HISTORY OF CRYSTAL HEALING
From thousands of years and across many cultures and civilizations, crystals have been consistently used for physical, mental and spiritual healing. Some were believed to have a protective effect, while others were believed to enhance mental and psychic abilities. The earliest stories of crystal use come from the legends of Atlantis, indicating that all disease could be cured with specific crystals and crystal combinations. In fact, it is interesting to note that many stones were used for the same purposes and healing attributes across cultures without any interaction, transcending geological boundaries. For example, Jade was considered by the ancient Chinese, Aztec and Mayan civilizations to be a kidney-healing stone prior to any known communication between these cultures. The following describes how different stones were used by different cultures:
Ancient Egypt: Amulets were collected and worn at every life-stage and even in death as the gemstones were thought to be good luck charms to ward against illness, evil and danger. Red Jasper and Clear Quartz were thought to provide protection in the afterlife for a safe journey to the next realm. Red Jasper was also thought to symbolize the Blood of the Goddess Isis, and used to treat infertility and enhance reproductive vitality. Lapis Lazuli was a popular, powerful stone that symbolized Truth, Creation and Rebirth, and considered by some early cultures to be more valuable than gold. It was worn by Cleopatra and other royals and placed upon the eyes to promote enlightenment and awareness. Carnelian was one of the oldest gemstones mined in ancient Egypt, and was thought to purify the blood of the wearer and alleviate back pain. Other gemstones widely used by the ancient Egyptians include Malachite, Emerald, Garnet, Hematite, Turquoise, Quartz, Topaz, Amazonite and Amethyst.
Ancient Greece: In ancient Greece, crystals were used extensively in every day life. The word Crystal originates from the Greek word “krustallos,” meaning “ice.” The word “amethyst” also has Greek origins, as it is the Greek word for “not drunken.” “Amethyst” plays a role in Greek mythology and it was widely believed that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would guard against drunkenness. Crushed Hematite was often rubbed over a soldier’s body prior to entering battle, as it was believed to make them invincible.
Ancient China: In ancient China, Chinese medicinal practices often incorporated the use of healing gemstones. Jade especially was highly revered for its healing and vibrational qualities and viewed as a symbol of luck and protection, used in the production of everything from jewelry, vessels, burial items, statues and musical instruments. It was also considered to be a kidney-healing stone, along with the Aztec and Mayan civilizations.
Ancient India: Healing crystals were also widely used in ancient India, and their use and properties were recorded within the Hindu Vedas. They are also considered valuable and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine.
MODERN SCIENCE
Today, modern science has proved through Quantum theory, the concept of electromagnetism and the law of resonance what the ancients have always somehow intuitively known. We now understand and accept that all things within the Universe are forms of energy that have their own vibrational frequency. Nicolas Tesla believed this to be a key concept to understanding the Universe and went on to prove how certain forms of energy can affect and alter the vibrational resonance of other forms of energy. Modern day technology utilizes the concept of piezoelectricity, or the use of crystals to convert mechanical energy into electricity and vice versa, as the basis for incorporating the energy of Crystal Quartz in everything from wristwatches to computers. In medicine, it is recognized that diseased tissue has a different vibrational frequency from healthy tissue. Vibrational-based therapies such as ultrasound and infrared are used to stimulate healthy tissue.
It is for this reason that healing crystals, each with their own characteristic vibrational energies and electromagnetic charges, are still used to this day to align, heal and alter the vibration of body cells, chakras and energetic meridian systems. The interaction of our own vibrational energy fields with that of the crystals’ effectively transmits to our brains and nervous systems to stimulate a biochemical shift in our physical body. As a result, harmonious vibrational patterns of well-being are produced with the removal of blockages and the restoration of the healthy flow of Qi, or life-energy, through the body and mind.
TREATMENT PRINCIPLE
Crystal therapy is a holistic treatment principle that addresses spiritual, emotional and physical health issues. It is an alternative and complimentary medical technique in which stones are used to treat ailments and protect against disease. Modern crystal healing is based on traditional concepts borrowed from Asian cultures, most notably the concept of Qi, or life-energy, and the Hindu or Buddhist concept of chakras, which are vortices of life-energy. Crystal healing is widely used in all energy healing modalities including Massage Therapy, Sound Therapy, Reiki Healing, Ayurvedic medicine and some forms of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Crystals are chosen diagnostically for each individual patient to create a unique stone prescription for their specific blocked energy patterns, which in turn lead to the manifestation of physical illness.