Crystal Therapy
Crystal therapists near you
How can crystal therapy nourish you?
Crystal therapy is a traditional modality based on the idea that various semi-precious minerals have unique abilities to gather or focus subtle forms of energy that can promote well-being. By keeping crystals near you[1] in the form of jewellery, placing them on your body during a therapy session, or positioning them around your home, many people believe they can recharge and harmonise the body’s energy field.
The way crystals capture and transmit light, and the amazing geometric shapes they can form, have inspired people’s imagination for thousands of years. It’s difficult to say exactly when people started using crystals for therapeutic purposes, but some sources suggest the Sumerian civilisation of Mesopotamia may have practised crystal healing 6,000 years ago[2].
Given their unique properties, it’s not surprising that many ancient cultures developed traditions centred around crystals and healing. These properties are related to the perfectly regular way in which atoms are arranged[4] within the structure of a crystal.
The piezoelectric effect (which causes a crystal to vibrate at a stable frequency when subjected to electric current[5]), makes quartz an essential component of almost all digital technology. Some people argue that this well-known interaction of crystal structure and energy may be an indication that other crystals have similar abilities[6] which have not yet been detected or understood by scientific means.
Benefits of crystal therapy
It’s important to remember that crystal healing is a traditional therapy, and the benefits it is said to offer are based on cultural beliefs and qualitative feedback rather than on rigorous scientific research.
The use of healing crystals is often used in connection with the concept of chakras, or the body’s energy centres, as described in Eastern spirituality. Specific crystals are intended to cleanse and energise the seven main chakras[7]; the colour of the healing stones corresponds with the colour with which each chakra is associated.
Some people believe that different varieties of crystal healing stones vibrate at high frequencies even without electrical charge, making them suitable for treating associated conditions or parts of the body[8]. Rose quartz, for example, is said to be beneficial for the heart chakra because it is believed to support unconditional love. It is also said that crystals can help release emotional or spiritual blockages[9], helping to harmonise and balance the flow of subtle energy through your body and support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Crystal therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a crystal therapy session
Crystal therapy may take many different forms depending on what you hope to gain[10] from the treatment and how your practitioner decides crystals can be most effectively used to help you attain your goal.
During a crystal therapy session, you will usually be invited to lie down, fully clothed, and crystals may be placed around you with the intention of creating an energy grid or network[11]. If the therapy is intended to balance your body’s energy centres, your practitioner might place chakra healing stones over the locations where the chakras are believed to be[12].
If you are suffering from an acute complaint, the practitioner might position crystals directly over the affected part of your body. Some practitioners also use a pendulum[13] during the session. Your practitioner might play soft music or use singing bowls to help you feel deeply relaxed[14] as the stones do their work.
A session of crystal therapy often takes about 60-90 minutes, but this depends on your practitioner. Once it’s concluded, you might experience a sense of lightness[3], mental clarity and emotional calmness.
Crystal therapy is not intended as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Although crystal therapy is a very gentle modality which is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, it’s always important to consult your medical professional before commencing. If you have an injury or other health issue, or any concerns at all, also speak to your crystal therapy practitioner, who will be happy to address these and explore how the session can be adjusted to best suit your individual requirements.
References
1. Healing Crystals - What Are They And How Should You Use Them? Elle.com; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
2. Crystal Healing: Stone-Cold Facts About Gemstone Treatments. LiveScience; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
3. Touchstones School of Crystal Therapy: What Happens in a Healing? LAUREN D'SILVA; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
4. How Do Crystals Form & Grow? Geology Page; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
5. Mechanical vibration for electronics: the quartz crystal. ANALOG IC TIPS; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
6. A Beginner’s Healing Crystals Guide. Energy Muse; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
7. A Quick Guide to Healing Crystals and Chakras. YogiApproved.com; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
8. The science behind healing crystals explained. Times of India; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
9. Rose Quartz Crystal: Meaning, Healing, and How to Use. Healthline; 2023.
11. Vibrational Energy Healing With Crystals. Rainbows Of Healing; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
12. A healing session. The Crystal Tarot;
13. What to Expect during a Crystal Healing Session. Bashique Healing Arts; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].
14. What Is a Tibetan Singing Bowl? Verywellmind; [cited on 2024 Nov 28].