Is Crystal Healing Right for You?

No one can deny that crystals are lovely things, nearly transparent and with only a hint of color. But some believe that certain crystals, especially quartz, can do more than just bring a little beauty into our lives. Those who believe in and practice crystal healing tell us that crystals contain an energy that is healing to both mind and body.

Such "energy medicine" underlies healing practices like reflexology and acupuncture which try to tune into circuits of energy (usually called qi) within the body, which may manifest themselves as halos or auras.

But crystal healing involves getting in touch with that inner energy by using crystals, which are thought to be repositories of healing energy, especially after they are energized through various rituals. Then, the crystal can be used either to diagnose diseases or to cure diseases by enhancing or unblocking energy in the person who receives the treatment.

Like other things that sound "new agey," crystal healing goes way back in time to aboriginal cultures, including those of the Native Americans, many of whom have believed that certain stones have the ability to heal. They also have the power to keep a crystal radio functioning, so there is some sort of energy there.

There is little in the way of certification or training for crystal healers, who (it has been my experience) have a New Age spiritual background rather than any sort of institutional training. Generally, the field has no regulation or licensing, and many people practice crystal healing on themselves intuitively, choosing stones and techniques that they feel comfortable with.

Many crystal healers claim that their treatments can strengthen healing energy against a range of mental and physical problems. Most, realistically, do not claim that crystal healing alone is needed... just that it will enhance healing. Some believe that natural stones can balance the bad effects of food additives, pollution, and such self-abuse as alcohol or tobacco.

Some explain that the crystals can align the chakras, those centers of energy in the body which, it is believed, can cause illness when out of balance. In general, however, crystal healers make no explanation of how their healing works. They are more concerned that it works.

Frequently, both healer and patient hold the crystals, or the healer may place them at strategic points on the patient's body. Stones that may have some special sources of energy, such as stones from volcanoes, are considered to be especially potent. Sometimes, the healer attempts to program the crystal with creative visualizations. There are also procedures to cleanse the crystal and to re-energize it, perhaps by soaking it in spring water or exposing it to the light of the full moon, although some healers prefer to keep some preparations secret.

Although there is no scientific evidence to back the claims of crystal healing, at least it does no harm. It is generally inexpensive, and there are no known side effects if crystal healing is not used without other medical modalities in the case of major illnesses. This healing modality might provide a placebo effect. In other words, belief in the healing might itself (as with other modes of healing) be healing, just so long as the patient does not refuse other forms of treatment, but that is a caveat that could apply to almost all forms of complimentary medicine.

And another caveat, that I offer at the end of all my articles on complimentary healing is...

This information is for educational purposes and not as a recommendation as a cure for any disease. It is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified licensed health provider who understands your needs and individual condition.