Deep inside everything, the world is in motion. Electrons revolve around various atom nuclei and each cell of your body moves with them. Can aligning your vibration with sacred objects carrying particular molecular “charges” heal what ails you?
Some people swear the answer is yes. Although there is little evidence to support the use of crystals in healing, people have turned to them throughout millennia to ease numerous ailments. These semi-precious gems can adorn your body and transform your home into a peaceful oasis, but how well should you expect them to work? Does science support the ability of crystals to relieve stress?
Healing crystals throughout history
Although using crystals for healing may seem new, the practice has origins in ancient history. Many ancient peoples believed in using amulets to protect themselves from harm and evil spirits.
Many of today’s words for different stones stem from ancient Greek language. For their healing and defense, Egyptians and Greco-Roman civilizations prized three gemstones:
- Carnelian
- Turquoise
- Lapis lazuli
The Chinese and New Zealand Maoris cherished jade. Chinese warriors sometimes met their burials in jade armour and the people of New Zealand and Australia made this gem into various pendants.
The use of stones for healing came to the forefront during the Middle Ages. During this period, lapidaries began appearing, illustrating the various properties of different gems. Anselmus de Boodt—court physician to Rudolf II of Germany—suggested the power of crystals lies in the presence of angels.
The science behind crystal healing
Some people still believe in the influence of angels today. Nonetheless, scientists have sought alternative explanations for the healing power of crystals.
Many attribute the supposed benefits to the placebo effect—you think it’ll work, so it does. For example, one woman approached her boss for a raise when clutching two different stones in her hands and successfully negotiated a pay increase.
Did the gems increase her courage? Did her boss plan on giving her a raise anyway? Most likely, she thought the stones would bring her confidence and the power of suggestion ensured that they worked as intended.
Another theory behind how crystals work centres around aligning your vibrational frequency. Remember how everything remains in constant motion at the subatomic level? According to the hypothesis, various molecules in your body vibrate at different rates. You can alter these vibrations by changing the environment surrounding them, such as by introducing objects with the desired frequency.
According to some research, crystals may have a minor effect on the body’s energy levels. In 1880, Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered that changing a crystal’s temperature and pressure could produce electricity. Today, scientists use this process, called the piezoelectric effect, to power microphones, printers, quartz watches and medical implants.
Another study had participants hold either real or fake crystals to examine the effects. Many participants reported feeling warmth or other unusual sensations from holding the stones. Their responses didn’t correlate with whether the gems were real or false, though—they had the same reaction to each. Although this research wasn’t peer-reviewed, it offers further credence to the placebo effect.
That’s not to pooh-pooh the power of the placebo, however. A benefit is a benefit—many people find that crystals and crystal healing work well for them. If the result of buying a new amethyst amulet is fewer panic attacks, does the mechanism behind the cure really matter?
8 different crystals that may relieve stress
You may be wondering, what should you try if you’re open-minded and curious about using crystals as a complementary therapy for stress and anxiety? After all, there are scores of varieties. Here are some recommendations from history for quelling panic and easing the symptoms of various mental ailments.
Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with your third eye chakra, which lies between your eyebrows. It’s said to boost your immunity and help with migraine headaches. Excess stress can lower your immune response and trigger head pain and nausea. This stone also encourages sleep and rest, which makes it useful if your worries keep you tossing and turning all night.
Ancient peoples also believed that amethyst brings mental clarity and helps with decision-making. If you’re facing a tough choice, try meditating with a piece of this gem in your hand. You might gaze into the surface as you clear your mind and let your subconscious direct you to the best path forward.
Sodalite
Are you one of the many people suffering from PTSD or CPTSD? If so, your neural pathways might turn you down negative routes as a habit. It makes sense—when you expect the worst, you aren’t disappointed—but over time, it can take a severe toll on your mental health.
Sodalite helps dispel negative self-talk and enhances mental clarity. Why not try carrying a piece with you to your next DBT group meeting and see if holding this stone enables you to reframe those negative thoughts?
Celestite
Celestite is all about peace—you can call this gem the panic stopper. It’s excellent to hold in one hand while you practice a mindfulness meditation that’s been designed to calm stress.
It works on your crown chakra, the mother topping them all. Some people believe meditating with this stone can give you glimpses of divinity. To keep panic at bay in daily life, consider a celestite bracelet so the vibrational energy of this gem sits against your skin.
Tourmaline
Is your anxiety and stress arising due to unharmonious personal relationships? If you’re on a roller coaster with the one you love, look to this gemstone to help.
In particular, pink tourmaline is excellent for panic attacks. This watermelon-coloured gem with green on the outside helps users extend their self-compassion to others and is a favourite among healers.
Rose quartz
Rose quartz is another excellent gemstone for meditating on matters of the heart. It’s also great for bringing harmony to family relationships.
Furthermore, this crystal helps promote feelings of peace and calmness. It’s a lovely shade for a desktop paperweight—no one will notice you holding it when you need to cultivate some inner quietude.
Agate
Do your stress and anxiety tend to manifest as excess irritability? If so, agate might be your crystal of choice. This gem has a reputation for healing inner anger and cultivating a sense of security.
Many people believe agate also enhances physical vitality. If your stress saps your energy like a vampire, try carrying a piece in your pocket to rub like a worry stone.
Lepidolite
Here’s a great stone for you if depression and anxiety are the twins occupying your head. It has a reputation for encouraging emotional stability while easing the symptoms of both conditions.
Many practitioners believe crystals work most effectively when they’re in contact with your skin. Why not invest in a stunning pendant to keep this gem near your heart?
Shungite
This stone has a bona fide medicinal use. Shungite is used for removing impurities from water and plays a vital role in many filtration systems. It appears to kill bacteria and other germs.
Make this stone your must-have if you suffer from COVID-19 anxiety that’s only grown worse since local governments lifted restrictions.
Your body’s innate healing powers
People have used crystals in magical and healing ceremonies since ancient times. Although little scientific evidence attests to their efficacy, their use remains as popular as ever.
Does science support the ability of crystals to relieve stress? In a roundabout way, yes. However, they may work best at helping your body’s innate healing powers kick in so you can overcome what ails you.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Please refer to the full text of our medical disclaimer.
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