Crystals and Health: Science or Superstition? Myth or Medicine?
Crystals have captivated people for centuries, revered for their beauty and believed to possess mystical properties. Whether in meditation, sound and vibrational therapies, energy healing and more, other cultures have been embracing these alternative medicine practices and have hundreds of stories to prove their validity.
In just the past few years we have seen a surge in popularity in the use of crystals for healing and wellness captivating the interest of those seeking alternative ways to enhance their health. These energy containing stones have found their way into the mainstream wellness movement, with many people incorporating them into their routines for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. And with that, more and more brands are incorporating them into products as an extra benefit. However, as the use of crystals for health and wellness becomes more widespread, so does the debate:
Are these ancient minerals truly capable of influencing our well-being, or are they simply the latest in a series of health trends based more on belief than on scientific evidence?
Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, we wanted to find out from the experts and took a deep dive into the world of crystals, examining the science behind their purported benefits and separating the science from superstition. Our goal is to shed some light on the truth about crystals and their role in health and healing. Whether you view them as a healing tool or a decorative trend, we aim to provide a balanced perspective, examining where the line between myth and medicine truly lies.
First, we need to start at the beginning. What are crystals really?
According to the International Gem Society, “for gemologists, the scientific definition of a crystal goes right to the atomic level. A crystal is a solid whose atoms are arranged in a "highly ordered" repeating pattern. These patterns are called crystal systems. If a mineral has its atoms arranged in one of them, then that mineral is a crystal.”
So how did these crystals become a pathway to health?
Crystals, as well as other gemstones, are believed to be natural tools that can help balance, align, and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Different crystals are thought to possess unique energies or vibrations that can interact with the human energy field, also known as the aura. By placing crystals on or around the body, meditating with them, or simply carrying them, individuals may experience benefits such as emotional balance, mental clarity, physical healing, and spiritual growth. Some have reported better sleep, anxiety relief, lower blood pressure, better digestion and metabolic effects and so much more, after using crystals in their healing practice.
“You may be surprised by the many everyday manners which crystals are used in countless areas of modern and innovative technology from cars to clocks to communications equipment, says healer and expert in vibrational medicine, and founder of The Soul Institute, Adora Winquist. “In fact, the United States Military began using quartz in World War II in radio communications equipment for its precision in tuning into specific frequencies. This confirms a crystal’s ability to generate, conduct and amplify very specific frequencies. Research on the healing nature of frequency from a healing perspective continues to generate more traction. The Solfeggio Frequency of 528 hz has been shown an ability to repair human DNA, 174 hz reduces pain and 285 hz has been shown effective in tissue healing. A crystal's frequency can also be measured using a frequency counter among other devices including determining the Piezoelectric effect. “
“From ancient times to the present day, documented in both written and oral traditions, gemstones have been commonly sought out to treat physical, emotional and social ailments in South Asia,” she continues. “From detoxification to digestion, to strengthen, calm or promote sexual prowess, gemstones were used therapeutically.”
Dr. Sophia Trevenna, a physicist, who has studied the energetic properties of matter for decades, says that, “essentially, they hold a vibrational signature in their material structure that interacts with the vibrational structure of everything they come in contact with. They exist in a low state of entropy (disorder) so their structure is very stable and uniform. Since their signal is so consistent, they can deliver the same vibrational message over and over without being affected by other vibrations from outside energy and matter.” She goes on to explain, “it's like they hold a code in the form of vibration that radiates out. All matter of a similar structure, such as all rose quartz, will have a very similar code. When the body experiences that code it affects it in a specific way. Homeopathy works similarly...at the vibrational level by introducing a vibration that is similar to the vibration of the ailment. When vibrations are similar they are additive to each other and combine to create a much greater energy. In physics, this is called resonance.”
Dr. Trevanna believes that homeopathy and gemstones and crystals work similarly. “They introduce a very stable vibration of a certain frequency that resonates with the ailment energy, blowing it up to expansion that destroys it at the microscopic level. It destroys what is unhealthy without affecting all the healthy energy.”
She summarized those insights on how vibrations in the form of energy and matter affect biology, health, and healing in her book, The Book of Inner Clarity.
Jana Stern, Psychic, Astrologer, Spiritual Activator, and Founder at The Resilience Revolution, adds that, “even since Biblical times we have relied upon the frequencies of crystalline energy. Stones like Amethyst, Emerald, Diamonds and so many more have been mentioned in the Torah (Old Testament) as tools one can use for healing everything from increasing bravery, cooling the body, to sleep, to so much more! Today’s resurrection of ancient knowledge into the cultural zeitgeist has created a resurgence in popularity of using these stones.”
“Crystals have been revered as healing tools for millennia, their significance echoing across cultures and continents, says Rosalyn Acosta, founder of Live Heal Travel. “From the ancient Sumerians to Tibetan Buddhists, Tsalagi (Cherokee) to Maori, countless societies have recognized (and continue to acknowledge) their unique vibrations, incorporating them into spiritual and healing practices.”
Acosta, a reiki master, shamanic energy medicine practitioner and certified crystal reader, believes that “crystals are far more than beautiful stones; they are vessels of ancient wisdom and potent allies in our journey towards wholeness.”
So science or superstition? Is there, in fact, research to back up this healing energy exchange?
Dr. Trevanna says that the scientific community remains skeptical of both gemstones and homeopathy. “I believe that modalities that function at the vibrational level are difficult for science to measure, says Dr. Trevanna. “One reason is because vibrations are so tiny and numerous. If you blew up each vibration in an atom's proton to the size of a grain of sand, it would fill a space with a radius 9 times greater than our solar system.”
She goes on to say that” additionally, vibrations always get mixed up with the placebo effect, which is the vibrational energy of our beliefs. The energy of our beliefs and the healing modality are always mixing. The placebo effect may very much be a part of what makes the gemstone powerful. The belief vibrations amplify the gemstone vibrations, which in turn amplifies the effect. When these two powerful forces are studied separately, the effect might very well be reduced. I don’t believe seeing a reduced effect when you remove the placebo effect proves gemstones don’t work. I believe it proves our beliefs work with the gemstones to be powerful.”
Stern agrees. “Centuries of pressurized existence below the surface of humanity have certainly created lots of beauty, though the scientific community is still not caught up to the wisdom of our ancestors when it comes to the validity of crystal healing.”
Most studies do see a increase in healing over a placebo, but the “placebo” is subjective. Meaning, your mind is a key component in healing energy because it acts as the conduit for intention and focus, which are essential in directing and amplifying energy, both mentally and physically. There have been numerous medical professionals and other who have studied the brain’s effect on the physical body and how the two feed off each other.
Deepak Chopra, perhaps one of the most well known speakers on this topic says, “The body and mind are one. When the intimate relationship between mind and body is disrupted, aging and entropy accelerate. Restoring mind/body integration brings about renewal. Through conscious breathing and movement techniques, you can renew the body/mind and reverse the aging process. The mind and the body are like parallel universes. Anything that happens in the mental universe must leave tracks in the physical one.” His book Quantum Healing, Chopra takes a detailed look into the mind-body connection. He began his search for answers when he saw patients in his own practice who completely recovered after being given only a few months to live. Now he has brought together the current research of Western medicine, neuroscience, and physics with the insights of Ayurvedic theory to show that the human body is controlled by a "network of intelligence" grounded in quantum reality. Not a superficial psychological state, this intelligence lies deep enough to change the basic patterns that design our physiology -- with the potential to defeat cancer, heart disease, and even aging itself. In this inspiring and pioneering work, Dr. Chopra offers us both a fascinating intellectual journey and a deeply moving chronicle of hope and healing.
With that in mind, approaching crystal healing or any other alternative healing method with an open mind is essential for achieving the best possible results. By cultivating a positive mindset and focused intention, you can channel healing energy more effectively, promoting balance and harmony in your physical and emotional well-being. The mind's ability to visualize and concentrate allows you to align your energy with your healing goals, making it a powerful tool in the process of self-healing and transformation.
Acosta says that although the scientific community generally does not recognize crystal healing as a scientifically proven treatment, some studies have suggested the potential effects of crystals on physiological parameters, such as skin conductance and heart rate variability.”
“It's worth noting that other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, like acupuncture, initially faced skepticism, but gradually gained acceptance as rigorous research accumulated. Extensive research supports acupuncture's efficacy for certain conditions, especially chronic pain,” explains Acosta. She goes on to tell us that, “Reiki, another CAM therapy, has demonstrated promising results in scientific studies, proving to be more effective than a placebo in various settings, including hospitals, cancer support centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, and palliative care. However, continuous scientific research is essential to establish a more robust evidence base for reiki and foster greater acceptance within the scientific community. Additionally, while the scientific evidence for crystal healing is currently limited, it's important to remain open to further research and explore the potential benefits of this healing modality.”
So, you're ready to try crystal healing—where should you begin, and how can you use crystals for the most effective results?
“Crystals are beneficial for enhancing meditation or other sacred intentional practices, focus healing energy on yourself or loved ones, inspire creativity, facilitate manifestation and accelerate spiritual awakening, says Winquist. “They also assist in cleansing and raising the vibration in your home or other personal space to facilitate greater harmony and overall well being.”
Olya Perkovic, holistic wellness consultant and owner of Astrology & Ayurveda says that, “the choice of crystals depends on the nature of the issue, which can manifest as physical or emotional ailments, often intertwined.”
“One effective method is to select crystals based on the seven primary chakras and the specific ailments associated with obstructed energy flow,” recommends Perkovic. “Chakras can be imbalanced by being either blocked or overly open, each manifesting in different ways. Often, multiple chakras can be imbalanced simultaneously, making a crystal grid a better choice than using a single crystal.”
Here is what she says are the most common ailments associated with chakra imbalances:
· Allergies: Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra
· Anxiety: Root Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra
· Arthritis: Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra
· Back Pain: Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra
· Fatigue: Solar Plexus Chakra, Root Chakra
· Headaches: Third Eye Chakra
· Communication Problems: Throat Chakra
· Thyroid Problems: Throat Chakra
· Obesity: Sacral Chakra, Solar Plexus
· Stress: Root Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Heart Chakra
· Diabetes: Solar Plexus Chakra, Root Chakra
· Digestive Issues: Solar Plexus Chakra, Sacral Chakra
Perkovic also recommends that, “in holistic healing, integrating different practices can offer a more comprehensive approach to well-being.”
Energy Healer and founder of The Magic Destination, Yuliya Oleynykova, recommends starting with intuition. “Often, people are naturally drawn to the crystals they need the most. When I was starting my healing journey with crystals, the first one I was drawn to was Amethyst. Looking back, I understand why - its calming energy and ability to promote clarity and spiritual awareness were exactly what I needed at that time to begin my path towards inner peace and enlightenment.”
Stern agrees. ““The wand chooses the wizard” as they say. Basically what this Ollivander quote means is: the tool you need will find you when you need it. Sometimes this can look like “discovering” a new crystal that you had never heard of before in your local crystal shop, or hearing the mention of a particular gem once or twice (or more) in a short timespan. Crystal energy draws in to your frequency in order to help you vibrate towards your soul’s purpose. When you are choosing a new crystal, the most important thing is to follow your intuition.”
Daisy, owner at Earth Angel Crystal, psychic medium, and healer, echoes that sentiment. “The advice that I would give to someone new to crystals and gemstones is to begin working with crystals based off of what is resonating with you at the moment. Feeling into the color, the resonance of even going with your “gut” to pick out your crystals is key. Although there is a myriad of information and books on crystal healing properties, I find nothing beats understanding crystals than working with them on a one-on-one basis. Holding them, sleeping with them, meditating with them, even wearing them and speaking to them, are all great ways to get to learn about how they make you feel and in turn, allow you to build your own personal understanding of crystals and gemstones.”
Oleynykova tells us some common methods for using crystals and gemstones for healing:
Wearing them as jewelry: This keeps the crystal's energy close to your body throughout the day.
Meditating with them: Holding or placing crystals on your body during meditation can enhance focus and deepen the practice. We love creating a circle of crystals around ourselves when doing group meditations.
Placing them in specific locations: Positioning crystals in your home or workspace can create a positive energy flow and protect against negativity. For example, a black crystal for protection could be placed near the entrance of your home.
Using them in rituals: Incorporating crystals into spiritual or healing rituals can amplify their effects.
Candle healing: At The Magic Destination, we create artisan taper candles infused with crystal energies, providing a unique way to experience their benefits during meditations.
Perkovic recommends combining different methods to allow you to create a personalized and holistic healing approach. She also gives us some other ways of using them in healing practices:
Direct Application: Place crystals directly on the skin or specific body parts during meditation or healing sessions for direct energy transfer and alignment with the body’s natural energies.
Art Therapy and Color Therapy: Mandalas, with their intricate geometric designs, have been used for centuries as tools for meditation and spiritual practice. These designs represent wholeness and unity, and the colors and shapes aid mental focus and emotional calm. Incorporate crystals into mandalas to amplify intentions and facilitate energy flow.
Crystal Reiki: Create crystal grids using Sacred Geometry principles to focus and amplify the energy of the crystals. Patterns like the Fibonacci Sequence can be used to harmonize and enhance healing energies.
The Grid Forms:
Focus Crystal: The main crystal at the center that channels and directs the grid’s energy and intention.
Surrounding Crystals: These crystals amplify the focus crystal’s energy, selected for their unique properties and strategic arrangement.
Intent Crystals: Used to set clear intentions and achieve specific healing objectives, such as harmonizing blocked chakras.
Sound Baths and Vibrational therapies are another option for crystal and gemstone therapies, incorporating not just the energy of the crystals, but sound and vibrational properties which have also been shown to have a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. Sound and vibrational therapies help with healing by using sound frequencies and vibrations to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and restore balance to the body and mind. These therapies induce a meditative state, often described as a deep relaxation or trance. In this state, the body’s stress response is reduced, which lowers cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting healing and regeneration.
Every cell in the body has its own frequency. When exposed to harmonious sounds, like those from singing bowls, tuning forks, or gongs, the body can resonate with these frequencies, helping to retune and realign any areas that may be out of balance. This process can facilitate healing by restoring the natural frequency of the body. Sound vibrations can help clear blockages in the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians or chakras and can also help release trapped emotions and trauma, allowing for emotional healing. Sound therapies strengthen the connection between the mind and body, enhancing self-awareness and mindfulness. This increased awareness can lead to a greater understanding of one’s own healing needs and the steps necessary to achieve optimal health.
PHOTO CREDIT: Crystal Tones
“Vibrational Sound Therapy has gained recognition for its potential to induce relaxation, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness,” says Paul Flett, Senior Director - Global Brand Development for Crystal Tones®. “Incorporating Crystal Tones® Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls® in water offers a distinct approach to harnessing sound therapy's benefits, leveraging the efficient transmission of sound waves through this medium. Sound waves are pressure variations that travel through different mediums, each with varying speeds. In water, sound travels at approximately 1550 meters per second, significantly faster than in air (343m/s). This rapid propagation allows for the efficient transmission of sound energy to the human body submerged in water. Crystal Tones® Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls®, when played on the water's surface, produce sound waves that penetrate the body submerged below water level. This sonic therapy delivers vibrations at frequencies that resonate with the body's natural frequencies, potentially amplifying the therapeutic effects.”
However, it’s important to recognize that most manufactured singing bowls are not composed of pure quartz, and those differ significantly in both appearance and sound quality compared to pure quartz bowls. Crystal Tones® Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls® are “birthed” of the highest quality quartz crystal, the finest in gemstones and precious metals, such as 24 karat gold, silver and platinum. The process they are created with makes them incredibly resonant, strong, and pure in tone. Each one is unique. The tones produced by Crystal Tones Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls® are not just heard by the ear, you feel them in your body, with certain tones affecting your energy for activation, creativity, healing, balancing & meditation.
Oleynykova adds that in general, “buying from reputable sellers, asking for certificates of authenticity, and learning about the physical properties of genuine crystals can help,” to be sure you are purchasing genuine crystals and not imitations.
Throughout this journey of diving into the crystal energy pool, we have heard countless stories of people healing themselves of migraines, anxiety and moving better, sleeping better and even being cured of cancer. Did the crystals themselves suddenly magically cure people…no…not necessarily, but there is evidence that by surrounding yourself with the right positive energy and opening your mind to healing, that combination can do some pretty powerful things.
Winquist thinks that, “individuals will continue to awaken to the vast healing potential of the minerals. I believe more individuals will tap into the vital life force of the gems and how they can be activated through water, the human body and various other mediums for healing and the elevation of consciousness.”
The bottom line is whether you chose to believe in the healing powers of crystals or not, there is no harm in exploring if they are able to help you in your healing journey. Crystals, gemstones and other natural elements, give off energy and that speaks to our soul on some level. A lot will depend if you are willing to open the door and let it in. Everything in the Universe is energy, we are all energy, therefore that energy can be manipulated for good or bad. We need to find better ways of harnessing the good vibrational energy to heal our minds and bodies of any bad energy. And sometimes…just maybe… you may need a recharge of your own, just like our cell phones we hold on to so tightly. Crystals may just be the charging bank we need.
If you want more information on crystals, be sure to check out our upcoming Crystal Guide for Healing and our new Favorite Finds: Essential Crystal Healing Products to Elevate Your Practice.
BBB - Boho Blue Best
PHOTO CREDIT: Clearlight
Clearlight is the industry leader in infrared sauna technology, red light therapy and wellness solutions. And their Amethyst Infrared PEMF Mat is one of the best products we have tried for combining infrared and crystal therapies.
Amethysts infrared mats are specially designed to promote a number of therapeutic benefits. The Clearlight Amethyst Infrared PEMF Mat incorporates the restorative capabilities of crystals and infrared heat to deliver specific effects and—utilizing the mineral component and heat—offering a range of health benefits while mediating including relaxation and pain relief. Amethyst's purple color comes from manganese, a mineral found in our bodies that helps us relax as well as focus, sleep better, regenerate cells, boost metabolism, and much more. Controlled exposure to manganese, like using the PEMF Mat, can help aid healing and restorative functions to the body.
Use the Clearlight Amethyst Infrared PEMF Mat for relaxation, stretching and yoga, meditation, even workouts, as the infrared wavelengths from over 25 lbs of pure amethyst crystals deeply penetrate and warm your body. The heat generated from the amethyst begins working immediately to soothe and heal.
PHOTO CREDIT: Clearlight
Clearlight explains that you can increase your body’s natural recovery process with the addition of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. Delivering a whole-body wellness experience, the PEMF mat is a safe and natural way to boost your body’s cellular function and improve your physical and mental health. Negative ions enhance cell function, aiding waste removal & cell rejuvenation. They also alkalize cells, detoxify the body, and shift cells to ʻHappyʻ mode, inducing deep relaxation. When combining Far Infrared, PEMF, Negative Ions and heated amethyst crystals, the improved wellness benefits of the Clearlight® infrared mat are exponential.
Clearlight says that many benefits of use include; Muscle Pain Relief, Joint Pain and Stiffness Relief, Arthritis Pain Reduction, Muscle spasms Relief, Inflammation Reduction, Increased Energy, Improved Cell Health, Back Pain Relief, Immune system boost, Restful sleep, Faster Injury Recovery and more.
Even after a few weeks of use, I am already noticing less neck and shoulder pain, better sleep and more energy throughout the day. It is a good reminder to take some time for your self each day. Whether that is first thing in the morning, right before bed, or somewhere in between, we all need to take a few minutes to rest our bodies and our mind and the Clearlight Amethyst Infrared PEMF Mat is the perfect way to start and end your day,
For more information, please visit: https://infraredsauna.com/infrared-pemf-mat/
