Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
In addition to hot springs, geologic materials such as mud and sand have been
used for therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic powers of Dead Sea black mud are
mentioned in the Bible (Abdel-Fattah, 2004) and the mud is currently marketed world-
wide. Beach sand baths in Porto Santo Island, Portugal are popular therapeutic prac-
tice. Gomes and Silva (personal communication, 2004) believe that essential elements
in the carbonate and clay rich sands are incorporated into the bodies of the people
covered by the sand by percutaneous mechanisms.
TALISMANS AND AMULETS
Talismans and amulets, commonly naturally occurring crystals, are believed by some
to have positive health effects but, unlike the rock-derived pharmaceuticals, do not
have scientifically proven health benefits. Talismans have been used for thousands of
years and were believed to ward off evil and heal certain medical conditions. Geinger
(2003) identifies the unique spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical healing powers
of nearly 100 rocks and minerals.
Since 1996 a scientifi c group in Germany has been doing empirical research on the
health effects of crystals. Seventy different study units are investigating four crystals
each year. As of July 2004, 40 different minerals had been tested. Their fi ndings are
published in a magazine called
Opalitho
. All reports include physical, spiritual, and
emotional effects (Opalitho et al., 2005).
A recent survey on a college campus found that the student populations coming
from tribal backgrounds such as Native Americans, Hawaiian, and Polynesian all have
standing traditions of using talismans and amulets (Limpitlaw, 2005). These traditions
are being continued to this day.
Finally, it is an undisputed fact that a certain group of minerals exert wonder-
fully positive effects when presented to another person--these minerals are commonly
called gems.
CONCLUSIONS
The health benefits derived from geologic materials and geologic processes are com-
monly ignored in formal treatises, seminars, and research agendas. However, the list
of benefits is extensive, varied, and often significant. Moreover, there still exists an ex-
citing potential for finding novel health benefits of geologic materials and processes.
KEYWORDS
•
Geologic materials
•
Geologic processes
•
Iodine deficiency disorders
•
Medical geology
•
Pharmaceuticals
