Healing Crystals: How Do They Work?

One of the rising stars in alternative medicine these days is the healing crystal. You may have seen your friend or relative sporting a cool rock necklace and heard about the benefits that they’ve gained from just having the mineral near their body.

Nowadays, several companies have ridden the trend and are selling their own healing crystals. You can wear them as jewelry or have them retain their natural form and just let these stones provide harmony to your home. Brands like Conscious Items incorporate crystals into their products for a body or home accessory that enhances your outer and inner self.

Vibrations and Waves

Crystals have their share of controversy, especially since their healing powers aren’t backed by science. The philosophy surrounding these minerals has its root in Asian cultures, which have always been proponents of alternative medicine until now.

Chinese people believe in the concept of life energy, which is known as chi or qi. It talks about a person’s electromagnetic energy as well as the balance of Yin and Yang or the positive and negative aspects of an individual.

Life energy also correlates with the Hindi concept of chakras, which are said to be the focal points of energy in your body. It is believed that the crystal’s healing powers are amplified when you place the minerals on these tantric openings.

Moreover, ancient Egyptians and Sumerians are also credited for starting this practice. They were reported to have adorned themselves with crystals to push away negative energy, including illnesses.

A healing session may entail having various stones placed on your body’s chakra points. These locations are determined by the symptoms described by the patient.

Advocates of healing crystals believe that electromagnetic waves emanate from the crystals and are absorbed by the human body. It may be the reason why some people report feeling heat, tingling, vibrations, and other sensations when holding healing stones in their hands.

The Scientific Perspective

Scientists, though, aren’t convinced of the healing properties of crystals. Most Western medicine practitioners believe that the benefits are caused by the placebo effect. It is a psychological phenomenon where a patient’s belief in the treatment results in the efficacy of the placebo rather than the inherent characteristics of the drug itself. In other words, this situation is said to be something that’s mind over matter.

Nonetheless, you shouldn’t disregard the power of the human mind. In an interview with TIME Magazine, Ted Kaptchuk, a Harvard Medical School professor of medicine, noted that the public, whether from the scientific community or in other industries, have a negative perception of placebos. Most people think that the effects are bogus or fake.

However, Kaptchuk, who conducted a study on placebos, found that the therapeutic actions can be genuine and robust. He added that the distinct efficacy of placebos should be encouraged, not ignored.

It shows how powerful the human mind can be, so much so that if you believe you are getting healed, then your body would start regenerating. For some, it may take the aid of something tangible, like crystals, to jumpstart the process.

Types of Healing Crystals

As with other kinds of alternative medicine, the use of healing crystals depends on your needs and preferences. Some people may be uncomfortable with the notion of using rocks to keep sickness and other negative energies at bay.

Fortunately, you can wear crystals in jewelry form or keep them in your pocket. All you really need is to have an open mind and see how these minerals can boost your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Here are some of the different types of healing crystals and their benefits:

  1. Quartz

White crystal, also known as clear quartz, has earned the title of “master healer” because it can amplify your chi through absorbing, retaining, releasing, and regulating energy. Some say that the mineral are capable of stimulating the immune system and allow your body to achieve homeostasis or balance.

Rose quartz, on the other hand, is the one to use for boosting your love life. It is believed to facilitate the restoration of harmony and trust in your relationships. During times of grief, it’s also said to provide comfort and calm your emotions.

  1. Obsidian

The primary property of obsidian is protection. It is believed to form a barrier against physical and emotional negativity. Moreover, it can help eliminate emotional baggage while promoting strength, clarity, and compassion. Its physical benefits include boosting digestion and detoxification as well as reducing the sensation of pain and cramps.

  1. Citrine

Citrine is the crystal of choice if you want to invite wonder, joy, and enthusiasm in your life. It’s also said to promote optimism, warmth, motivation, and clarity while casting out fear. If you’re an artist and struggling with creativity and concentration, reaching for this stone can help you overcome that rut.

  1. Turquoise

This is another crystal that has physical, mental, and emotional healing properties. It aids in your search for spiritual groundings while regulating your emotions. Its therapeutic benefits mainly target the respiratory, skeletal, and immune system.

  1. Amethyst

Aside from healing and protection, amethyst also has purifying properties that can eliminate negative thoughts. It promotes humility, sincerity, and spiritual wisdom.

If you have problems with sleeping, you can place this crystal on your bedside table. It’s said that this stone can alleviate the symptoms of insomnia as well as help you understand your dreams.

  1. Moonstone

For those looking for a fresh chance and new beginning, moonstone is believed to promote internal growth and strength. It also soothes feelings of stress and instability to motivate you to move forward, which can be helpful in these uncertain times because of the coronavirus pandemic.

  1. Sapphire

Sapphire invites prosperity, happiness, and peace. Its physical healing properties include healing eye issues and blood disorders. Those suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia can also benefit from the blue crystal.

  1. Ruby

In contrast, ruby restores your energy and vitality levels. If you want to boost your sensuality, you should have this crystal with you. In olden times, ruby was used to eliminate toxins from the blood and boost the circulatory system.

Conclusion

The philosophy behind healing crystals stems from the Eastern concepts of life energy. It’s believed to work using electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by the human body. Western medicine is still skeptical about their efficacy and attributes its curative properties to the placebo effect. Nonetheless, all it takes is an open mind if you want to try this alternative treatment.