scientific research on rudraksha: How Rudraksha Healing Works

How Rudraksha Healing WorksRudraksha beads, botanically known as Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb, are the seeds of the fruit from Rudraksha trees. Rudraksha trees are found mainly in Indonesia, Nepal, and India. There are clefts on the surface of the beads which are used to characterize the beads. For example, a five facet Rudraksha bead has five clefts on it (shown below on the left). A ten facet Rudraksha bead has ten clefts on it (shown below on the right).

Rudraksha beads are available with 1 to 38 facets. Beads with 1 and 15 to 38 facets are rare. The 5 facet bead is commonly available and thus the most popular due to its effectiveness and economical cost. Yogis wear necklaces called malas (Sanskrit for garland) which typically consist of 108 five facet Rudraksha beads and a larger "meru" bead. The tassled "meru" bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. Malas consist of 108 Rudraksha beads because according to Vedic literature, Brahmand (the universe) is made up of 108 elements.
The beneficial powers of Rudraksha beads have been known in Asia for ages and are well documented in traditional and contemporary literature. Due to increasing popularity of Rudraksha malas with the general populace in India, scientific studies have been undertaken in recent years to determine just how Rudraksha Healing works. One of the best known research papers was published by Dr. Suhas Roy of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Banaras, India.
Dr. Roy's research confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads flow from their electro-magnetic properties. When Rudraksha beads are placed over the heart, they act to stabilize the heart beat. Similar to magnets, the beads work on the principle of Dynamic Polarity. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induce a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart region. Depending on the polarity and intensity of this induced magnetic field, Rudraksha beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity. Accordingly, a proportionate balancing force is exerted on the heart to regulate it if it starts beating above or below normal rates. This action helps to ensure ideal blood circulation in the body.
The human body is a complex bio-electronic circuit comprised of the Central Nervous System and the organs and functions it regulates.

Rough Pattern of current induced by magnetic field in the body. Red shows highest induced currents, Blue the lowest. Rough Pattern of current induced by electric field in the body.
Streamlined blood flow has a powerful rejuvenating impact on this circuit and serves to prevent stress-related disorders caused by the damaging effects of excess energy on neurons and neurotransmitters. In essence, Rudraksha beads help bring about the well-known "relaxation response" which is the ultimate goal of meditation, yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, and countless other Alternative Medicine methodologies.