This is always a subject of debate whether a person is healed through the remedies as prescribed in our classics or which are in practice from time immemorable. No wonder, there are large number of books available which talk about various remedial methods that could be followed. Also there are groups of people who talk about the benefits of yoga, mantra, yantra and allied topics, each of which has a scientific logic as is the case with the manuscripts left behind by the Rishis.

Vedic astrology, despite its very strong ties with the Karmic hypothesis and its implied 'fatalistic' misconception, has a very well developed and detailed remedial system. Ironically, this also underscores the fact that Vedic astrology supports the view that destiny can be changed by our willful actions and certain procedures, and hence really advocates the supremacy of individual choice and free-will! The remedial medicine bag of the Jyotishi (Vedic astrologer) includes tools such as penance, fasting, special spiritually-endowed sound vibrations (Mantras), glyphs and devices (Yantras) and religious ceremonies (Pooja) with charity.

A perfect astrologer would prefer to view a birth chart as a map of the earthly manifestation and allocation of the cosmic energy, the breath of life primarily for the current lifetime. The horoscopic houses are the 12 corridors of human experience that are illuminated by the 7 planetary candles, all of which are manifestations of the Prime Energy Source from which the more you take, the same remains behind. Each planet finds certain corridors that are harmoniously and brightly lit by its light. These represent the strong positions for the given planet. There are also those corridors that would not be well lit by the same planet's presence there (the planetary energy is not fully expressed). In such a case, one may resort to boosting the light, by using the lenses or reflectors in the form of gemstones or herbs. Of the 7 candles, some candles have a clean flame (benefic), while others also produce smoke (malefic) ! A candle might produce an intensely bright and blinding light with plumes of smoke (a strong malefic) or it might produce a smokeless dim light (weak benefic).

As we all are aware, there are planets which by their interaction, govern our destiny. Author's belief, developed during the study of this science, is that destiny depends on four major things in equal proportion. These are: our previous karma, the place where we are staying, the people with whom we interact and our own efforts. These are the four parameters and within each comes the important of a large gamut of activities. There is a complex equation that is a matter of study and research which, like any other science, gets deciphered and known. Therefore the chart at the time of birth, coupled with the year's horoscope and the time at which the query is being asked, have to be co-related and a vector from them gives the correct analysis of the query. Similarly, as each planet is associated with a colour and the colours are in turn related to vibrations – a complex phenomenon by itself; the various mantras, colour therapy and other remedies have relevance.

"Probably the most important and practical remedial procedure that is explored by the Indian astrologers and found to be extremely effective in their experience involves penance, fasting and charity. It must be realized that not all Karma can be dissolved away with Upaayes or remedies. Not all Karma needs to be dissolved. Karma is what generates our lessons and if we are not here in this earthly plane to learn, then why are we here?"

Excerpt From
Encyclopedia of Vedic Astrology Remedies
Dr. Shanker Adawal