Crystal healing is an alternative technique for healing and strengthening the body using various natural mineral crystals. Crystals are minerals with atoms arranged in a geometrically precise and distinct pattern. This perfect hexagonal structure allows them to vibrate at a constant rate, which is why they are used in precision items such as such as watches. Different crystal products have different therapeutic properties depending on their size, shape and composition. If our energy is impeded or blocked in any way these manifest themselves physically in our bodies. Crystals act as stores for energy and if placed within your aura, or energy field, have the potential to balance and harmonise your mental and physical energy. They are typically placed on or near these areas on the body to eliminate or reduce these blockages.
Crystal healing can aid in:
- stress related conditions
- pain management
- spiritual growth
- improving intuitive growth
- relaxation
Crystals are often used in conjunction with the energy centres, or chakras, in our body to redress energy imbalances.
What are chakras?
Chakra means wheel in Ancient Sanskrit, and refers to spinning wheels of light energy found in our aura, specifically our thoughts and feelings. The chakras concentrate and coordinate the flow of these energies in and from the physical body. If our chakras are unbalanced we do not function efficiently. Each chakra corresponds to a physical body point and an area of life. Blockages may be anything from jealousy or fear, and may result from a blockage of energy flow through that chakra.
The following table details the seven chakras, with their corresponding colour, energy and crystal:
| Chakra and colour | Energy | Crystal |
| 1st root is red | Stability, physical energy | Garnet, Black Tourmaline |
| 2nd sacral is orange | Sexuality, desire | Orange calcite, Carnelian |
| 3rd solar is yellow | Intellect, ambition | Yellow jasper, Citrine |
| 4th heart is green | Love, compassion | Rose quartz, Malachite |
| 5th throat is light blue | Communication | Sodalite, Blue Calcite, Blue Lace Agate |
| 6th third eye is blue | Sight, intuition | Lapis Lazuli |
| 7th crown is clear | Enlightenment, energy | Amethyst, Clear Quartz |
In practice
Various patterns and combinations of crystals are positioned on the body, depending on what is troubling the person. These patterns are intended to activate the body's energy points and allow the crystal energy to reach the physical and mental levels required. A person may have a different crystal placed on the crown of the head, brow, throat and heart area. In addition, a crystal may also be carried or worn as a piece of jewellery
Crystal healing can be used for a variety of physical ailments including: migraines, digestive problems and low energy. It is also used to relieve mental and emotional issues such as tension, stress, depression and anxiety. Most crystal therapists aim to treat their clients holistically, taking into account all physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
It is very important to keep your gemstones clean and charged with positive energy. To clean them place them in the sun or moonlight for a day or place them in a bowl of filtered water overnight before rinsing them the next day.
Crystal properties
Here is a sample of some crystals and their therapeutic properties:
- Amazonite improves confidence and calms mental and emotional chaos.
- Blue Topaz enables us to communicate more effectively.
- Clear quartz is often chosen for meditation as it amplifies, transforms, and focuses energy.
- Green fluorite is a mental stone which helps to release anxiety and worry, as well as aiding in balancing hormones such as in PMS and the menopause.
- Obsidian helps us to face responsibility and be honest.
- Rose Quartz heals emotional wounds, helps us to overcome grief and restores emotional balance.
- Ruby opens the heart and is the love stone.
- Sodalite clears the mind of emotional confusion so that rational thinking can occur.
- Tourmaline helps to relieve stress.
There are no known side effects from the use of crystals.
Originally published on Apr 25, 2009
