The Rudraksha beads, botanically called Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb, encircling the neck of most Indian sages of the ancient and the present era, has kindled the interests in Indian scientists to do research of its healing powers. The beads are the seeds of fruit from Rudraksha trees, which grow in parts of Nepal, Himalayan Northern India and few places in South East Asia like Java, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia. Though in the mid 80s, a team of scientists led by Dr. Suhas Roy of Institute of Technology, Benaras University had proved the electro magnetic, para magnetic and inducive properties of Rudraksha scientifically with reproducible results, no further research had been conducted thereafter till the present kindling of interest.
"Rudraksha beads control stress levels, blood pressure, hypertension and induce tranquil feeling in the wearer. They also transform one's personality and outlook in positive ways," claims Tanay Seetha of Rudra Life, an organisation spreading awareness about the healing powers of Rudraksha. The healing powers of Rudraksha are by virtue of its electrical and magnetic properties, according to research papers. Rudraksha also have anti-ageing properties besides significantly improving the material position of the wearer. And these properties are being researched into by Indian scientists including the team from the Benaras University.
In China, according to Tanay, the Rudraksha beads are used for balancing the Yin and Yang energy fields and for enhancing the smooth flow of Chi- the life energy. According to the Chinese thoughts, most of the illnesses are caused due to the imbalance in Yin and Yang and disruption in the flow of Chi. Rudraksha are considered to enhance the flow of Chi in the body as also balance Yin and Yang.
Rudraksha comes in variety of types, one mukhi (facet) to 14-15 mukhis and "Gauri Shankar". According to Tanay, the popularity of the Indian systems of Medicine could be cashed upon to propogate the usefulness of Rudraksha.