Crystal healing may be new to you, but it’s definitely not a new form of treatment. Chances are that back in the 1990s, your mom or your cool aunt owned at least one crystal amulet that they wore regularly. The trend was pretty huge back then, but that’s not where it started.
Crystals have always captivated people; their beauty and energy make them compelling. As the Huffington Post has said, though, "To be clear, healing crystals are not medicine. They will not actually improve a medical diagnosis. But if you believe in them, they might improve your mood." The mind is a powerful thing! Here's everything you should know.
The History of Crystal Healing
The history of crystals could reach back as far as man itself, but of course, we don’t have a record of this. What we do know is that as far back as 60,000 years ago, carved gems and beads were worn and have been discovered with cherished household artifacts. Their meaning is lost to time, but some were significant enough to be placed in graves.
Ancient Sumerians used them in magic formulas, and Ancient Egyptians looked to crystals for protection and health. Precious stones and crystals have been used and in religious ceremonies throughout the world for ages.
It’s clear that different stones held unique value, and some became more precious than others through time. Likewise, different meanings were ascribed to different types of crystals and stones. Today, those meanings are important, as they form the basis of crystal healing.
And although no scientific evidence can support the following claims, it's certainly a way to engage and learn about some of Earth's most beautiful creations.
Simple Guide to Healing Crystals
Opening yourself to trying crystals is a great first step into learning more about the world around you and developing a deeper connection to Mother Earth, which is especially important in modern times.
There are hundreds of crystals and gemstones, so this is just an overview of some of the most popular ones.
Quartz
Quartz is abundant in the earth’s crust. Because it’s so easy to access, it tends to appear a lot. Clear quartz is traditionally called a master healer and said to amplify energy and create a balance in your life.
Rose Quartz
The pinkish hue in rose quartz symbolizes love and harmony in relationships. It is used to soothe a broken heart and pull people together.
Obsidian
This is considered a protective stone that forms a shield around the owner, protecting them from physical and emotional harm. It’s also used to aid digestion and detoxification.
Turquoise
This common and striking blue-colored stone is said to heal the mind, body, and soul. It’s a good luck charm that connects you to the earth. It’s also thought to be deeply connected to respiratory issues, your immune system, and skeletal concerns.
Citrine
This bright and happy crystal looks optimistic and sunny, and its meaning is exactly that. It’s meant to free you from negativity, and you can see how just carrying one as a reminder can put you in a better place mentally.
Amethyst
A long-time favorite for religious and ceremonial events, amethysts are believed to be very protective, healing, and purifying. They’re also thought to promote sobriety and sleep.
Moonstone
A polished moonstone has a very mystical appearance and a captivating quality. Its significance is the way it promotes a fresh, new start. It’s an inspirational crystal that can spark creativity and inspiration.
Bloodstone
If you’re practicing mindful meditation, keeping a bloodstone handy might help you feel even better afterwards. This stone is not only used to cleanse the blood and improve circulation, but it also is said to remove feelings of impatience to help you focus on the here and now.
Sapphire
This rich-looking stone has a long connection to royalty and wisdom. It’s believed to attract prosperity and happiness while also helping with eye issues, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Ruby
The vibrant ruby is all about vitality and energy. It is said to be great for your sex life and improving focus. Rubies are thought to purify blood and improve circulation.
How to Use a Crystal for Healing
The first step is selecting your crystal. There are different methods of picking just the right one. If you’re lucky, you may find one in its raw form while in nature.
Cleansing the crystal is one of the key steps in harnessing the power, but the cleanse is probably not what you’d expect. Different sources recommend different techniques, and some of them include:
♦ Rinsing the crystal in cool water, either from a tap or natural source
♦ Burning sage around the crystal
♦ Leaving the crystal in the sunlight
♦ Leaving the crystal in the moonlight
♦ Bury the crystal in the earth
♦ Place the crystal atop a large clear quartz crystal
Once you’ve cleansed the crystal, it’s time to attach an intention to it. This can be done quietly or aloud, but you need to associate the crystal with what you want, whether it’s peace in your life or something more specific, like healing from asthma.
Finally, you can place your crystal somewhere that has significance or is tied to your intention. You can also carry a crystal with you as a solid reminder of your goals and aspirations. Many people also like to adorn themselves with crystals as constant protection.
If you want more help on your journey of health-lightenment, follow Live Conscious on Facebook @weliveconscious and Instagram @weliveconscious.
Waking Up To Wellness
Crystals can work because of the placebo effect. Having a physical reminder of your good intentions can help you self-fulfill the things you want. In that way, crystals can be as beneficial as you make them.
It’s worth a try to see if you can feel more connected to the planet and life, no matter what it is that gives them power in your life. It’s a step toward living your best life.
