Crystals are said to have great healing powers, which have been revered since ancient times. Modern-day alternative medicine therapies include crystal healing methods based on ancient discoveries.
No scientific evidence proves that crystals and gemstones have any significant healing properties. Yet many positive reports have been published on the psychological, spiritual, and physical benefits of crystal therapies. This controversial subject deserves an open mind, don’t you think?
Having said this, charlatans are parading as crystal healers. The alternative health industry is not effectively regulated or policed, potentially damaging the sector.
It is reassuring to correlate ancient crystal and gemstone history with modern practices. This promotes some degree of consistency. We will briefly glance at a few historical facts and look more deeply into healing crystals. This might be just what you need to help your healing process.
Let’s dive right in.
An Overview of Crystals in History
The earliest historical reference to using crystals stems from the Ancient Sumerians, who included crystals in magic formulas.
Ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald, and clear quartz in their jewelry. They also used semi-precious stones for protection and health. Chrysolite (later translated as topaz and peridot) was used to combat night terrors and purge evil spirits.
Egyptians also used crystals as cosmetics. Galena (lead ore) and malachite were ground to powder and used as the eye shadow. Green stones were largely used to signify the heart of the deceased and were frequently included in burials.
The Ancient Greeks were deeply intrigued with the mystique of crystals. Many names we use today for crystal types are of Greek origin. The word “crystal” comes from the Greek word for ice. The Greeks believed clear quartz was intensely frozen water that would always remain solid.
Amethyst means “not drunken” and was worn as an amulet to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. Hematite, an iron ore, was associated with the Greek god of war, Aries. The name hematite derives from the Greek word for blood and relates to the red color of iron-oxidizing. Greek soldiers rubbed hematite over their bodies before battle to make themselves invulnerable.
Jade was extremely popular and highly valued in ancient China. Jade was recognized as a kidney healing stone in China and South America. Chinese emperors were oftentimes buried in jade armor, and jade masks were used in burials around the same period in Mexico.
Indigenous people of New Zealand wore jade pendants representing their ancestral spirits. These pendants were passed down to generations through the male line. The tradition of green stones representing luck remains prevalent in some parts of New Zealand today.
The use of crystals for healing can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese believed in gemstones’ spiritual and medicinal properties. Crystals would be placed on the body, carried as talismans, or ground into powders for medicinal use.
Crystals in Religion
Crystals and gemstones are an important facet of many prominent religions. Some references include:
- The origin of birthstones stems from the breastplate of Aaron, known as the “High Priest’s Breastplate,” which is mentioned in the book of Exodus.
- In the Koran, the 4th Heaven comprises carbuncle (garnet).
- The Kalpa Tree, which represents an offering to the gods in Hinduism, is said to be made entirely of precious stone.
- Buddhist text from the 7th century describes a diamond throne near the Tree of Knowledge (the tree under which Siddhartha meditated).
- The Kalpa Sutra, in Jainism, mentions Harinegamesi, the divine commander of the foot troops who seized 14 precious stones, cleansed them of their lesser qualities, and retained only their finest essence to aid his transformations.
It was believed that the original sins of Adam corrupted gemstones and could possibly be inhabited by demons. The belief is that if a sinner handles gemstones, they would lose their virtues. For this reason, they should be sanctified and consecrated before wearing.
This belief is still practiced today in the cleansing and programming of crystals before use in crystal healing.
Crystals in Modern Alternative Therapies
Healing crystals, also known as gemstones, have been used for centuries to treat various physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Although most evidence is anecdotal and not scientific, many people believe in the healing power of crystals.
Healing crystals are said to interact with the body’s energy field or vibrational energy to create balance and alignment. Crystals help to unblock areas of the body’s energy field and are typically used for stress and to improve focus. Some people believe that crystals have the power to heal physical ailments and illnesses.
Two researchers, Pierre and Jack Curie, conducted a study in 1880 and found that changing the temperature of crystals and putting pressure on them could create electricity. This is known as the piezoelectric effect, which is used in modern technology that includes:
- Microphones
- quartz watches
- inkjet printers
- sonar
- medical implants
Their research suggests that crystals may have a minor effect on the body’s energy levels, but whether they can produce healing power remains debatable.
An exciting study by C.C. French on healing crystals was presented at two international conferences in 1999 and 2001 but never published in a peer-reviewed journal.
In the study, 80 volunteers were given either real crystals or fakes. Six participants reported feeling nothing. The rest reported feeling a change in energy. The study suggests that the placebo effect largely influenced results.
Mental health disorders
Crystals are sometimes used to support mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. The medical establishment acknowledges that crystals can provide support but not as a standalone treatment.
Most medical professionals agree that if you feel that crystals can help alleviate your condition, it’s worth using them. This helps to bolster the placebo effect, which is a welcomed contribution to the healing process.
Crystals and meditation
Combining the placebo potential of crystals with the scientific evidence behind meditation, you can be assured of a positive effect.
A 2021 review noted that mindfulness meditation (MM) had a significant effect on alleviating military-related PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) compared to control conditions.
MM was found to be an effective and relatively immediate intervention to lower anxiety and particularly beneficial for symptoms of psychosis. Mindfulness meditation using healing crystals allows you to slow down, breathe, and focus your mind, making you feel at ease.
Healing Crystals and Healing Stones
Natural crystals and gemstones are integral to alternative holistic therapies, many of which are deemed worthy in medical circles. Here is a list of the most used healing crystals and gemstones in contemporary alternative therapies.
Clear Quartz
Clear quartz is known as the master healer crystal and can be found in every healer’s collection. This potent white crystal amplifies and boosts energy by positively manipulating surrounding energy and from within you.
It primarily works on the brain and assists memory and concentration. Clear quartz is claimed to stimulate the immune system and is often used as an amplifier for other crystal types.
Selenite
This healing stone is said to help deepen your spirituality. Selenite is best used in clearing your energy field and directs high-vibration energies to stimulate physical healing.
Selenite helps to stabilize and calm your emotions and stimulates you to move forward.
Opal
As the eye stone, the opal crystal provides nurturing and support for good eye health and improved vision. It also helps stabilize neurotransmitter disturbances and stimulates concentration and memory functions.
This crystal inspires happiness, optimism, appreciation, and general well-being.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is said to heal your emotional body, restoring harmony and trust in relationships. It also helps to provide calmness and comfort during times of grief.
Rose quartz can also be used to soothe wounds and burns. It reduces blisters if washed with a rose quartz elixir or lightly rubbed with a polished stone. The stone is also beneficial in diminishing unsightly scars. Rose quartz as an elixir helps to clear your skin, reducing wrinkles and promoting a soft complexion.
In addition, rose quartz stimulates the cardiovascular system. It relieves stress, tension, and heart palpitations and stabilizes irregular heart rhythms.
Jade
Jade has been revered across different cultures globally, especially in Asia, for its physical and metaphysical healing energies and properties.
Jade is an excellent cleansing stone that enhances the body’s elimination and filtration organs. In addition, jade is said to help post-surgery healing, allowing for faster healing.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is believed to have excellent benefits for the vocal cords, larynx, and throat while also regulating the thyroid and endocrine glands. It can help you overcome hearing loss and other conditions related to your nasal and ear passages.
Amethyst
Amethyst resonates with high-vibration energies that are highly protective, purifying, and healing. It provides a powerful connection to the Divine.
Often called “nature’s tranquilizer,” amethyst can help soothe and calm the body and mind, assisting the transmission of neural signals through the brain. Its purifying aura promotes deep sleep.
Agate
Agate enhances your mental functioning by improving your perception, concentration, and analytical skills. It benefits your eyes and promotes healing hollow organs such as the intestines, uterus, and stomach. Agate is also helpful to the blood vessels and heart.
Moonstone
Moonstone is said to soothe uneasy feelings of instability and stress, allowing you to move forward freely. In most spiritual traditions, the moon, including feng shui, represents the divine feminine.
The fertility cycles of women connect with the cycle of the moon. Moonstone is renowned for its ability to balance hormones and reproductive issues.
Jasper
Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is said to help protect you against negative energy while promoting quick thinking, confidence, and courage.
Jasper provides stability and grounding and promotes security, comfort, healing, and strength.
Obsidian
Obsidian is believed to help remove emotional blockages and promote clarity, strength, love, and compassion. It is effective in expanding your consciousness in the meditative state. This crystal assists in detoxification and digestion and helps ease pain and cramps.
Tiger’s Eye
Like the ever-vigilant tiger, this healing stone enhances the sharpness of your inner visions. It is also useful for treating eye infections and enhancing your night vision.
Bloodstone
The bloodstone crystal was initially called the Sun Stone and later Christ’s Stone. It is believed to carry the purity of Christ’s blood and inherently speaks of birth and life.
It is said to help clean your blood and improve your circulation. Used as a talisman for long life and good health, it boosts your immune system and aids in purification and detoxification.
Ruby
The ruby stone has always been a talisman of prosperity, passion, and protection. It helps in restoring energy levels and vitality. The ruby is considered a bloodstone and has been used since ancient times to remove toxins from the blood and improve your cardiovascular system. It is also beneficial for the reproductive organs and is used for treating sexual dysfunction, infertility, and impotence.
Sapphire
Sapphire is used for channeling healing powers from a higher source into the healer, making it popular for Reiki healers. It amplifies the healing through voice.
The Sapphire stone is said to help heal eye conditions and is also used for anxiety and depression. Its calming blue energies help lull you to sleep and prevent insomnia, nightmares, and night terrors.
Other popular healing crystals and stones include:
- Turquoise
- Malachite
- Kunzite
- Hematite
- Lepidolite
- Kyanite
- Iolite
- Topaz
- Sunstone
- Garnet
A Last Few Words
Modern medicine plainly states that crystal therapies support the healing process but are not a primary treatment. This is a plausible statement. Most people use crystals in conjunction with meditation and other relaxation therapies, which appear to be effective.
Crystals enhance your spiritual connection and help to clear your mind for impactful meditation. This has a great impact on the physical healing process as well as maintaining a positive perspective on overall well-being.
Crystal therapies are non-evasive and not harmful in any way. They promote relaxation while positively stimulating your mind. Perhaps you might find more research into crystals a rewarding experience.
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