Crystals for healing

Crystal healing is the use of crystals to influence the body’s energy field or aura in order to bring about healing and harmony. The belief that crystals (precious and semi-precious gems such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds are all crystals) have magical and healing properties has a long history. Many spiritual healers now use crystals to help with a wide range of physical and emotional conditions.

Crystal therapists believe that crystals can tap into the energies of the universe, focus healing energy and resonate with the energies of the body to bring about healing. Crystals are individually selected for their energy. Crystals such as amethyst and rose quartz are particularly thought to possess healing energy which they can store and release like a battery. Practitioners claim that the crystals do not actually heal a person but rather act as a focus to help people heal themselves.

You can either buy your own crystals or visit a therapist. If you choose to visit a therapist you may be questioned about your lifestyle, diet and medical history. You will then be asked to sit or lie on a couch or the floor. You will not need to undress. The therapist will then use his or her intuition to scan your energy without actually touching you to assess which crystals to use. They may place crystals around you or on the part of your body that needs healing. They may also hold the crystals themselves or ask you to hold them. Some practitioners place the crystals on acupuncture points or chakras. Others combine crystal healing with spiritual healing and aura work. The skill of the practitioner is in choosing which crystal to use and applying it in the most effective way for the person being treated.

Crystal therapists do not treat specific conditions, instead that they take a holistic approach using crystal healing to improve health and well-being. Some people report that holding, wearing, being covered in or surrounded by crystals makes them feel better and more energized. Research has also shown that if a quartz crystal is held in the hand for more than 30 minutes brainwave patterns change from beta (fully alert) to alpha (relaxed).

The following is a list of some crystal types and the health/emotional conditions they are believed to relieve:

Amethyst: Headaches, eyes, scalp, hair, pituitary gland, balancing blood sugar, spiritually uplifting

Aquamarine: Heart, immune system, thymus, lymph nodes, calming, uplifting, joy, creativity, confidence, purpose

Carnelian: Circulatory system, kidneys, stimulate appetite, emotions, sexuality, physical energy, reproductive system, menstrual cramps, arthritis, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, confidence, assertiveness

Citrine: Acid indigestion, food disorders, allergies, cleansing spleen, kidneys, liver, urinary system, intestines, mental and emotional clarity, problem-solving, memory

Coral: Muscles, blood, heart, reproductive system, thyroid, metabolism, spine, bone and tissue regeneration, not to be used with high blood pressure

Diamond: Increase personal clarity, trust, confidence, prosperity, generosity, love, spirituality

Emerald: Respiratory system, heart, lymph nodes, blood, thymus, balance blood sugar, childbirth, eyesight, depression

Jade: Heart, immune, kidneys, nervous system, courage, knowledge, compassion, emotional balance, longevity

Lapis: Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, shyness, nervous system, speech, hearing, pituitary, inflammation, pain

Malachite: Stomach, liver, kidney stones, respiratory system, immune system, vision, circulatory system

Rose Quartz: Emotional balance, love, beauty, peacefulness, forgiving, kindness, self-esteem, emotional healing

Ruby: Infections, cholesterol, blood clots, blood cleansing, impotency, circulation, menses, love, courage, confidence, vitality, stamina, strength, triumph over adversity

Sapphire: Reducing inflammation, fevers, nosebleeds, hearing problems, burns, depression, intuition, clairaudience, mental clarity, calm

For those who would like to ‘test the waters’ with crystals or who are simply curious about how it all works, there are a number of sources that explain crystal healing and crystal therapy in depth. If you’re open to the metaphysical and the energies of the universe, who knows? Crystal therapy may be the perfect complement to your physical and/or emotional health regimen.