The Healing Powers of Gemstones and Crystals

A gemstone is a valuable mineral when cut and polished is used in jewelry and other adornments. There are two kinds of gemstones: precious and semi-precious. Other stones like the lapis-lazuli, amber, pearls and jet are organic substances and are therefore not considered as minerals but are still used as gems. Other minerals considered too soft to be used as jewelry are still used as gemstones because of physical characteristics like color, luster boost their aesthetic value. Rarity is also a criterion in appraising gemstones.

Crystals on the other hand are basically chemicals that have solidified. They have a highly regular atomic structure and well defined geometric shapes. The shapes of crystals are dependent upon the environmental conditions where they are formed. Diamonds, snowflakes, salt and quartz are common types of crystals.

There are literally thousands of gemstones and crystals both natural and man-made. The use of gemstones and crystals span eons. From ancient Egypt to prehistoric Europe, civilizations have been using crystals and gemstones to cure everything from blindness to liver disease, body aches and pain and other physical discomfort. Gemstone and crystal healing was popular worldwide until the early 17th century when the practice of medicine began to improve.

The Hindus believe that when crystals or gemstones are placed in one of the seven energy centers of the body or chakras, energy will flow from the gemstone or crystal to the person and balance his or her spiritual energy. This will cleanse the patient from the negative energy that is flowing in his body and cure his illness. These crystals and gems can be worn or placed near the person’s bed as they sleep. Quartz for example is used to rid the body of negative energy. A healer surrounds the patient’s body with quartz crystals to lift the negative energy away from the body.

How do these crystals and gemstones work? Crystals and gemstones form deep in the earth at high pressure. This concentration of energy is used together with the energy of the body as energy medicine tools. Gemstone therapy and crystal healing are used primarily or complimentary in modern society. Gemstones and crystals are also used in modern technology. Computers for example contain crystals to enable us to surf the web or medical instruments that perform delicate surgeries. Likewise, crystals and gems are used to uplift one’s health and well being. Using crystals and gems are said to be an excellent way to cleanse and balance one’s energy and chakras.

Different gems and crystals have different properties and are used in the healing of different parts of the body and other maladies. Amethyst is a precious gem which bestows peace, serenity, contentment, stability and strength. It is said to stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands. Quartz dispels the negative energy of the body and environment. It stimulates brain function and aids in clearing the mind. It helps align one’s thoughts and emotions and all human energies. Turquoise is said to strengthen the body. It aids in tissue regeneration and alleviate lung and respiratory problems. Diamonds amplifies one’s energy, both negative and positive. It provides longevity, love and harmony especially in one’s relationships. Emeralds are said to give the wearer knowledge of life’s purpose. It is said to enhance the immune system and clairvoyance and raises one’s consciousness.

The colors of these gems and crystals also play an important role in the healing, balancing and cleansing of the body. Green stones and crystals help in the physical healing and purification. Red is for emotional healing and upliftment. Blue is used for mental clarity. For others who desire spiritual awakening and higher consciousness, purple or violet stones or gems are used. Clear quartz is used to cleanse the mind and the environment of negative energy.

With all these healing powers attributed to different gems and crystals, how do we choose which is right for us? Which gem or crystal will give the wearer the most benefit? The variety of gemstones and crystals make the choice overwhelming. Some believe that choosing a gemstone assigned to your star sign will be most effective. Crystal healers and gem therapists believe that the power of the constellations have been imbibed into the stones themselves. While others believe that birthstones are the most effective. Professional healers advise buyers to choose their stones or crystals instinctively, as these stones are “speaking or calling” to you. Others recommend buyers choose a stone that will focus on healing their personal issues or physical ailment.

Crystal healing and gemstone therapy have a lot of critics. This art which has been practiced for centuries has its share of non-believers. Because there is no medical proof that gems and crystals cure the body from illnesses, medical professionals, scientists and other skeptics have dismissed crystal healing and gemstone therapy as a “pseudoscience.” The healing effects of crystals and gems are said to be placebo effect, wishful thinking or cognitive bias.

Experiments using crystals and gems are seldom published and reviewed by medical professionals and there is no scientific and medical evidence that it really works. While there is nothing inherently wrong in using crystals and gems in curing diseases and illnesses, however, crystal healers and gem therapists have cautioned buyers or believers that these practices should not replace conventional medicine.