Crystals have long been a subject of fascination and intrigue for many people, with some attributing mystical healing properties to these beautiful, semi-rare stones. From ancient civilizations to modern-day practices, the use of healing crystals has persisted throughout various cultures and time periods. However, the question remains: do these crystals truly possess the power to heal, or are they merely pretty objects that provide a placebo effect? In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the history, lore, and scientific evidence surrounding healing crystals to determine their true potential in promoting physical and mental well-being.

Crystal History

Crystals, simply put, are a group of minerals that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They have been used for thousands of years across different cultures for various purposes, including protection, well-being, prosperity, and health.

Jude Polack, founder and director of bewater, a company that sells crystal-infused water bottles, states that archaeological finds show that amber was used for protection and well-being as far back as 10,000 years ago in the UK. Records from Ancient Sumer also indicate that crystals were employed for prosperity and health. In Egypt, multiple stones were utilized for medicinal and ritual purposes, such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald, and quartz.

Famous historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci have also been known to use crystals. Da Vinci reportedly kept a gemstone on his desk, claiming, "Amethyst dispels evil thoughts and speeds up thinking."

Crystal Lore

Alternative medicine practitioners and enthusiasts often believe that crystals possess real healing powers. According to this belief, crystals interact with the body's energy field, also known as vibrational energy, to create balance and alignment. By redirecting and re-channeling energy flow using their unique energetic vibrations, crystals are thought to unblock areas of the body or energy field that have become "stuck."

Cosmic energy healer Eva Antoniadou suggests that crystals have potent healing powers, and when we touch them, healing is immediately activated. As the crystal vibrations interact with the body's natural energetic frequency, the body is said to be left feeling focused, relaxed, and clear.

According to Polack, "Crystals absorb energy from pressure and movement and convert it into an electronic frequency. It's this frequency, unique to each type of crystal, that users are relying on when working with crystals, and given that many pain and anxiety relief devices work on similar principles, we do believe they can help in these areas."

Methods of treating pain and other disorders with electrical current include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Compared to these therapies, any frequency a crystal might emit would be infinitesimal.

Crystal Science

When it comes to scientific proof behind crystal healing, there is a lack of substantial evidence to support these claims. In the 1880s, the Curie brothers, Pierre and Jacques, conducted a study that found changing the temperature of crystals and applying pressure to them could create electricity. This phenomenon, known as the piezoelectric effect, is used in various technologies such as microphones, quartz watches, inkjet printers, sonar, and medical implants.

This research suggests that holding crystals may have a minor effect on the body's energy levels. However, whether this effect can produce healing power remains up for debate.

In a separate study conducted by C.C. French, 80 volunteers were given either real crystals or fakes, and asked to meditate while holding them. The outcome showed that both real and fake crystals produced similar effects, suggesting that the placebo effect might be at play.

As psychologist Richard Wiseman told The Telegraph, "It is suggestive that the power of crystals is in the mind instead of in the crystals."

Even some people who work with crystals, like Polack, believe that the real power of crystals lies in the placebo effect. She states that crystals work through a combination of the placebo effect and by creating changes in energetic frequency.

What Works and What Doesn't?

It's essential to be realistic about the abilities of crystals when incorporating them into your wellness routine. Here, we'll discuss their potential effects on mental health disorders, mood improvement, and pain and illness management.

Mental Health Disorders

Crystals are sometimes used to support mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. However, there is no scientific proof that these stones have any significant effect on energy, emotions, or mental health. It's crucial not to replace medical treatment for anxiety, depression, and other diagnosable conditions with crystals.

Instead, use them as a tool for creating a sense of being grounded and centered while also following your doctor's or psychologist's advice. If you feel that crystals are helping, it's worth using them, even if it's just the placebo effect at play.

Improving Mood or Outlook

Crystals can provide support when you're feeling down or stressed. They can be used as a tool to invoke feelings of grounding, connection, spiritual meaning, purpose, and a sense of something greater than yourself. This likely has more to do with your relationship with the crystal rather than the crystal itself.

Pain and Illness

While some crystal practitioners believe that crystals can help with physical ailments, there have yet to be any scientific studies to support this theory.

"We never advise using crystals to treat illness or injury, although there certainly are many who do," says Polack.

Adhering to your doctor's guidance is essential when it comes to physical injury, chronic pain, or illness. Crystals can be one tool in your toolbox, but they should not replace medical care.

Takeaway

While some studies show that crystals have the power to create an electrical charge, there is not enough evidence to prove their healing abilities. Many people believe in the benefits of using crystals, but the true impact of these stones may be a combination of the placebo effect and their energetic properties.

As Polack states, "Ultimately crystals are, in our experience, as individual in their potential effect as the person using them."

Whether crystals help through energy manipulation or the placebo effect, they can be a helpful addition to your wellness practice as long as you don't forego medical care.