Ayurveda and Adornments: How Jewellery Heals? - Part 1

Jewelry and adornments are an integral part of our lives. Jewelry making first began during the Indus Valley Civilization and its history in India dates back to around 5000 BC. There are scientific reasons behind wearing Indian Jewelry and adornments which are explained in Ayurveda. Adornments are not only worn for beauty enhancement but also for good health in daily life, during festive times and in marriages. 

According to Ayurveda, there are 107 Marma (Vital energy) points in the body through which Prana (life force) energy flows. Gentle stimulation of these Marma points through mild pressing or gentle tapping or application of herbal pastes help improve the flow of Prana which helps to improve one’s health and prevents obstruction to the flow of energy. Stimulation of Marma points is also the reason behind women wearing ornaments. While doing daily chores, the ornaments touching the body create friction and stimulate the Marma points thereby bringing good health. That is why ornaments should not be worn outside the clothes, if done so it will be only for beauty purpose and will not render health benefits. 

Common Indian wedding adornments and their health benefits

Solah Shringar or the 16 bridal / beauty accessories is a ritual in ancient Indian culture which is still practiced in many communities. They are worn during weddings, major festivals and spiritual ceremonies. Other than its beauty benefits, the 16 adornments bring good health and prosperity. The adornments like Mehndi, Gajra and Anjana are made from natural substances. And the Jewelry worn by Indian women are mostly made of Gold or Silver. 

• Gold is normally used to adorn the upper part of the body, like bangles, necklace, earrings, etc. because it reacts well with body’s energy. 
• Silver reacts well with earth’s energy; hence it is worn on lower part of the body, that is as anklets, toe rings, etc.  

Although the rich / King’s family had it all, the poorer too did wear most common items.

Story behind the Solah Shringar - Ancient scriptures mention that when Rati Devi was not able to draw attention of any eligible suitors as she was plain-looking, she pleaded to Goddess Lakshmi who blessed Rati with 16 adornments. This made Rati the most beautiful woman in the three worlds and she was able to impress and marry the Hindu God of Love, Kamadev. Thus, Gods of love received the blessings of Goddess of Prosperity. It is believed that women who beauty themselves with the 16 adornments will be blessed with good health, wealth, beauty and fertility.  

The 16 adornments and their corresponding Marma Points

S.No.	16 adornments	16 adornments in English	Marma Points stimulated
	Gajra	Flower hair accessory	Krikatika Marma
2.	Maang Tikka	Forehead pendant / jewel	Simanta Marma
3        3.	Sindoor	Vermillion	Adhipati Marma
4        4.	Bindi	Mark on forehead between eyebrows	Sthapani Marma
5        5.	Anjana / Kajal	Kohl	Apanga Marma
6        6.	Nath	Nose ring	Phana Marma
7        7.	Karn Phool	Earring	Vidhura Marma
8        8.	Mangalsutra	Auspicious thread	Hridaya Marma
9        9.	Haar	Necklace	Marmas of the neck
1       10.	Bajuband	Armband / Armlet	Bahvi Marma
1       11.	Choodiyan	Bangles	Manibanda Marma
12.	Hathphool and Aarsi	Jewelry for the hand	Marmas of the hand
1       13.	Mehndi	Henna on hand	Marmas of the hand
1       14.	Kamarband	Waist Chain	Nabhi Marma, Katikataruna Marma, Basti Marma
1       15.	Payal	Anklet	Gulpha Marma
1       16.	Bicchiya	Toe rings	Kshipra Marma

• Gajra

Gajra is hair decoration crafted from fresh jasmine flowers placed on the back of the head just above the neck. Gajra is a symbol of purity and beauty. 

 

 

 

Marma Stimulated: Krikatika

 

Benefits: Gajra acts as a mood enhancer, helps maintain healthy body temperature, radiates positivity and provides subtle aromatherapy thereby promoting relaxation. Its fragrance keeps one fresh all day. It is an odor neutralizer and natural air purifier. 

•        Maang Tikka

It is a hair accessory having a chain with a hook at the back and pendant at the front. The central pendant rests on the forehead just below the hairline and the chain is hooked up onto the hairs at the vertex.

 

 

 

Marma Stimulated: Simanta

 

Benefits: Maang Tikka gently applies pressure on the Ajna Chakra that controls concentration. Hence wearing Maang Tikka helps retain energy and prevent energy loss from the body, improve focus and concentration. It also facilitates good blood supply to the facial muscles thus relieving stress and tension on the face, slowing down ageing process by delaying appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving facial expression. Ajna Chakra is described as two petals of lotus flower representing the Ida (energy of the moon / feminine energy) and Pingala Nadi (energy of the sun / masculine energy) that meet the Sushumna Nadi (Central Nadi) before rising to the crown Chakra / Sahasrara. Thus, wearing Maang Tikka symbolizes the union of two souls.

 

• Sindoor

An ornamental mark of marriage applied on the middle and top of the forehead at the parting line of the hair (where Maang Tikka is worn) till the vertex. Unmarried women and widows do not wear Sindoor. 

 

Marma Stimulated: Adhipati

 

Benefits: It is made from purified cinnabar (mercury ore), turmeric and lime juice. As mercury cools down the body, it helps regulate blood pressure, prevents damage due to UV radiation, relaxes the mind and protects the brain. It also helps maintain elasticity of the skin, improves microcirculation and enhances sleep. As it is applied upto the vertex where pituitary gland that regulates all bodily functions is present, it helps stimulate hormone secreting glands thereby boosting fertility. 

• Bindi 

Bindi is a colored dot applied on the middle of the forehead, that is on the spot just below the pendant of Maang Tikka. Traditionally only married women applied Bindi, but in modern times women of all ages wear Bindi as a fashion trend. Traditionally Sindoor or Sandalwood paste were used. However, in modern times, women use sticker Bindi (which has glue in it) of different designs, sizes and colors to match it with their dresses. 

 

Marma Stimulated: Sthapani 

 

Benefits: The center of the eyebrows is known as the ‘Third eye energy center of the body’ because energy reaches from base of the spine to this spot during meditation. So, this spot is very important and the gentle pressure exerted on this region while applying Bindi helps increase concentration, clears up sinuses, improves eye health, relieves stress, boost energy levels and maintain mental balance. 

 

•  Anjana / Kajal 

It is an herbal collyrium prepared from Soot or Antimony that is applied to  

the inner part of the lower eyelids to give a deep black color to your   

eyelids and improve your eye health. Traditional natural Anjana is black in color, however in present day people use it to beautify the eyes and it is available in different colors. 

 

Marma Stimulated: Apanga 

 

Benefits: As eyes are exposed to pollution such as heat and dust which affects the eye health and application of Kajal will help to prevent and treat many eye problems such as dryness, itching, burning sensation, irritation, etc. It has germicidal benefits, cleanses dirt from eyes, moisturizes, nourishes & soothes eyes and improves vision. It is cooling, calming and comforting to the eyes and makes the eyelashes strong and firm. 

 

• Nath (Nose pin) 

Nath, once an identity for marital status has become a global fashion trend now. Different types of nose piercings (nostril piercing, septum piercing, bridge piercing, high nostril piercing) and nose pins (stud, drop, dangler, etc) indicate different Indian cultures / religions. Nose piercing is done on the left nostril in women after puberty and nose pins made of gold or silver studded with precious / semi-precious stones are generally worn. 

 

Marma Stimulated: Phana

 

Benefits: Nose piercing helps to enhance smell perception and other sensory perception, prevents respiratory problems, improves emotional strength and relieves excess body heat. 

 

•       Karn Phool (Earing) 

Ear piercing is done in the ear lobules of both the ears in infantile ears. Jhumka’s (little bell-shaped earrings) are the oldest style earrings that dates back to Chola dynasty in 3^rd century BCE. But now you can find varieties of earrings in different styles – dangle, drops, hoop, stud. Ear piercing appeals to western world as well. Women pair their dress with stylish and matching earrings. Also, women get multiple piercings in their ear lobes now-a-days but ear piercing in the ear lobule gives health benefits.  

 

Note: Today, it is prevalent for men to do ear piercing as well. However, according to Ayurveda, ear piercing is done for both sexes. 

 

 

Marma Stimulated: Vidhura

Benefits: Helps nourish and strengthens the ear, improves speech, intellect, power of thinking, memory and brain development.