Crystals: Superstition or Ancient Truth

Over the past few years, New Age trends, like salt therapy and Law of Attraction practices, officially re-entered the mainstream. Using crystals as a form of self-care have particularly risen in popularity, appearing all over Instagram, on the shelves of yoga studios, and perhaps even on your coworker’s desk.

Each crystal is said to have a different effect on the mind and body. Crystals’ vibrations are said to arise from the unique way their atoms and molecules move and interact, says Amy Mercree, holistic health expert and author of The Mood Book: Crystals, Oils, and Rituals to Elevate Your Spirit. These vibrations and energies can then supposedly affect our human bodies—and minds.

“Our bodies are dynamic, electromagnetic organisms—we have physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy flowing through us all the time,” Mercree says. “Crystals are a fun and unique way to help direct and influence that energy towards greater health when used with the right intention.”

As I learn more, trust in my crystals grows. I use amethyst for enhancing clarity, lava stone for grounding and calming myself and rose quartz to practice self-love.

Historically speaking, crystals are touted as ancient forms of medicine, with philosophies borrowed from Hinduism and Buddhism.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized my healing energy was inside me and not my crystals. They were acting almost like a placebo effect. The crystals helped me focus and relax.

What modern science thinks of crystals

Researchers (Go to source) have studied this interesting effect. They claim that the placebo effect is a form of interpersonal healing that’s different from natural spontaneous healing and healing from the aid of medication or medical procedures. Those researchers consider the placebo as neither a homeopathic or pharmaceutical treatment. It’s something else entirely that can help treat conditions and disorders just the same. Harvard Women’s Health Watch also reports that even when a person knows they’re taking a placebo, they still often feel better.

Many physicians do believe in the power of placebo. A 2008 BMJ study found that roughly half of the physicians surveyed reported using placebo treatments to help their patients. Typically, a doctor would recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever or vitamin supplement, even though neither was indicated for the patient’s symptoms. Most viewed the practice of prescribing placebo treatments as ethically permissible, the authors concluded.

Holding a crystal, of course, is not the same as swallowing an Advil, and don’t expect your doctor to recommend crystals at your next visit. Remember, they make their money from selling medications that only treat symptoms most of the time, not the root causes. This causes you to come back, and spend even more money.

These studies suggest that the placebo effect is real and powerful. How can we harness this power of the placebo to enhance healing?

Despite this, people are still drawn to their colors and beauty.

The key to indulging in this self-care experience is mindfulness, reflection, and acceptance. For instance, researchers (Source) found that a person’s mind may have much more healing power than it’s given credit.

Even though there is no scientific support of crystals, a number of people swear by their powers. So, if you’re curious to give them a go, make sure to keep an open mind and check out what each stone can do for you.

What history thought of Crystals

Crystal healing is ancient, dating back at least 6,000 years to the time of the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. Ancient Egyptians are among the first people to have adorned themselves with crystals — including lapis lazuli, carnelian and turquoise — to ward off illness and negative energy.

The philosophy of modern crystal healing is based on traditional concepts borrowed from Asian cultures, most notably the Chinese concept of life-energy (chi or qi) and the Hindu or Buddhist concept of chakras, which are vortices of this life-energy, said to connect the physical and supernatural elements of the body.

Crystals have lore rooted in mythologies of different cultures, showing just how widely crystals were used in Ancient History.

So, who's right?

Well, the answer to this question depends on you.

Do you believe you have natural healing abilities that can be used to improve your life, as all is energy.

Or, do you believe that the doctors always have your best intentions at heart with the dozens of medications they prescribe to supposedly help with depression?

I am speaking from experience when I say the medications only made things worse for me. And BEST of all, the doctors words were (and I quote): "We'll have to add and take away to see which work best. It is going to take time and a lot of money."

I'm not saying don't get the operation if your appendix bursts or you break a leg. I'm asking you to reevaluate your belief in your own healing abilities for things in your control.

Once I stopped using the medication that was costing me in excess of 5K a month, and started meditating and knowing that I have the power to change my reality, with the help of my crystals to channel and direct my energy, I've gotten a lot better. I haven't had a breakdown in a while and my depression and anxiety is more controllable now that I have full control over my consciousness (the pills turned me into a zombie).

My advice:

Try all and keep what works!

Blessed Be