Benefits of Wearing Copper
Copper – What is it? Why has it been used for thousands of years in medicine? What are new studies discovering about it? How could it possibly help with arthritis pain?… There are a lot of claims out there concerning Copper and it can get really confusing as to fact and myth. I will attempt to answer a few questions and present some facts.
When most people think of copper, they think of things they have seen or used made from this metal. Jewelry, copper electrical wire, copper tubing, pennies …. The list goes on and on. Copper is that shiny, pinkish rose gold colored metal that tarnishes easily to a dull umber color. The metal that has the chemical element symbol Cu and the atomic number 29. Soft, easily manipulated and molded into any shape, highly conductive, used in both heat and electrical applications. It was the first metal used by Humans, with the oldest metal object found in the Middle East being a tiny awl dating back to 5100 B.C., and has been used for more than 8,000 years. Today it ranks as the 3rd most used metal in the world, with iron and aluminum being first and second.
Copper Metaphysical Concepts: For thousands of years Copper has been associated with energy conductivity and healing within the body. Copper is renowned worldwide for its pain relieving benefits for arthritis sufferers. Copper helps align the emotional and physical being while sending gem electrical energy into the energy field of the wearer. As a conductor, copper helps to ‘discharge’ negative energies such as anger while enhancing the energies of stones and crystals it comes into contact with. Its very mineral composition is believed to bring balance between cool lunar energy and warm sun energy. Copper is often used in the making of crystal wands and kept by New Age followers due to its alleged ability to “straighten” the properties of other stones and crystals. It has been used by people all over the world during mental and physical healing rites for good reason, and also during psychic communication sessions, as it may amplify thoughts.
Crystal healers also use it to support the health of red blood cells and tissues. It is said to battle rheumatism, anemia, viral and bacterial infection, exhaustion, and infertility and believed to support blood circulation and detoxification, healthy bones and metabolism, and more. Copper is claimed to work wonders in balancing the physical body as a whole.
Copper is the Traditional 7th Year Anniversary Gift, Ruled by the Planet Venus, and Natal to the Astrological signs Taurus and Libra.
Why has Copper been used for thousands of years in medicine?: Though they didn’t have our modern methods of testing and research, ancient people were able to ‘see’ the benefits of using copper for their health and well-being. People didn’t get sick as often, sick people recovered more quickly and there were fewer cases of people infecting each other when copper was used as utensils, jewelry and decoration in the home. Copper was also used in treating chest wounds and purifying drinking water. Copper is one of the few necessary elements that can be absorbed through the skin when worn.
What are new studies discovering about Copper?: The journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, ran an article in 2011 promoting the uses of Copper as being “… anti-bacterial, kills viruses, and yeasts on contact.” Many devices and products are now being made for these reasons. Examples: Copper fabrics to make anti-microbial garments, like socks that fight foot fungus; IUDs for contraception because it kills both sperm and eggs; and hospital fixtures in ICU units modified with copper surfaces, which has shown to decrease the instance of patients developing anti-biotic resistant ‘super’ infections. Further research, published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (2013), and American Journal of Infection Control (2017), has revealed astounding new evidence of the benefits for using Copper in surface area protection against harmful microbes in hospital settings.
How could copper possibly help with arthritis pain?: According to Healthline.com, Arthritis “… is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).” (Aug 14, 2017), and Inflammation “…. refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system.” (Jul 27, 2018).
Interesting. Copper has been proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-microbial. It is an essential element in the body and helps fight infections and inflammations. Used topically as an adornment, such as a bracelet or necklace, the body can absorb it directly through the skin as needed. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints which causes irritation and pain.
It is commonly held knowledge that copper is worn as a bracelet by those who suffer from arthritis. Wearers claim that keeping copper against their skin eases their suffering of its symptoms. This is just one example of how copper is used to heal the body on a physical level.
Green skin: A common complaint of users when first starting to wear copper, the wearer will notice a green coloring on their skin where it touches the copper. This is a result of oxidation caused by moisture and acids in the skin reacting with the copper. It washes off easily with soap and water and causes no health problems whatsoever.
The more acidic your body is, the more ‘green skin’ you are likely to see. Acidity, due to diet or health can be an indicator of current or eventual health problems and should be checked out.
Ambrosia’s Creative Realm designs many custom bracelets and necklaces using Copper, with and without Magnetized Hematite, Natal, and Chakra Stones, or other stones of your choice. Be sure to visit my Gallery for pictures of many of my Copper designs – both Ready for Sale and Custom Designed. To order click on any of the ETSY banners, or Shop (at the top of the page), and you will be re-directed to my Etsy Shop. For Custom Orders click on the Custom Order button below the categories in my Etsy Shop.
Check back soon for my next Blog Post – The Benefits of Magnetics