Healing With Crystals

Written by: Ginger Red Hawk
Published on: July 30, 2011
Category: Alternative Healing

The method of healing with crystals is based on the belief that crystals have energies and properties that are able to improve health. While this is not mentioned anywhere in medical theory, it can find space in the broader crystal power theory. According to crystal power, crystals are minerals that have a periodic atomic structure and hence possess paranormal abilities. Crystal therapy is purported to work because everything is energy and vibrates at various frequencies. Crystals work via these vibrations. By using the appropriate crystal one can return energy systems or rebalance energies, thus improving well being.

Crystal therapy is not a new phenomenon. The earliest records can be found in the Ebers papyrus from ancient Egypt. The papyrus states the medicinal uses of many crystals. The Indian ayurvedic system and traditional Chinese medicine as old as 5000 years also make references to crystal therapy.

What exactly is crystal therapy?
Various crystals and gemstones are placed on or around a fully clothed person. This is done to induce deep relaxation, release stress and pain, and promote the energy balance within the physical body. The treatment can take up to an hour and crystals can be used singly or in patterns. The crystals are generally placed on sites of pain, on acupuncture points or chakras.

Different stones have different properties.
Individual stones have characteristics of their own. With a little practice and intuition one can make educated guesses as to what the properties of a stone are likely to be. A red stone for example, is likely to energize and invigorate. A blue stone on the other hand will soothe and cool down. Given below are some crystals and their healing properties.

Crystal Effect / Property
Amazonite Improves self worth
Amethyst Good for spiritual upliftment and better communication. Also improves liver problems.
Aquamarine Recommended for people experiencing a lot of grief. Encourages loving acceptance of the situation.
Coral Strengthens and protects one's emotional foundation.
Diamond Helps one understand oneself better.
Emerald For physical and emotional healing - a strong healer.
Jade For relaxation and to reduce tension.
Lapis Helps to understand different points of view.
White Moonstone Balances yin/yang.
Black Onyx Helps to change bad habits.
Fresh Water Pearl Enables one to love oneself and hence others.
Poppy Jasper To give a happy outlook and optimistic feeling.
Ruby To experience love with an open heart.
Sapphire Mental clarity.
Pink Tourmaline Promote female balance and healing.

Other than the color the shape of the crystal can also affect healing. The commonly available shapes are:

Single terminated wands: With a single point on one end and a rough or rounded edge on the other, they are popular for healing, cleansing, meditation and jewelry.

Chunks: These are crystals minus any noticeable facets. Good to carry around in your pocket.

Clusters: These are a small group of crystals that have naturally grown together. Great for enriching a living or working environment.

Cut Crystals: Are those that have been cut and polished into traditionally acceptable shapes like tear drops, pyramids, and spheres.

Tumblestones: Are crystals that have been tumbled over each other many times with increasingly finer abrasive until the sides become smooth and shiny.

How Do I Choose A Crystal?

Choosing a crystal requires use of your unconscious mind. The best way to do this is by feeling. Look at a whole bunch of different crystals for a few minutes. There will be a special crystal that calls to you. You may want to touch it, or feel it or just keep gazing at it. This is the crystal you want to pick.

Buying a crystal just because you set out to buy one is not going to get you the crystal that is ideally yours. If you buy a crystal without feeling, you will essentially be buying a rock. There's nothing wrong with buying rocks either! However, if you want your crystal to act as a healer it must connect with you.

If you are looking to buy a crystal with a specific purpose in mind or for therapy, then you already know which type of stone you want. In such a case, look at a range of stones in different sizes and shapes and pick the one that appeals to you most.

As with most new age therapies the effects of crystal therapy are subtle and work with the unconscious. If you are looking for miracles they won't happen.