Ayurvedic doctors are generally also Vedic astrologers or work in conjunction with one, for Vedic astrology provides a key to the analysis of present and future health far beyond the scope of modern science. The combination of these two sciences provides a complete system for diagnosis and treatment of not only diseases of the body, but of the mind. Even the 12 basic salts of homeopathy are associated and related to the 12 houses of the zodiac.

This science allows a qualified practitioner to analyze physical and mental maladies that may occur, which parts of the body will be affected, and when they may manifest. We then institute preventive measures, rather than waiting until you require curative measures.
This most important branch of astrology has been used for thousands of years with astounding accuracy.

The strength of your horoscope indicates the strength of your body, and its ability to resist illness. There are certain combinations of planets that bestow excellent health. By the same token there are combinations which cause chronic suffering. Planets each hold jurisdiction over different parts of the body and affect specific bodily functions within them.

Why is it that a healthy, robust-looking person will be said to be healthy by a doctor, yet come down with a debilitating illness? Why can a frailer, less-healthy appearing person combat and resist certain diseases? The answer is fate� �karma�. Understanding this factor helps us to act in such a way to �shape� the destiny before us, including our most vital possession, our health.

The Planets

The most obvious problems ensue when there are weaknesses in the lagna, the lagna lord, Sun or Moon, but problems will ensue if any planet�s rays are not properly distributed to us.

The best method to effectively strengthen planetary influences is by wearing gems. Particular gemstones are prescribed for each planet. The �navaratna� or most effective and important gems are ruby for the Sun, pearl for the Moon, red coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, blue sapphire for Saturn, gomed for Rahu and chrysoberyl cats-eye for Ketu.

These gems are connected to the cosmic ray transmitted by the planet. Wearing them allows greater reception of the planetary rays through our auras and astral fields. It is also important to note that gems �increase� the rays of the planets. Therefore if the planet is weak, but not causing evil, the gem should be recommended. The gem for a planet may also be worn to further strengthen a well-disposed planet increasing its positive rays.

Planets have natural dispositions as benefics or malefics and also have a �temporary� nature of being such due to the houses ruled according to the lagna and relationship with the lagna lord. Generally we first look to the benefic planets (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Moon) to strengthen any weakness, but Sun, Mars and Saturn may be benefic according to lagna and great benefit gained through their gems. Planets ruling the kendras (houses 1, 4, 7, &10) as well as trines (1, 5, &9) are most important and should be strengthened if weak.

An astrologer must be careful NOT to recommend the gem for a planet causing pain and misery, especially in the case of Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Gems do not �propitiate� a planet, but will increase its cosmic rays. If Saturn is fallen, without correction, then wearing the blue sapphire may make the problems worse, not alleviate them. Look for a planet that may beneficially aspect the bad planet in such a situation and recommend that gem.

If the Sun is weak at birth a person will not be willful, or have the energy to become successful. Sun not only represents the body and inner will, but the soul itself. This limits prosperity, wealth, and the ability to attract good fortune towards oneself. We cannot attain any significance, or good reputation without the strength of the Sun being sufficient. If afflicted there can also be overcompensation through excessive pride or ego. As long as the Sun is not in a position where it causes evil, wearing ruby can strengthen the Sun�s rays and help alleviate problems caused by its weakness.

Weakness of the Moon may indicate emotional trauma and subsequently a lack of peace of mind. As Moon rules the mind and emotions there can be hypersensitivity, moodiness, and lack of intuition if badly affected. There may be an inability to share intimate relations and a tendency to be negative about oneself and everything else. Marriage relationships may be fraught with difficulty and prove to be unsuccessful and temporary. This can bring about a lack of joy in life, as most of us desire close friendship, companionship, and the security that a successful marriage brings. Wearing pearl can greatly benefit weakness of Moon in the horoscope.

Afflictions to Mars in the birth horoscope can leave a person with low vitality, or physical energy. This naturally will also affect our mental energy, as well. Application of Mars� cosmic rays through red coral can increase one�s stamina, determination, and self-confidence. It can rejuvenate one suffering from mental exhaustion, and has even been used to benefit cases of mental depression.

As Mercury rules the intellect and intelligence, weakness creates instability in the thinking capacities. There may be poor memory, or memory loss. If Mercury is weak in the horoscope then this absence of strong cosmic rays will bring frustration in communication with others. There may be nervousness and great insecurity causing anxiety, insomnia or lead to artificial dependencies or addictions. Wearing emerald is recommended to strengthen the reception of Mercury�s important cosmic rays.

The planet Jupiter is of paramount importance for abundance and prosperity in life. He brings good fortune and influence when strong in the birth horoscope. A lacking in Jupiter�s rays makes a person pessimistic, weak-willed, and without faith or enthusiasm. One may feel forlorn and not see real meaning to their life, or may not find pleasure in anything. Women may lack a good husband, or be unable to bear children. Yellow sapphire is the gem needed to increase Jupiter�s most beneficial cosmic radiation.

Venus also emanates benefic rays for abundance and prosperity in life. They bring love, beauty, and happiness. It is also this ray which increases certain material wealth or luxuries, and specifically sexual pleasure. Venus is responsible for sufficiently strong sperm in men, and a healthy reproductive system in women.

Weak Venus can make a person unfriendly and have great difficulty expressing affection or loving feelings. They may be lonely and afraid of social interaction. Therefore marriage or close relationships with others may be tumultuous. White sapphire or diamond are prescribed to strengthen Venus.

Saturn�s weakness in the birth horoscope can cause constant disappointment and misery. Saturn has the job of dispensing painful lessons in life due to negative karma created in our past lives, so if weak, difficulty keeping a job or having a successful career may ensue. A person may feel a lack of harmony within the heart or feel despondent A lack of honesty, endurance, and problems with authority figures (including governments) may also manifest.

As long as Saturn is not fallen (without correction) or an enemy to the lord of the lagna, blue sapphire may be recommended to increase the important cosmic rays of this planet. Great care must be exercised in its application as Saturn is the lord of death and improper recommendation can increase the painful effects of evilly disposed Saturn.

In the same way as mentioned about Saturn, Rahu can be a most malefic and dangerous planet. Gomed (hessonite garnet) is the gem for strengthening Rahu, but its use as a ring or amulet upon the body must be well thought out by the expert jyotishi or planetary gemologist. One must have a thorough knowledge of how this planet�s affects may be increased through wearing the gem, and whether the negative effects may outweigh the benefits in wearing it. Being a cause of eclipse, Rahu can cause darkness to increase in one�s personality, giving rise to desires for criminal conduct, violence, insatiable sexual desires, or other perversions. Unsuitably worn it may increase frustration, anxiety, and suffering in all areas of life, in some cases to the point of hallucinations or suicide. If suitable it can bring strength to one�s material prosperity, give power over others, and increased fame.

Ketu being the other planet involved in causing eclipse, wearing the cats-eye may also create greater problems in one�s life if incorrectly prescribed. As with all stones distributing the rays of malefic planets special care must be taken in its recommendation. For some it can be a great aid to increasing proper perceptions and insights, especially in spiritual or psychic cognition. If suitable it may increase ability to attain spiritual wisdom, or true knowledge of the immortal soul. Clairvoyants who use their abilities within the healing arts find their abilities are heightened, as is their awareness of the astral causes of disease. It has the superstition surrounding it of being a �gambler�s stone� and the ancients believed it to be protection against disease or epidemics.

There are always exceptions to the rules of recommending gems so an experienced astrologer, planetary gemologist or ayurvedic practitioner should always be consulted before wearing one. Gem therapy is an invaluable tool for increasing feelings of satisfaction and healing the body and mind. Used correctly gem therapy is a gift from God for promoting harmony, balance and well being within us all by adjusting the planetary rays we receive in life.

Medicine for the new millennium

Gem therapy combined with a common sense approach to better diet, exercise, and attitude of life has shown to be a most wonderful tool for healing. No drugs are used, or invasive surgical techniques, although we have seen dramatic results also in healing the body after surgery. For some ailments that are very advanced, drug therapies (or herbs) and surgery may be necessary, but use of gem therapy afterwards vastly improves nervous and immune system function and helps the body to recover far more quickly from the side effects.

It is being used to treat chronic pain, emotional pain and exhaustion, nervous disorders, skin problems, injuries, infections, allergies, and also muscular and skeletal problems in countless clinics in Europe and the United Kingdom utilizing different frequencies through the electronic instruments. Practitioners of gem therapy in Asia are now beginning to also use such instruments to increase the potency and bring more rapid results to their clinical work.