How is it promoted for use?
Crystals
are thought to focus or otherwise transform energy to stimulate healing. Specific
crystals are suggested to treat a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions
including bursitis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, hemorrhages, rheumatism,
thrombosis, forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease, blindness,
and cancer. Some people claim certain gemstones or crystals carry special energy
that can be transferred to people to provide protection against disease, restore
health, and provide spiritual guidance.
Most supporters do not claim stones or crystals can cure illness directly. They
say certain stones and crystals emit vibrations that can correct underlying
problems, although some crystal healers say that they are used only as adjuncts
to other types of healing. It is thought that illness occurs when an individual
is misaligned with the divine energy (or light) believed to be the foundation
of all creation. The application of stones or crystals within specific energy
centers (chakras) draws light and color into the body's aura. This creates a
flow of energy that promotes healing by clearing, balancing, and re-energizing
the body's energy fields.
What
does it involve?
Crystal therapists
are said to intuitively determine where "blockages" of energy in the
body's aura (bio-magnetic energy field) are located and then place particular
healing stones or crystals on specific parts of the body. Different types and
colors of healing stones or crystals are promoted to have different healing
powers. For example, amethyst is thought to calm the mind and uplift the spirit,
sapphires are thought to help hearing and mental clarity, and rubies are thought
to cleanse the blood and foster courage. Each one is chosen based on the individual's
needs and energy fields.
Some people carry crystals in their pockets, wear them on a chain, put them
in bath water, or place them in their homes to bring the power of healing within
reach.
What
is the history behind it?
The use of crystals for healing dates back to
the ancient Greeks and Indians who believed there were large gems that gave
light to another world under their known world. Some ancient cultures believed
that spirits lived inside crystals. They also thought crystals created and gave
off light. Crystals remain very popular among some alternative therapy proponents
today.
Marcel Vogel a former research
scientist at IBM, established a Psychic Research Institute in San Jose,
California, to study, among other subjects, the claimed healing effects of crystals.
He developed special techniques for "balancing and harmonizing" the
body's energy field by means of crystals and claimed that many physicians and
other crystal healers were using such techniques. He video taped his own experiments
with hundreds of individuals and alleged improvements in relieving a variety
of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, bursitis, arthritis, chronic back
pain, and even blindness.
In 1976 psychic
channel Frank Alper began to convey a series
of readings said to be from spirit entities. These readings were later published
in a three-volume set and described the power system of Atlantis and the use
of crystals in great healing temples. Alper claimed that crystals can actually
absorb and store energy, which can later be discharged as a healing power.
According to Alper, crystals come in different shapes and sizes. Those with
many facets are best for storing energy. Alper also described the way in which
a set of small crystals can be placed on or around the body of someone who desires
to use the crystals' energy to either restore the body or elevate the consciousness.
Alper provided a comprehensive text on crystals. Through the 1980s his work
was the basis of numerous texts on crystal power and elaborate speculations
on the properties of crystalline structures. In his wake a considerable body
of theory and practice has grown up around the use of crystals for healing purposes.
What
is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does
not support the idea that crystals are useful in promoting healing. Some crystals
have the ability to bend or refract light, which creates a rainbow effect. Phosphorescent
crystals can hold light for a short period of time, but they do not have their
own energy source or special powers. Recently discovered lithium crystals may
bring more light on that subject though. Some people believe that crystals or
gemstones are helpful as a complementary treatment to promote relaxation and
reduce stress. This may possibly occur as a result of the "placebo effect"
which is believing that if something can or will happen it produces a very positive
result.
Practitioners
of crystal healing
however believe that crystals, particularly quartz crystals such as amethyst
or clear quartz, contain energy that enhances healing of both body and mind.
They believe that crystals can be "charged" with this healing energy,
in a manner similar to the charging of a battery. The charged crystal can then
be used to alter the energy patterns in the person receiving treatment
Are
there any possible problems or complications?
Crystals are thought to be relatively safe. However,
relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding or delaying conventional
medical care for cancer,
may have serious health consequences.
According to ancient belief, crystals prevailed against unpleasant dreams, dissolved
enchantments, and served as a medium for magical visions.
Before the manufacture of glass, rock crystal was widely used, quite safely
for bowls, figurines, and drinking vessels.
Rock crystal shaped into polished balls was also the favourite material for
crystal gazing or scrying as it is known.
There are countless numbers of crystals in use all over the world today.
Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods
of Healing
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