Healing Metals in Ayurvedic Medicine

Healing Metals in Ayurvedic Medicine
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The Theory Behind Using Metals for Medicinal Purposes

In the science of Ayurveda, the concept of holistic health is expanded to include cosmic forces. Not only does our physical, mental, and spiritual health impact our well-being, the energy emitted by the pull of the planets has some influence as well. Healing metals have the power to neutralize the negative energy that may come from the cosmos, treating the human body on a subtle energy level as well as on the physical. According to this belief system, copper, gold, silver, and iron metals in Ayurvedic medicine play a vital role in maintaining well-being. When they come into contact with human tissue, their electromagnetic energy affects the body at a cellular level. They project an ‘astral light’ which counteracts unwanted cosmic energy. This is why some people wear a silver bracelet or copper band for healing; it is not only for adornment.

In Ayurveda all matter contains the energy of the Universal Consciousness; in fact, everything is a manifestation of this energy. Natural substances such as metals contain reservoirs of vital energy known as prana. They can therefore be used to heal, strengthen, and protect.

There is a possibility of toxins within even pure metals; so, in Ayurvedic medicine all the healing metals, including copper, gold, silver, and iron, are purified before use. The element is usually heated and then treated with a natural substance, such as oil, buttermilk, or ghee (medicinal clarified butter). When using metals for specific treatments, do so under the consultation of an experienced healer.

The Properties of Metals

silver background

Copper, gold, silver and iron are the main metals that have been used in Ayurvedic medicine. The following are the basic properties of each.

  • What are the healing properties of copper? It is believed that copper is used for problems with excess fat. It benefits the liver, spleen, and lymphatic system. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat obesity, edema, and anemia. A simple treatment for healing is to place a copper band around the arm.
  • In its pure form, gold can be used as a nervine tonic. It has a beneficial impact on the mind, increasing memory and intelligence. It is an Ayurvedic healing remedy for strengthening the heart and improving stamina. Gold can be used to treat heart and lung problems, epilepsy, and hysteria. A simple method to harness the healing energy of gold is to place the pure metal in two cups of water. Boil the water until half of the liquid has evaporated. The resulting gold infused water is charged with the electromagnetic energy of the element. It can be taken in teaspoon size doses, twice a day. Some people have a negative reaction to gold, usually in the form of a rash.
  • Silver is a cooling metal. It, like gold, increases strength and stamina. This metal is used to treat fevers, weakness, and internal inflammation, especially conditions of the intestines and gallbladder. To use the healing power of silver you can make infused water in the same way as gold water. Another method to receive the benefits of silver is to drink warm milk which was heated in a silver pan.
  • Iron is beneficial for blood circulation. It enhances bone marrow, where red blood cells are made, the liver and spleen. It is used to treat anemia, and to tone muscle and nerve tissue. Iron is an overall strengthener and rejuvenator.

This form of treatment is not exclusive to Ayurvedic medicine; metals have been used in a number of different healing disciplines. Gold is a traditional remedy for arthritis, silver has been used as an antibacterial agent. Copper, gold, silver, and iron metals in Ayurvedic medicine have been considered medicinal elements for centuries, their healing powers recorded in ancient texts. Even today in Western medicine the potential of healing metals is being examined; for example, platinum has been used in chemotherapy to treat some forms of cancer. As long as the toxicity levels of heavy metals are kept under control, metals have enormous potential in the field of alternative and progressive healing.

Sources:

Lad, Dr. Vasant. “Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing.” (Lotus Press, 1984).

The healing power of precious metals.” (Health MSN) May14, 2007.

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photo credit: Pareerica

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