What Is That Pretty Rock For?

Crystals, are they as beneficial to us as people say?

Crystals are a group of minerals. They’re beautiful, semi-rare stones — some are clear, and some have bright colors. Some in the alternative medicine community believe that crystals have natural healing powers. But, on the other hand, science seems to think there is no evidence that crystal healing can be used to cure diseases because diseases have never been found to be the result of a so-called energy flow in the body.

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 Buddhist concept of chakras, which are coils of this life energy, said to connect the physical and supernatural elements of the body. According to these philosophies, crystals are supposed to interact with the energy field of the body, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, according to Time magazine.

In crystal healing, stones are assigned various properties, though healers have different ideas about which stones possess which properties. Amethyst, for example, is believed by some to be beneficial for the intestines; green aventurine helps the heart; yellow topaz provides mental clarity. The colors red through violet are associated with seven chakra points on the body.

One common belief is that crystals interact with the body’s energy fields, also known as vibrational energy. The idea is that crystals can redirect and re-channel energy flow with their unique energetic vibrations, helping to unblock areas of the body or energy field that have become “stuck.” As the crystal vibrations interact with the body’s natural energetic frequency, the body is said to be left feeling focused, relaxed, and clear.

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. Like rosary beads, crystals can help cultivate personal spiritual development. During an era in which our brains are burned out by digital distractions, having something to hold can help us focus during meditation and bring us to a state of healing.

A crystal combines the earthly with the spiritual. It helps us reflect on ourselves and our place in the world while also helping us transcend the world. Crystals allow us to travel. It’s like a “passport” to a higher spiritual plane. They permit us to go somewhere else. If we can meditate more and develop a healthy spiritual practice for healing and peace, that’s a good thing.”