What is crystal healing?

Overview

Crystals fall into seven structural types, but individual examples range in the
thousands, each with its own alleged traditional uses in healing. For example,
agate is used for gastritis and skin diseases, chrysoprase is used in the
treatment of depression and alcoholism, and jade is used for improving kidney
function and emotional balance. These forms are subdivided into more descriptive
varieties. In some crystal directories, for instance, agate is divided into blue
lace, dendritic, fire, and moss, which may be used, respectively, for throat
infections, neuralgia, vision problems, and fungal infections.

The use of crystals to promote healing and well-being is attested in many ancient cultures, including Egyptian, Indian, and Native American. Traditional and mythological lore about crystals has continued from the Middle Ages to the present day.

One modern discovery added a scientific veneer to the notion that crystals emit
forces. In 1880, brothers Jacques and Pierre Curie found that crystals
subjected to mechanical pressure yielded a measurable electrical discharge. This
process is called the piezoelectric effect.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action in crystals varies according to culture. In
Ayurvedic
medicine, crystals are said to interact with the energy
system of the body, the aura and seven chakras, which are the energy vortices
located at different points in the body.

Uses and Applications

Crystal healing is said to help alleviate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems.

Scientific Evidence

Unsubstantiated scientific explanations often cite the piezoelectric effect as
evidence of the positive effects of crystal healing and construct models such as
lasers or capacitors (as in the use of quartz to amplify and focus a healer’s
bioenergy). The absence of a standard transcultural crystal directory that would
be recognized by theoreticians and practitioners of crystal healing renders
biomedical testing difficult. Remedies vary from directory to directory and depend
on cultural context, tradition, and mythology; remedies also depend on the
practitioner’s own usage or even the intuition of the person seeking help. The
notion that agate, because of its layered appearance, is useful in
treating organs with different layers of tissue is a type of magical thinking of
which the ancient Egyptian physicians would have approved. Also, biomedical
explanations would include a placebo effect. Crystal healing may be
better accepted by basing itself not on a Western biomechanical paradigm but on an
Eastern paradigm of vitalism or energetics.

Safety Issues

With some exceptions, there exists no obvious risk in wearing or carrying crystals, in temporarily applying a crystal to a person seeking care, in placing crystals around a person in a circular pattern, or in simply placing crystals in view for contemplation. Certain imported gemstones (such as blue topaz, which is sometimes used to treat digestive problems or to stimulate the metabolism) are irradiated to enhance or intensify color. In this case, the blue topaz’s radioactivity could be harmful if exposure were repeated or prolonged.

Bibliography

Gerber, Richard. Vibrational Medicine: The Number One Handbook of Subtle-Energy Therapies. 3d ed. Rochester, Vt.: Bear, 2001.

Gienger, Michael. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook. Translated by Astrid Mick. London: Cassell, 2009.

Jerome, Lawrence E. Crystal Power: The Ultimate Placebo Effect. Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1989.