What's the Deal with Crystal Healing?
If you’re interested in holistic wellness, then you’re probably familiar with the concept of crystal healing. For centuries, people have believed that certain crystals and minerals hold powerful healing properties. Rather than targeting illness or disease, crystal healing targets the body’s chakras, realigning energies and vibrations that are thought to control our overall health and wellbeing.
Sound too good to be true? Well, sort of. Crystals do have a long history in the wellness space, but today, just visit your local home decor store and you’ll find dozens of crystals on display for pure aesthetic. Crystals are beautiful and they can be a lovely addition to your uninspiring cubicle or empty bookshelf. But the evidence behind crystals as a healing tool isn’t promising.
Do Crystals Hold Real Healing Power?
Let’s start by discussing the history of crystal healing. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, it’s believed that early people used gemstones to make amulets and talismans that served as protection. Ancient Egyptians and Sumerians used crystals to combat evil spirits and ward off danger. Certain stones were also used in caskets to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
In China, it was customary for males to wear jadestone jewelry to represent their ancestors who came before them. In the Renaissance period, many medical practices involved using precious and semi-precious stones to treat certain illnesses. Even throughout the bible, there are references to the use of precious stones and gems for protective and healing properties.
Over the centuries, crystal healing has taken on many different forms, and has been viewed with varying degrees of validity. It wasn’t until the 1980s that crystal healing in western culture took hold. Even still, many of the crystal healing practices in place today are based on ancient traditions and beliefs.
Despite the fact that crystal healing is more mainstream today, there’s little evidence to suggest that precious and semi-precious gemstones hold any true healing power. In fact, one study in particular essentially debunked the efficacy of crystal healing altogether.
The study, which was conducted in Rome, asked 80 people to complete a survey about their belief in paranormal activities. Then, the 80 subjects meditated for five minutes while holding either a real quartz or a fake look-a-like crystal. After the meditation, the subjects were asked about the sensations they felt while holding the crystal.
The results? There was no significant difference in the sensations people felt while holding the real or fake crystal. However, the people who said they had a strong belief in paranormal phenomenon experienced more sensations compared to people who didn't have a strong belief.
While crystals have not been found to have real healing abilities, that doesn't mean they’re useless. As the study found, people who believe in the power of crystals and spiritual connection can still benefit from them.
7 Types of Crystals and Their Healing Properties
In the crystal healing world, each gemstone and mineral has specific properties. For instance, some stones are said to bring good luck, while others are thought to boost mood. The beauty of crystal healing is that you get to work with any stone you want, based on your goals. Here are some of the most common crystals and their healing properties.
Clear Quartz — Clear quartz is the mother of all crystals. It’s thought to increase energy, reduce negativity, help concentration, improve mood, strengthen the immune system, and balance the body.
Rose Quartz — Rose quartz is one of the most common gemstones out there. This gem is a powerful love stone, which is said to improve trust and connection with others, calm the body, and aid in self-love and respect.
Obsidian — Obsidian is known as the protective stone, which can rid the body of emotional blocks, aid in detoxification, help digestion, and promote a sense of strength and clarity.
Citrine — Citrine is believed to eliminate negative energy, encourage optimism, help with motivation, improve concentration, and boost creativity.
Tiger’s Eye — Tiger’s Eye is used for power and motivation. It is thought to calm the body and mind, reduce anxiety, and help you make more conscious decisions.
Moonstone — Moonstone may help you boost inner strength and promote growth. It’s often called the stone for new beginnings because of its ability to calm nerves, boost positivity, and bring good fortune.
Ruby — The bold ruby stone is used to help improve energy and restore overall vitality. It is thought to improve sensuality, intellect, and desire, while improving self-awareness.
Even though scientific evidence shows that crystals lack tangible healing power, it doesn’t mean that they don’t work. If you’re interested in crystal healing, give it a try! The real healing comes from the power of your mind. Crystals may be able to help you tap into more positive energy, which can improve your overall well being.
Beth Rivelli is a Boston-based contributor for JUGs. She's a full-time content marketer, part-time Netflix addict, and self-proclaimed ice cream expert. Follow her @elizabethrivelli on Instagram.
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