Ayurveda (science of life) teaches we are all made up of the five elements. All dravya (substances of the five elements) used correctly can heal or worn or ingested incorrectly can harm. Therefore what you eat, pay attention to, think about, and surround yourself with (the colors, stones, and even pearls) will nudge you either towards or away from ideal health. Pearls can heal in Ayurveda and are used both as jewelry and a medicinal ingredient to do so. I believe this and my jewelry box reflects this belief. Natural stones and substances like pearls, coral, and wood, allow me to choose my jewelry to support the expression of my best self. These beads from the sea are a go-to necklace for me.
My Love Affair With Pearls
I started wearing pearls in my twenties. I bought my first saltwater strand to celebrate my first year in a job in chemistry. Issues with frustration and anger plagued my twenties, and every time I wore them, I felt supported and at peace. My husband, noticing I wore pearls regularly and understanding my love affair with these beads, gave me a double strand as a wedding gift. Over thirty years and after a bunch restringing, I still have them and wear them for celebrations and formal occasions.
Saltwater pearls can be expensive, but there are lovely economical, freshwater choices. For day to day use, I have a freshwater strand that I wear multiple times a week. Thanks to the mussels who grew this strand.
I alternate with hematite. The gunas and the energy of the hematite and pearls help me. Ayurveda supports my understanding of why I am attracted to the minerals gemstones and pearls I choose to wear. What are you excited to wear for jewelry? Are you a pearl girl?
Most minerals come from the earth; all carry specific qualities that either exacerbate or balance the Gunas (qualities) in your make up, bring you back towards your Prakruti (state of health) or elevate your Vikruti (state of imbalance). Saltwater pearls come from oysters in the sea. Their creation is an act of self-care and protection. They carry specific qualities that I gravitate towards and want to bring close to me.
“Gems and precious metals are used in Ayurveda to balance planetary influences and to act directly on life force.”
Ayurvedic Beauty Care – Melanie Sachs
Ayurvedic Qualities of Pearls
The Gunas of pearls are light, soft, and cooling. The moon is the planet associated with these beads, making them supportive of seasonal alignment. Dr. Ladd teaches that pearls pacify vata and pita and increase Kapha. Others suggest its healing properties balance all the Dosha (forces that act in the body). The moon connection also supports women aligning their menstrual cycles. Different sources in Ayurveda say, wear a pearl ring on your little or ring finger.
Pearls in contact with skin support healthy skin balancing Bhrajaka pitta (pitta in the skin). Be sure to wipe pearls after prolonged skin contact to clean off sweat and skin acid and help extend the life of your jewelry. These largely calcium carbonate beads are spherical and smooth; their luster is soothing to the eyes and Alochaka Pitta (pitta in the eyes). Medicinally pearls balance excess heat in the digestive system and Tikshna agni(sharp digestive fire). For more information on the medicinal uses in formulations, click this link.
Like the moon, pearls are balancing for the body and mind supporting balance in Sadhaka Pitta ( digestive force for thoughts and feelings) and Prana Vayu (life force and inspiration).
Vata Dosha (force of dispersion) pacification means a calmer mind, more consistent sleep, and less fatigue. The need to actively pacify Vata as we adapt to the changes due to COVID19 is essential. Every little bit helps.
Pearls can heal the base chakra, the heart chakra, and the crown chakra in part, by balancing pitta dosha in these chakra. Many people suffer from issues with their root chakra that derails their life. A very weak base chakra can put you living on the streets. Protection for root and crown are part of pearls healing energy. Pretty strong support from a necklace or ring.
Metaphysically Pearls Can Heal
The metaphysical information largely agrees with the teaching in Ayurveda. Pearls based on calcium carbonate are both cooling and soothing; historically, they can calm women down during a difficult pregnancy. They soothe the mind and emotions to support healing in a variety of conditions.
Check into the properties of the jewelry you or your clients wear. Not the pieces that gather dust, but the ones you pick without thinking. These real choices may reflect you were engaging in unconscious self-care. If so, yeah! Ayurveda teaches pearls can heal as can many other gemstones.The next time you wear a ring or necklace, pick a piece that appeals visually and offers the healing properties you need
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This article is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment, or advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.