Crystal Therapy

Crystals were formed beneath the earth’s surface millions of years ago. When Molten-lava from erupting volcano’s was thrown out it combined with various minerals and cooled down to crystallise form many crystals that we use and know them as today. Many others were formed by the natural evolution of the earth’s minerals. Crystals are different from rocks due to their different atomic structure. The atoms in crystals all run in the same direction, placed in a repeated pattern; in rock, atoms are placed together randomly and there is no pattern.

It is believed by some that crystals were actually the first form of life here on earth, even before the plant kingdom came into being and in the words of Nikolai Tesla, the world renowned scientist, engineer and innovator: “In a crystal we have clear evidence of the existence of a formative life principle and though we cannot understand the life of a crystal, it is none the less a living being.”

Crystals are everywhere around us, we find them in the form of salt, used in watches, computers, in snowflakes and in semi precious and precious gemstones that people wear as jewellery. Crystals are considered gemstones based on how rare they are considered. And the rarest are therefore called precious gemstones such as Diamonds, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. Crystals that are more easily found are known as semi-precious stones, such as Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Clear Quartz.

Crystals vibrate at a certain frequency and therefore can help to change the vibration of the person or energy of the room that the crystal is near. The vibration changes as energy is healed from the aura of that person or space. Therefore when the vibration has changed for the better we can call that healing. The frequency at which a crystal vibrates is unique to each person. Crystal therapy in its modern sense uses the natural energy and power of crystals to positively impact the mind, body and soul. Crystals have been used for millennia as a way to help restore balance to both bodies and spaces and with regard to the human body, there are seven chakras and crystals are said to stimulate these chakras, enhancing their correspondence with each other.

The use of crystals, like most holistic therapies goes back to ancient times, with evidence of their use found in records from southern Mesopotamia, as well as ancient Egypt, Greece, China and Mexico. Throughout history, crystals have been used for jewellery, decoration and in burial rites. It was believed that crystals could purge evil spirits, offer protection and bring good health, fortune and luck. In more recent history, the Maori from New Zealand wore Jade necklaces to represent their ancestors. To this day, green stones continue to be seen as lucky in parts of New Zealand.

A crystal’s natural formation influences their energy. There are many shapes a crystal can take, some of which are more common than others. Examples include: cubic, which grounds and unites energy; clusters, which radiate energy in all directions, and bridge crystals which create a bridge between the two worlds in an individuals lifes (ie: physical and spiritual). Other formations include pyramids, geodes and points.

In ancient Egypt, powered malachite was used to prevent infection. In modern times, we understand that malachite is toxic, but that it may have detoxifying attributes when used externally. Lead Ore and green malachite were ground into powders in the Middle East and North Africa, creating kohl. This was originally applied as protection against eye ailments but this was later adopted for cosmetic purposes.

It is felt important to cleanse each crystal when it is first received and at various times (such as a full or new moon) to keep them “happy” and working to their full healing potential. It’s strongly advisable to always cleanse crystals that come from somebody else as they may still carry their energy and vibrations that may not align with you; hat any rate different crystals need cleansing in different ways. Some can be cleansed in running tap water and others need salt water. You can also place a crystal in sunlight or moonlight and often people will put their crystals out to cleanse and re-charge during thunder storms or if they happen to see a rainbow. Some people believe that Citrine, Kyanite and Selenite may not need cleansing because of their abilities to ward off negativity, however, others say that all crystals should be cleansed after therapeutic use.

Crystal therapy can also be used on animals. If you have a pet, you can add stones to their collars or stroke your pet while holding a relevant crystal – be mindful that your pet is not left unattended with crystals and that they do not swallow them.

Generally a crystal therapy appointment with last around 40-90 minutes. You maybe asked about your lifestyle, diet and medical history. You will not need to undress for a crystal therapy session. The therapist will use their intuition to assess which crystals to use. Crystals can be used effectively alongside other holistic therapies including massage, reiki and reflexology.

Crystal practitioners often have different and varied approaches to how they practice, some may place the crystals on specific parts of the body, on chakra or acupuncture points, or move them around the body. Sound bowls or music can also be incorporated. Crystal therapists do not claim to treat specific conditions and it is said to help the individual to tune into themselves with the crystals acting as a kind of anchor of support through illness, lifestyle changes or times of stress.

Following on from an appoint you might feel like you may wish to purchase your own crystals which people often wear as jewellery or place them around the home. Your crystal practitioner may recommended a certain crystal that they feel will benefit you and your ailments. It may also be worth visiting a local crystal shop to see which crystals you seem drawn to. Some beginner-friendly crystals include clear-quartz, rose quartz and amethyst. Crystal therapy is incredibly personal and people will respond differently to various crystals.

Crystal therapy should not hurt but it is possible to experience negative reactions to some crystals. Azurite, for example, may cause heart palpitations and in this case, you should cease the use of this crystal. . Also the alleged power of crystals may actually bring out negative emotions, trauma or feelings of discomfort. Similarly some people experience discomfort, headaches, dizziness or nausea when using certain crystals. This maybe the case when someone is very sensitive to very strong emotions or a sign that a crystal may need to be cleansed.

As we delve deeper into the understanding of rocks, gemstones and crystals, we begin to realise that everything is interconnected through vibrational energy. Once you grasp the energetic properties of these natural wonders, you can see the entire universe is a living entity, each part moving at its own unique rate of motion. So, it should come as no surprise why we hold such a deep, enduring love for rocks and spiritual stones.

My highly recommended crystal for this blog:

Labradorite is the ultimate spiritual ally for any kind of inner work you may wish to do. It expels a beautiful and gentle energy and invites your spirit guides to support you on your journey within. This comforting crystal will help to soften the blow of emotional triggers that can occur when you unearth buried emotions.

Labradorite can also help us to understand the reasons and motives behind some of our outbursts. Sometimes the shadow side peaks through even when we aren’t doing shadow work. Mood swings, temper, sudden spikes of flight-or-flight, and other emotional occurrences that feel out of character for us is actually our unaddressed shadow side. Labradorite helps us to put meaning behind our reaction and to encourages us to remain curious about our unanticipated emotions when they do surface. A real helper stone in times of emotional triggering – especially in relation to families and friendships.

What if a crystal breaks or gets lost?

Crystals originate from families of stones, rocks an minerals so they can break, get chipped. As we know crystals are used for healing and absorb negative energy and sometimes this negative energy that’s absorbed by the crystals is said to be too much for the crystal to hold. Furthermore if the crystal is not regularly cleansed it may break without any obvious reason and this is especially true for protection crystals. Furthermore crystals have been know to shatter if a person is at the end of a personal psychic attack and again this is especially true for crystals worn for protection. Often people notice this when their black tourmaline shatters for no apparent reason!

Some crystals come to you or you are attracted them as they support you through a a phase in your life and once its served its purpose for you perhaps don’t need is healing anymore, the stone may naturally move on and that crystal is found by someone else you needs it. The phrase “finders keeps” rings true in this instance! And it may even reappear or be given back.

Some crystals don’t do so well during extremes in weather or temperature and this could be the reason that they develop cracks overtime. You can use tiny bits of your broken crystal in candles or in plant pots. But if you feel that you cant or no longer want to use these parts, then bury your crystal in the earth and return it to its natural resting place for it to be recharged, heal and whole again.

So the next time a crystal breaks just bare in mind that the next time you experience a crystal breaking it may have taken on something that had a negative effect on you and kept you safe. Try and remember it and honour it with gratitude and love. And if your crystal seems lost, maybe its out there being a friend and support to someone who needs it right now and could be back to support you one day soon.

Just keep in mind that the rule of thumb when choosing a crystal is is super simple! Go for what attracts you at first glance. If you have already had some experience with crystals you may even feel them call out to you energetically – our body is attracted to what it needs.