Symbols of Health And Their Meanings

Since the ancient times, a person’s mental or physical condition has been a part of one’s overall lifestyle. There has never been any society, then and now, that considers health insignificant.

The importance of health in every culture across history is manifested in a number of symbols. Here’s a list of some of these health and medical symbols.

Symbols Health And Their Meanings

1. Red Crystal

The red crystal symbol was created and established during the Diplomatic Conference in Geneva in 2005, as an addition to the red cross and red crescent. This was done to increase protection in situations where the existing two symbols may not be respected as neutral.

2. Red Cross

Hands down the most recognized symbol in this list, the red cross emblem has been around for more than 150 years. Designed by the Swiss humanitarian Henri Dunant, it is an inversion of his national flag, recognizing the historic connection between Switzerland and the original Geneva Convention of 1864.

The red cross emblem was adopted by the Geneva Conventions to protect medical personnel attending to the wounded soldiers on the battlefield. It was soon adopted to identify the humanitarian services of Red Cross societies across the globe.

The red cross is limited to the use of official Red Cross organizations and programs around the world, as well as the medical services of every country’s armed forces.

The red cross symbol provides protection for military medical units, transportation of the wounded, and for the Red Cross’ humanitarian aid. It denotes “don’t shoot” during armed conflict, imparting that the person, vehicle, building or equipment bearing the emblem is providing impartial assistance, not part of the fight.

The emblem is utilized to signify the Red Cross organization’s promise of voluntary, neutral, and impartial assistance to all people in need, regardless of race, religion or citizenship status.

3. Healer’s Hand

Also referred to as shaman’s hand, the healer’s hand is an ancient symbol of healing and protection.

The healer’s hand is depicted as a hand with a spiral palm. The hand represents the human life while the spiral is known as the symbol for eternity.

The Native American Indians believe that the healer’s hand symbol possesses the healing powers of the shaman of a tribe, thus the name “shaman’s hand.”

This symbol is worn around one’s neck or displayed in someone’s home for the belief that it brings health, good luck, and good fortune.

4. Red Crescent

Just like the red cross emblem, the red crescent symbolizes protection that international law gives to the wounded and sick, and their carers, during armed conflict. They are both official emblems of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The red crescent symbol was adopted by the Ottoman Empire between 1876-1878, during the war between Russia and Turkey.

Without the intention of disrespecting the red cross symbol, the Ottoman authorities thought that the red cross was offensive to Muslim soldiers because of its religious connotations.

The red crescent emblem was formally recognized in the 1929 Geneva Convention.

5. Gnosa

Gnosa is drawn on the top 4 chakras and by far one of the most beautiful symbols used by the Japanese form of energy healing called Reiki. This particular symbol aids in clearing the mind from clutter – or unwanted thoughts – and in increasing the connection with the higher self.

Gnosa merges the conscious and subconscious minds together, awakening a heightened sense of clarity and mindfulness in the practitioner. This is why it is an appropriate symbol for students. When one’s mind is clear, communication skills improve verbally and otherwise.

Gnosa is one of the most significant Reiki symbols as it strengthens self-realization and supports the healing process of the practictioner.

5. Medicine Wheel

Also called the “sacred hoop” and the “sun dance circle,” the medicine wheel has been employed by a number of Native American tribes for health and healing for ages. This symbol comes in various forms. It can be an artifact or painting, or even a stone monument.

A great number of medicine wheels have been built on Native lands in North America, some of which still exist today. About 70 to 150 medicine wheels have at present been identified in the northern plains of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota in the United States, as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada.

The medicine wheel monument is said to serve as a landmark to identify the sunrise of the summer solstice. In Native American ceremonies, the wheel moves typically in a clockwise, or “sun-wise” direction, which helps to align with the gravity and the rising and setting of the sun.

8. The Sun Face

This Zuni symbol represents one of the main deities, the Sun Father. The ancient Zuni people of Mexico were sun-worshipers, recognizing that the warmth of the sun sustains life and enables growth, thus, bringing joy and prosperity to the people.

The sun face symbol depicts the sun with a forehead split down the middle to embody the eternal balance between sunrise and sunset. It has a round mouth and rectangular eyes. The whole face is surrounded with feathers that radiate outward to depict the rays of the sun.

For centuries, the sun face symbol has appeared on surfaces and objects in Zuni culture. In its traditional form, however, the sun face is comprised of beautiful and meaningful precious gems.

In the upper right position of a traditional sun face, the turquoise stone is placed to symbolize oneness between the physical and spiritual realms. Alongside it is the coral, which represents comfort and protection.

The mother of pearl – the sun’s main face – denotes imagination and intuition. The black jet made of fossilized wood completes the sun face’s features. These four gemstones, with their contrasting brilliant hues, balance each other in one unified circle.

The sun face is a symbol of health and healing for the Zuni people. It is often featured in pottery, rugs, and jewelry pieces. Zuni jewelry pieces bearing this symbol were often made from red coral, which symbolizes healing and good health.

7. Choku Rei

Another important Reiki symbol, the Choku Rei is used in medical rituals or whenever health and energy are needed. It is considered the “power symbol” by Reiki practitioners.

Choku Rei means “by the emperor’s command” or “what  must be, shall be.” The concept of this Reiki symbol is meant to signify that “all the energy of the universe is focusing on this point.”

The Choku Rei is believed to brighten up one’s existence. It is frequently used to increase physical strength.