeedback equipment, will show the state of health via the brainwaves. In severe anxiety-ridden states of mind, such as panic attacks, the brain’s frequency will show a high beta state, above 25 Hz or cycles per second. Muscles will be contracted and the adrenals will be on “overload.”
Often the eyes are seen as excessively dilated, and the body can go into shock. To counteract this, the brain’s vibrational frequency must be reduced toward an alpha state (8.5 Hz).
It is in the Ayurvedic texts that the process of color rays within creation is taken a step further with the mention of the “Pancha Mahabhutas,” or five great elements in the form of earth, water, fire, air and ether.
Today researchers around the globe have discovered the utility of using light waves and color spectrum vibrations for healing the mind and body. Scientists and inventors in the fields of biology, biochemistry and physics, to doctors, psychologists and other health care professionals are finding the incredible benefits and uses of light through its component colors. Russian scientists have researched the healing qualities of light, and determined that 660 nanometers was the most effective at sedating pain and stimulating healing. This technology has brought us LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Multiple diodes are also being used today in lamps specially created to treat pain.
So we conclude that vibrations are energy and energy has a frequency which can be measured and sometimes seen as light. Researchers around the globe have discovered the utility of using light waves and color spectrum frequencies for healing the mind and body.
Ayurveda and color healing
Ayurveda or the Science of Life, states that both mind and body are composed of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. The mind, however, is made up of a mental or subtler form of these elements, and is therefore more apt to “take action” first; disease in the physical body is the result of this action. Realigning the subtle energy templates with the right frequency vibration can heal these imbalances. This is the essence of vibrational medicine.
In the Vedic scriptures all creation is said to begin from Divine light emanating from the Supreme Being. In the “Kurma Purana,” chapter 3, verses 1 & 2 describe Bhuvanakosha or the matrix of this universe: “The rays that compose His body are omnipresent and illume the limitless worlds in the universe. Among them seven are the best and the highest as they form the matrices of the seven planets.”
This reference to the seven colors of the rainbow, or the components of visible light, herein state that the makeup of the universe consists of these seven principal rays and are said to be chief amongst the rays forming the body of the universe.
In stating that these rays are identical with the universe and also with the powers of the Creator, it also infers that they are responsible for creation. It is in the Ayurvedic texts that the process of color rays within creation is taken a step further with the mention of the “Pancha Mahabhutas,” or five great elements in the form of earth, water, fire, air and ether that are the key to life manifest. It is concluded that earth is the condensed green color, water of orange and indigo, fire of red and yellow, air of violet, and ether blue. The “Pancha Tanmatras,” or five subtle substances considered in the Samkhya philosophical system, also have their origin in these seven cosmic colors. The red cosmic color is responsible for sight, green for smell, violet for touch, blue for sound, and orange for taste respectively. The yellow ray, which is warming and the indigo ray, which is cooling, regulate the body’s temperature. Examination of the sense organs through a prism will actually show these colors to the eye if examined carefully. There will be a green glow around the tip of the nose and red will be visible in the eyes. The skin will give off an aura of violet and the tongue orange. Within the cavities of the head, the mouth and ears, blue will be detected.
Blue sapphire has analgesic effects; emerald is used as a regenerative; yellow sapphire will boost the immune system; and diamond may be used as a stimulant and to fight infections.
Therefore, it is a forgone conclusion that the combination of the elements or “tridosha” of Ayurveda also have their origin in these seven cosmic rays of light. Vayu, air, combines air and ether, thus originating from blue and violet. Pitta, fire, is from fire and thus the colors red and yellow are its composition. Kapha dosha is a combination of earth and water, thus coming from orange, indigo and green.
Yoga and color healing
The five primeval “vayus,” so important to our vital well-being, make up the pranic sheath and are spoken of by Pantanjali in the Yoga Sutras and in the great Vedic text of Bhagavad Gita. These are known as Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana, which also have their origin in the seven colors of the rainbow. Prana vayu has a close association with the earth element and therefore the green ray. Apana vayu is connected with the water principle and therefore the cosmic colors of orange and indigo. Samana vayu is of fire and therefore composed of red and yellow colors. Udana vayu is of air, thus the color violet; while Vyana vayu and ether find their origin in the cosmic blue ray. Pranayama (breathing techniques) and specific yogasanas are used to help clear blockages in the flow of these vayus.
Vedic astrological works, notably “Brihat Jataka” by Varaha Mihira, also talks of color frequencies emanating from the planets. It speaks of the Sun as the condensed form of the red ray; Moon of orange; Mars of yellow; Mercury of green; Jupiter of blue; Venus of indigo; and Saturn of violet. It should be noted that great Ayurvedic healers were also masters of astrology and would cast a person’s astrological chart to reveal what the causes of a certain disease may be and help with the prognosis.
Vedic scholars described quantum physics in their own way and understood how light and vibration were the cause of balance or imbalance within our minds and bodies. Thus, lending credence to the conclusion that, it is due to the presence of these cosmic colors or light frequencies that our cellular structure is composed of the seven cosmic rays. To remain in a healthy condition, the rays within the cells should be in state of equilibrium or harmony.
Gemstones – condensed bodies of light
Ayurvedic doctors and Jyotishis (astrologers) have prescribed the use of natural precious gems in medicines or as amulets and rings for thousands of years. But why use certain gemstones? It was ascertained that specific gems were inexhaustible repositories of color frequencies, carrying powerful vibrations that when worn or taken in medicines, would affect the vibrations of the wearer. This concentrated color vibration is easily absorbed into the liquid crystal structures of connective tissue located between the cells throughout the body. They used mainly nine gemstones: Ruby, Pearl, Red Coral, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye and Hessonite Garnet.
Natural, untreated gemstones can restore the pranic energy in the cellular structure, allowing the body to regain its ability to fight infection and disease. Blue sapphire has analgesic effects; emerald is used as a regenerative; yellow sapphire will boost the immune system; and diamond may be used as a stimulant and to fight infections. This therapy can be used to stimulate acupuncture points, to heal wounds or skin conditions with less scarring, to calm the mind, and to balance the doshas or bodily humors as well as to target biological energy and cohesion on a deep cellular level.
The Ayurvedic principles of treating Kapha disease with Pitta or Vata gems, Pitta disease with Kapha gems, etc. have been shown to be extremely effective in most instances. Asthma has been successfully treated with pearl; a combination of diamond and red coral has shown success to stimulate and treat a low libido in both men and women.
With chronic diseases, emotional problems and disorders, it is very effective if the person can also wear the gemstone on the body as a ring or pendant. However it should be noted that only truly high quality gemstones of superior clarity and color are capable of bringing long-lasting effects when worn externally. Therefore it can be a significant expense. Clinical treatments are less expensive, but one would have to either have the gem therapy lamps for home use or have a health care practitioner in their area that has added this treatment to their practice.
The practice of indiscriminate placing of gems on the body, especially the new-age practice of placing gem crystals all over the body, is dangerous. Just as herbs or medicines are not to be taken indiscriminately without consultation of a doctor or herbalist, the same applies to the use of gems and crystals. Improper use of gemstones can short-circuit magnetic fields of the subtle body and can result in severe physical and mental debility.
The most effective means of using gemstones in a clinical environment is with specially designed “gem lamps” that enhance the specific frequencies of the gemstones used. To date there have been amazing results with chiropractors, naturopaths, Ayurvedic practitioners, oriental doctors and plastic surgeons in the U.S. using the gem lamp therapy along with their other modalities of treatment. In the last few years, the spa trade has noticed the effectiveness of this therapy in treating skin problems, including helping the skin to regain elasticity and treating skin eruptions. (Tests are also now in progress treating autistic children with the gem lamps).
Gems are also used in rings and amulets, which is well-known by many, due to astrological prescription being ingrained in the Indian culture. However it should be noted that most gems worn there are of such poor quality that they are hardly more than placebos. Gems must be natural and untreated and of good quality to be able to transmit their healing benefits, what to speak of affecting the more subtle energies governing the manifestations of karma in one’s life.
The five primeval “vayus,” so important to our vital well-being, make up the pranic sheath. These are known as Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana, which also have their origin in the seven colors of the rainbow.
This is groundbreaking work, and many who work in this area using light waves and color spectrum vibrations for healing, are convinced this is the medicine of the future. It is non-invasive, has little or no side effects, and if offered with dietary and lifestyle changes, can often heal the patient completely and permanently. Utilizing the wearing of gems in conjunction with this clinical method can also optimize the results gained.
K-Kapha V-Vata P-Pitta
RUBY-RED-SUN
ENERGY: ↓KV↑P
Transmits a powerful solar force to warm and stimulate, promoting circulation and energy flow. Used for anemia, arthritis and strengthening the heart.
PEARL-ORANGE-MOON
ENERGY: ↓PV↑K
Transmits a gentle lunar force to cool, lubricate and nurture, countering dryness and debility, strengthening the lungs and soothing fever, inflammation, high blood pressure, infertility and asthma.
RED CORAL-YELLOW-MARS
ENERGY: ↑P ↓VK
Transmits Mars force to warm, strengthen and energize. Helps build the blood, muscles, bones and improves male energy.
EMERALD-GREEN-MERCURY
ENERGY: =VPK, generally balancing
Transmits Mercurial or pranic energy to relieve pain and tremors, and counter mental or nervous agitation; calming for children. Cooling and rejuvenating, especially for scars. Helps to strengthen nerves in body and mind.
YELLOW SAPPHIRE-BLUE-JUPITER
ENERGY: =VPK,
generally balancing
Transmits Jupiter energy to fortify, tone and build good quality tissue, promoting vitality and longevity. Good for the immune system. Perhaps the best strengthening stone for general usage, particularly good for the elderly.
DIAMOND-INDIGO-VENUS
ENERGY: ↓PV↑K
Transmits a Venus energy to clear, energize and strengthen. Antiseptic properties, used for burns. Also improves female energy and strengthens the ovaries.
DIAMOND-INDIGO-VENUS
ENERGY: ↓PV↑K
Transmits a Venus energy to clear, energize and strengthen. Antiseptic properties, used for burns. Also improves female energy and strengthens the ovaries.
BLUE SAPPHIRE-VIOLET-SATURN
ENERGY: ↓PK↑V
Transmits Saturn energy to cool, cleanse, detoxify and calm. Helps to bring the mind into a meditative state. Analgesic properties.
CHRYSOBERYL CAT’S EYE–INFRA RED-KETU
ENERGY: ↑P ↓KV
Transmits Ketu energy. Increases psychic abilities and deep-rooted miasms. Helps remove toxins. Burns cancer cells.
HESSONITE GARNET-ULTRA VIOLET-RAHU
ENERGY: ↑V ↓PK
Transmits cold Rahu energy. Strengthens and detoxifies nerves, tissue and endocrine systems.
The ancient authors of the science of Ayurveda told of the healing potential of gemstone crystals. Perhaps they knew that thousands of years later we would come to enhance this healing modality by combining it with our modern scientific discoveries and techniques. If they did, I hope they saw in us the courage to pursue our research and make it a safe, natural form of treatment for generations to come.
Howard Beckman has been a Jyotishi for over 35 years and is a lifelong researcher in natural precious gemstones, both in their clinical and astrological usages. Author of “Mantras, Yantras & Fabulous Gems” and “Vibrational Healing with Gems,” he is internationally renowned for his ability to prescribe the correct gemstones for his clients. He is a Graduate Gemologist GIA, Planetary Gemologist PGA, Senior Member of the Nat’l Assoc. of Jewelry Appraisers and an Ayurvedic Gem Therapist. Howard is currently one of the directors of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship in Ocala, Florida